Old Faithful
Old Faithful
4.5
About
A popular geyser located in the Geyser Country region of Yellowstone National Park.
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  • Anais M
    1 contribution
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The 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 2022
    Traveled with friends
    Written May 10, 2023
  • Noemi M
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Memorable experience
    In 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 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written May 10, 2023
  • Paul A
    61 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    2023 Road Trip
    Very 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 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written June 13, 2023
  • John P
    South Deerfield, Massachusetts881 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It's as regular a gey as I am...6/22/23
    Every 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 2023
    Written July 1, 2023
  • Rehoboth5
    Helena, Montana518 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Gotta see it, but beware summer crowds and rude behavior
    Have 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 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written July 4, 2023
  • RICART75
    Peru, Indiana2,185 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Highlight 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 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 6, 2023
  • MyersFamilyTravelers
    153 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth the visit
    Was 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 2023
    Written August 14, 2023
  • Gretz
    8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Old Faithful in the evening
    A must do. We went in the evening, probably the last daylight viewing of the day around 7pm. The parking lot is massive, so will never have an issue finding a spot. The visitor center is very much worth spending 30 min in. A lot of quick food options as well as restaurants. The VC will give you an approximate time of next eruption, give or take 10 min. Loved it.
    Visited July 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written August 16, 2023
  • thehungryexpat2015
    Dubai, United Arab Emirates269 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beyond all expectations !
    Old Faithful doesnt disappoint. We watched it twice. I would suggest going there in the morning then heading to fairy falls and then come back for a coffee at the restaurants there and view this majectic feature again.
    Visited July 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written September 4, 2023
  • Rick B
    Round Rock, Texas1,305 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Right on Time!
    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.
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written September 23, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles5,065 reviews
Excellent
3,226
Very good
1,302
Average
452
Poor
70
Terrible
15

shazaca
33 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Family
Seeing Old Faithful was an amazing experience for our family. It is a natural phenomenon that is worth seeing in person. The bison tracks nearby make it even more exciting.
Written March 17, 2024
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.

Bryan Liu
Jericho, NY6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Family
The geyser is unbelievable! You will be awed! The only drawback is that the park rangers cannot predict the eruption on the minute.
Written December 19, 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.

Syleste
Spokane, WA13 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Friends
Great to visit in October--chilly but uncrowded. Super walk to other geothermal attractions as well.
Written October 31, 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
3.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
Written October 16, 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
Maryland831 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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 October 10, 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, MD96 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 October 8, 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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 October 8, 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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 October 5, 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, IL148 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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 September 28, 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, Canada947 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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 September 26, 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.

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OLD FAITHFUL: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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