At nearly 113 m (370 ft) across and 37 m (121 ft) deep, Grand Prismatic Spring holds the title of the largest hot spring in America and one of the largest in the world. A premier attraction at Yellowstone National Park, the spring's fame traces back to early explorers and fur trappers who first noted it in the early 1800s. The boiling pool constantly steams and bubbles, with its vivid, rainbow-like appearance--the result of pigmented bacteria. To get a close-up view, walk along the park's boardwalk, which leads to a route close to the water's edge. Stay on the path, as the high temperatures of the pool can be dangerous. Plan to visit Grand Prismatic Spring and other customer-reviewed, writer-recommended Yellowstone National Park attractions using our Yellowstone National Park travel route app.
Create an itinerary including Grand Prismatic Spring
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors
Grand Prismatic Spring reviews
-
Don’t just stay on the boardwalk! Go further down the road to the Fairy Falls trailhead and see the amazing Grand Prismatic from above to really get the best perspective. It’s a moderate trek and the.... more »
-
Somehow in my previous 3 trips, I had never been here. On this trip, we hiked the lower trail next to the spring and realized that was not the best view. We could see people on a trail up above... more »
-
Amazing place! One of the world’s largest and deepest hot springs. Beautiful!
-
There is a hike to a top overlook that is highly recommend. Wonderful colors. Amazing.
Plan your trip to Yellowstone National Park
Get a personalized trip
A complete day by day itinerary
based on your preferencesCustomize it
Refine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedulesManage it
Everything in one place.
Everyone on the same page.
Popular things to do in Yellowstone National Park
Nature in Yellowstone National Park
Hidden gems in Yellowstone National Park
Side trips from Yellowstone National Park
Trails in Yellowstone National Park
Trips to Grand Prismatic Spring by other users
12 days in Jackson Hole & Yellowstone National Park
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Jackson Hole
Yellowstone National Park
10 days in United States
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Grand Teton National Park
Yellowstone National Park
San Francisco
8 days in Yellowstone National Park
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Yellowstone National Park
9 days in Yellowstone National Park
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Yellowstone National Park
31 days in United States
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Washington DC
New York City
Yellowstone National Park
37 days in United States
BY A USER FROM SWITZERLAND
San Francisco
Crater Lake National Park
Salt Lake City
