Midway Geyser Basin and Grand Prismatic Spring and Excelsior Geyser

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Location: Yellowstone National Park, Lower Geyser Basin

Length: 0.8 miles

GPS Coordinates:  N 44 31.705 W 110 50.175

Midway Geyser Basin is a small area known for the two big geothermal features that are located here.
The size of the basin is small, but its popularity was won by the Excelsior Geyser and Grand Prismatic Spring. The basin itself is a part of Lower Geyser Basin, but because of its location it received a name of the Midway Geyser Basin.

Grand Prismatic Spring is not only the largest hot spring in Yellowstone National Park, but it is also the third largest world’s hot spring. It got its name because of the beautiful colors. The colors are fabulous, starting with deep blue in the middle and then light blue. Green is seen beyond the shallow edge. Also you may see yellow, orange and red colors at the outer parts. These rainbow colors are hard to forget.

Grand Prismatic discharges an estimated 560 gallons per minute and has a temperature of 147-188°F. The hot spring sits upon a wide mound with step-like terraces around it. The hot spring constantly bubbles and steams. Very often the hot mist covers this area, worsening the opportunity to the see the pool itself, but adding extra charm to the area.

A half mile boardwalk will take you around the hot spring, along the smaller Opal and Turquoise Pool, taking you to the crater of Excelsior Geyser.

Excelsior Geyser was once known as the largest world’s geyser, but the eruptions of 1880s damaged the siliceous sinter lining, leading to the loss of thermal energy. The geyser discharges 4050 gallons per minute. Its temperature is 199°F and the dimensions are 276×328 feet.

Midway Geyser Basin is located about half-way between the Madison and Old Faithful parts of Yellowstone National Park. From the parking lot, take the trail south and cross the Firehole River. Enjoy your adventure at one of the most visited parks in US!

How to get to the trailhead:

 From Old Faithful

Drive 6 miles north on Grand Loop Road (Route 89) and turn left  into the parking area for Midway Geyser Basin.

Photo: Roman Khomlyak
Photo Editing: Juliana Voitsikhovska
Information: Marina Petrova

Pictures taken: 23.06.2016