Length: 1.5 mi (2.41 km)
Elevation Gain: 105 ft (32 m)
Route Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: Easy
The Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook, in Yellowstone National Park, offers an amazing view of this popular thermal feature. This overlook allows you to better see the shape and colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring and is a great option for photography, short of hiring a helicopter to fly you over the top of the hot spring. This moderately easy hike is often crowded, so plan accordingly.
The Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring found in Yellowstone National Park, with a diameter of 200-330 ft (67-100.58 m) and a depth of more than 121 ft (36.88 m). The colors are formed from heat-loving microscopic organisms, known as “thermophiles.” Different kinds of thermophiles live in varying temperatures of water, allowing for an amazing display of color. (NPS)
Accessing the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook in Yellowstone National Park
Starting Location: Fairy Falls Parking Lot, Yellowstone National Park, WY
GPS (DD): 44.51556, -110.83256
The Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook is accessible via the Fairy Falls Trail in Yellowstone National Park. In order to get there, you will need to take Grand Loop Road, also designated as Hwy 287, and head northwesterly from the Old Faithful Lodge area. The Fairy Falls parking lot is a well marked turnoff to the left as you are heading northwest on Grand Loop Road. It is a small parking lot and it fills up quickly.
From the parking lot, you will find the Fairy Falls Trailhead. Here you will descend a short slope to a gravel trail heading northwest toward the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook. You will cross on a bridge across the Firehole River and continue on the trail for about .6 mi (.97 km).
As you start up a slight slope you will see a smaller trail break off to the left. This is the Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail. This side trail starts off with a steep climb for the first 100 yd (88m). The trail then levels out some after this. Continue for about another 100 yd (88m) and you will see the observation platform on your right. You will most likely recognize it by the large crowd of people waiting for their turn at the railing on the observation deck. This is the main overlook for the Grand Prismatic Spring.
Although there is an entrance fee to get into Yellowstone National Park, no permit is required to visit the Grand Prismatic Spring area. (hikespeak)
Midway Geyser Basin Trail vs. Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook Trail
Please note that the Fairy Falls parking lot is NOT the same as the parking area for the Grand Prismatic Spring, which is another mile further northwest. That entrance takes you to the Midway Geyser Basin Trail which offers an up close and personal view of the hot spring (see above image). Although it is another amazing photography location, there is no access to the overlook from the main Grand Prismatic Spring parking lot.
Weather, Closures, and Hiking Tips for the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook
Yellowstone National Park’s interior roads are generally open from mid-May until the end of October, depending on weather conditions. You should always check the park website before planning your trip. The Fairy Falls Trail is graveled, so it isn’t muddy. That said, the upper Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail is dirt with many rocks to step over, so in wet weather it could tend to be muddy. It can also be fairly steep. A good walking stick would be advised.
The platform at the top is fairly small and there are no benches to sit on. As this is a very popular overlook, there will usually be numerous people lined up for “selfies” along with photographers. Expect to have to wait your turn to take your photo.
Photography Tips at the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook
Due to the fact that the spring is about .25 mi (.4 km) from the overlook, you will want to have a medium wide angle 24-100mm lens for this location. A telephoto lens may also be helpful if you want more detailed shots. For the Golden Hour shot, you will be best advised to target the late afternoon. It may be tempting to go early at sunrise to beat the crowds, but this is one place that doesn’t pay off.
Most all of the thermal pools in Yellowstone – and the Grand Prismatic Spring is no exception – are typically shrouded in steam clouds in the cool morning. The steam clouds usually don’t burn off until around noon. Also on very cold days in spring and late fall, the steam may be an issue throughout the day.
The first time I did this hike I arrived for sunrise at 5 am only to find the spring totally engulfed in steam to the point that you could not see the pool and its characteristic colors. I went back in later in the afternoon and had much better results. The below photo is a cell phone photo that I took that morning that shows what I am talking about.
For the top featured photo on this page, I used a Canon R5 camera, RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM lens at 165mm, mounted on a panoramic nodal head. My settings were f/13, 1/160th sec. and ISO 400. The original image consists of 608 individual focus bracketed images. These were processed down to 253 focus stacked images and then stitched into the 1.28 Gigapixel, 64 in. x 220 in. 300 dpi wall mural image. For information about purchasing this image visit: Abba’s Creations Photography.
Find Your Favorite Location
While I didn’t go there, the main trail goes on to the Fairy Falls which several fellow hikers told me was a very nice location. From the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook, it is approximately another 1.8 mi (2.9 km) to the Fairy Falls. The round trip to Fairy Falls with the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook loop included is 5.4 mi (8.7 km). Overall elevation gain/loss is 228 ft (69m).
No matter which location you visit, you will love exploring this part of Yellowstone. Before making your trip, consider checking the official Yellowstone National Park website or contacting the park’s visitor center for the most up-to-date information on trail conditions, accessibility, and any recent changes. As with any visit to a national park, it’s important to follow park regulations, practice “Leave No Trace” principles, and prioritize safety while exploring this beautiful area. I hope you enjoy your time at the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook!
Happy Travels!
John Freeman, Featured National Park Photographer
Want to learn more about Yellowstone National Park? Check out these maps, guides & books:
- Yellowstone National Park Map (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map)
- Frommer’s Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks (Complete Guide)
- Yellowstone National Park: The First 150 Years
- Lonely Planet Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks 6 (National Parks Guide)
- Best Easy Day Hikes Yellowstone National Park (Best Easy Day Hikes Series)
- Yellowstone Treasures: The Traveler’s Companion to the National Park
- Yellowstone National Park (Images of America: Wyoming)
- A Weird and Wild Beauty: The Story of Yellowstone, the World’s First National Park
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