Old Faithful
Old Faithful
4.5
About
A popular geyser located in the Geyser Country region of Yellowstone National Park.
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8 within 5 kms
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32 within 10 kms
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- Rose PAlpine, California356 contributionsMy 75th Birthday gift to meIsn't this why people come to Yellowstone. To see Old Faithful in her glory. We were fortunate enough to not be rushed and were able to see the geyser in her full glory numerous times. This was actually the last thing we did before departing the park via the south entrance.Visited June 2022Written December 14, 2022
- Out This DoorMesa, Arizona236 contributionsYou gottaIconic attraction in the US. Amazing to watch. Not as faithful to the time as you might want, be patient. Lots of parking available, lots of view points available with benches. A must see!Visited May 2022Written February 6, 2023
- Befana82Perth, Australia51 contributionsClear some of the ice at the beginning of the season!We visited on the first day it was open this season. They geyser was amazing, as you'd expect, the facilities, not so much. The signage is confusing - it’s not clear that the geyser is accessed via the Visitor Centre - and more should have been done to clear at least one path to make access safe for those with restricted mobility. We saw so many seniors, clutching each other and trying not to slip on the ice which was all over all the paths. Surely one could have been made safe?Visited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten April 22, 2023
- Anais M1 contributionThe best road!In my opinion it was the best experience of my life. People were very nice to us and friends. We had a good time and fun. The weather was perfect for a good trip and everything was cheap. My friends and I are grateful for all the experience we had, it was our best experience!Visited July 2022Traveled with friendsWritten May 10, 2023
- Noemi M1 contributionMemorable experienceIn my opinion it was a great experience. I think the size of the geyser was amazing. I also think it was fun because it was full of merchants and the geyser was exploding as soon as I saw it. I would definitely visit again.Visited January 2023Traveled soloWritten May 10, 2023
- Paul A61 contributions2023 Road TripVery cool place! This was not on our list to go, but we saw that it was so close from our hotel in Yellowstone we made the short, and beautiful, drive over. Not disappointed at all. I never realized they were so many geysers in and around the park. Walk at your own pace with beautiful scenery all around you as well as lots of wildlife. If you're close, make sure to make the trip!Visited May 2023Traveled with familyWritten June 13, 2023
- 5inavanSouth Deerfield, Massachusetts863 contributionsIt's as regular a gey as I am...6/22/23Every 90 minutes or so, she blows off steam, and water and we happened to visit her at Sunset on our first trip to see the Old Faithful area. There was a larger version behind her that we witnessed a few days later, but it happens so rarely that you have to be lucky to catch it. The park lets you know the next eruption time (within 10 minutes) so you can grab a bite to eat in the lodge, or walk the extensive paths around the area. Now that we've experienced it, we will notice how much it crosses our path in our daily lives.Visited June 2023Written July 1, 2023
- Rehoboth5Helena, Montana518 contributionsGotta see it, but beware summer crowds and rude behaviorHave visited several times since 1967, and it is indeed a national treasure. The geyser is a genuine natural wonder. The old inn is an architectural gem. Pleasant trails through geyser basins and hot springs in the area. Something that every American should experience. However....on summer days the crowds can be overwhelming. And a certain percentage of visitors are pushy, loud, rude and disrespectful. Also, parking onsite can be a huge headache. So we parked instead at the lot for the Black Sand Basin, and walked the 1.7 mile easy trail to the Old Faithful area. Much easier parking, and a pleasnt way to approach the center of activity. Anyway, while at the Old Faithful area, be sure to stay long enough to see the geyser erupt, and spend at least a few minutes sitting in an easy chair inside the old lodge and soaking up the atmosphere of a bygone age. The dining room in the old lodge is also very unique and authentically Western, and worth patronizing.Visited June 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 4, 2023
- RICART75Peru, Indiana2,082 contributionsHighlight of the day......This was a bucket-list first time experience for one of us; and a half-century plus revisit for the other. We entered the Park on the 3rd day after the east entrance opened for the season. Overall, traffic was fairly light; though it tightened up somewhat around the obvious exceptions, like Old Faithful. Even with that, though, we were able to easily find a nearby parking spot. We arrived about 15 minutes before a scheduled eruption, so we heard the last part of the Ranger's presentation. There were several hundred people present, but with the massive amount of seating surrounding the site, it was easy to find a spot with a great view. We were informed that in several weeks, the crowds would begin to become quite daunting. After a buffet lunch at Yellowstone Lodge, we were just in time to see the next eruption; which ended up being even more impressive than our first viewing. We enjoyed experiencing Yellowstone as it was emerging from its last winter shadings; and seeing the iconic Old Faithful, was the highlight of our first day.Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 6, 2023
- MyersFamilyTravelers149 contributionsWorth the visitWas on my "bucket list" of things to see on first visit to Yellowstone. We had to wait about an hour until the next predicted geyser so went to the education center. Was surprised by the number of people there to see it. Are there other geysers that maybe go higher? Yes. But, to see this one was still pretty special.Visited August 2023Written August 14, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
5,063 reviews
Excellent
3,224
Very good
1,302
Average
452
Poor
70
Terrible
15
Syleste
Spokane, WA13 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Great to visit in October--chilly but uncrowded. Super walk to other geothermal attractions as well.
Written 31 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kirbykirby
Junction City, KS75 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Make sure you check the times and get there earlier than what is anticipated. You need to get a good to decent seat. Nothing is guaranteed with the geyser. It could last for a minute or up to about four minutes. It could be a grand show or thats it? It still is great to see it.
FYI once you are by the vistor centers in the park you probably will have cell phone service. A great place to facetime/skype/ what ever someone to have them watch it.
FYI once you are by the vistor centers in the park you probably will have cell phone service. A great place to facetime/skype/ what ever someone to have them watch it.
Written 16 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ArtsyGalBaltimore
Maryland813 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Spectacular-there must be some serious volcano below! All ages in awe when the geyser sprouted, and the walk through upper geyser easy with protective boardwalk. Just stunning. Unique natural resource.
Written 10 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jill H
Ocean City, MD95 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Of course you have to stop here! It’s beautiful. If the visitors center is closed the Yellowstone Lodge has the eruptions time posted. If you have time hike the trail that overlooks old faithful for another perspective - this hike is a bit rough in spots. While old faithful is the “star” of this area, the Grand Geyser is in my opinion more spectacular when it erupts. There are benches near the Grand Geyser.
Written 8 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gail K
Bloomfield Hills, MI76 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Always wanted to see Old Faithful and it lived up to it's name. I got some great pictures. It is amazing how accurate it's timing is.
Written 8 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelerhugh
Belleville, IL97 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
Short time in Yellowstone on a road trip (SD, WY, MT) to a destination wedding brought us, on a rainy (and snowy) day in September to the east entrance. After going around the lake in the rain and cold, with construction slowing us down, we got to the Old Faithful area just 15 minutes before a scheduled eruption. Crowds were thinner (off season) and the geyser did not disappoint. Parking was not a problem in late September. Saw a wayward bison near the lodge and visitor center! The geyser basin around Old Faithful is well designed for crowds to enjoy this experience. Visited nearby Upper Basin area as well. Fascinating to see the earth's interior "bubbling up" with various kinds of thermal eruptions. Having been in Yellowstone in January and twice in the busy summers, this was a subdued visit. We did not stay at the accommodations in the park nor take time for a meal.
Written 5 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
barb777
Chicago, IL144 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
We had heard about Old Faithful since we were kids, so we wanted to see it. It was very cool and did not disappoint! Depending on when you arrive, you can be waiting for quite awhile. Luckily, there is a lot of seating available around the perimeter of the geyser, but it did completely fill up with lots of people having to stand and wait for it to erupt. We were really glad we got there shortly after it had erupted, so we were able to get seats. They are backless benches that seat about 5-6 people each. Once it is over, you can walk over to a store and there are some other things to see right there. They have built up the area around the geyser, so it really is it's own attraction area. Definitely worth a stop, simply because it is the easiest and closest geyser you can get to. Many of the others require walking a much farther distance (1-2 miles roundtrip) to reach them from the parking lot.
Written 28 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
seema60
Toronto, Canada910 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
We went to see Old Faithful as our first stop on our three day trip to Yellowstone. It was great fun to sit on the benches on a cold day. We had the ranger come out and give us a little talk on the geyser. Then came the show. We couldn’t see the water spouting too much due to the wind direction. Still worth the wait as none of the other geysers spouted while we were there.
Written 26 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rick B
Round Rock, TX1,305 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Old Faithful is the most predictable geyser at Yellowstone. The Rangers can predict within +/- 10 minutes the time of eruption. We saw it erupt right at the said time. Old Faithful erupts roughly every ninety minutes. Old faithful's eruptions can last 1.5 to 5 minutes, and it gushes water 100-140 feet into the air. The geyser is at Old Faithful Village one of the most developed areas of the park. The ability to see Old Faithful available to all as it is highly accessible and has benches to sit, wait, and watch the eruption.
Written 23 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vannessaclaire
Junction City, KS48 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Old Faithful is just that.......faithful! It never disappoints and is beautiful everytime! We were there on a beautiful blue sky day which made for lovely photos!
Written 20 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We have a trip planned at the end of July and are staying in Wapiti. I was mapping how long it takes from our location to Old Faithful and it sends us to the South entrance saying "road closed". Does anyone know if this is temporary and for how long? Will we be able to get to Old Faithful from the east entrance?
Julia N
Monroe Township, NJ414 contributions
Your best bet is to get on Yellowstone’s website and see what is opened and closed. When I went last fall, I entered through west Yellowstone. Even better if you can get someone live to talk to.
JoeBroski
New Jersey68 contributions
Are there any places to eat near Old Faithful in January? Planning a snowmobile trip and looking for a hot meal. Any recommendations? Most I looked at on TA received poor reviews or appear to be closed in winter. Thanks!
dgdssdish d
Charlottetown, Canada1,179 contributions
Old Faithful Snow Lodge Geyser Grill is open and just fair but your options are limited. Old Faithful Snow Lodge Obsidian Dining Room Opens: December 16, 2019 Closes: February 29, 2020. Beyond those you are limited in the park near Old Faithful.
Donald5343434
Charlottesville, VA11 contributions
What are some of the best things to do at old Faithful with only one day there ? Thanks Don
Mind Shots
Birmingham, AL18 contributions
Go early so you have time for prismatic springs be at old faithful about 8;00
Donald5343434
Charlottesville, VA11 contributions
What are some of the best things to do at old Faithful with only one day there ? Thanks Don
Debbie's Travel bug
Brisbane, Australia261 contributions
if you are only staying at old faithful, there are so many walks and trails to see other geysers. all are so different. they have a rangers walk to talk about everything there and take you sight seeing. There is an auditorium to see some pretty cool films about Yellowstone and a museum. Plenty of areas to eat. You will have to enjoy walking to see all of the beautiful view points. And of course old faithful goes off every 90 minutes. Additionally there are tours to take you out to all other areas. If you have a car, you can do old faithful in the morning or evening.. go for an early morning walk along one of the trails then jump into the car and go see grant village west thumb was absolutely amazing, the grand canyon the mud volcanos, norris geyser basin and of course the spectacular prismatic geyser which was by far the best ever but be prepared to park and walk a bit of a distance. We did this all in one day with no stress. Its pretty much a drive in a circle and we were really only out for about 5 hours.. you can then come back and watch the old faithful go off and have dinner at one of the restaurants. absolutely loved it and so worth going and seeing it all
What are some lodging options past visitors could recommend that would be close to a lot of the great attractions, such as the Old Faithful? We are trying to find places to stay in September and I fear we may have waited too long to book. Thanks ahead for any suggestions!
Manazefa
Jenks, OK321 contributions
We have never stayed at in the park proper. The lodge at old faithful is usually booked a year 8n advance but you could check. It is expensive. West Yellowstone is a good option. We stayed at the Clubhouse Inn. MIT was less expensive than most other places and extremely nice. Plan an hour to get to the attractions, less for the ones closer to the west entrance. We didn’t find the drive a problem.
Which entrance is best to see old faithful
PalJoey88
Melbourne, Australia139 contributions
That little hillock. But be wary of security infiltration. They got me and gave me a once over !
ELKW
United States11,862 contributions
People said there is an observation point for the old faithful, by walking uphill, is anyone know how long need to walk up to the observation point from the old faithful geyser (i.e the place people sitting to wait) ?
CareyMendi
Madera, CA84 contributions
Not sure about an uphill observation point. The area has a boardwalk path around Old Faithful and that also takes you out across the field where there are other features.
coffeeDrinker7
Brisbane76 contributions
Hello, the Old Faithful Inn and other hotels are booked for the end of July. We don't have camping equipment. Can anyone recommend a close hotel? Thanks!
Tracey L
New Bern, NC2,128 contributions
We spent a night at the West Yellowstone Holiday Inn. It was a nice hotel.
JDrisk
San Antonio, Texas193 contributions
Hello! Do I need to pay to take a tour to see Old Faithful or can we just drive through the park on our own and see it?
You need to take a helicopter, then a five mile hike, and finally a dog sled team...totally worth it!!
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Claim your listingOLD FAITHFUL: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Old Faithful
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Old Faithful:
- From Jackson Hole: Yellowstone Old Faithful, Waterfalls and Wildlife Day Tour (From ₱16,550.43)
- Yellowstone National Park - Full-Day Lower Loop Tour from Jackson (From ₱19,650.17)
- Yellowstone Lower Loop Guided Tour from Cody, Wyoming (From ₱16,495.07)
- Private Yellowstone Tour: ICONIC Sites, Wildlife, Family Friendly Hikes + lunch (From ₱124,543.34)
- Yellowstone Lower Loop Full-Day Tour (From ₱16,550.43)
- Restaurants near Old Faithful:
- (0.24 km) Bear Pit Lounge
- (0.26 km) Old Faithful Inn Bear Paw Deli
- (0.25 km) Old Faithful Inn Dining Room
- (0.28 km) Old Faithful Lodge Cafeteria & Bake Shop
- (0.42 km) Old Faithful General Store
- Attractions near Old Faithful:
- (0.10 km) Upper Geyser Basin
- (0.22 km) Old Faithful Visitor Education Center
- (0.28 km) Beehive Geyser
- (0.17 km) Blue Star Spring
- (0.20 km) Observation Point Trail