Grand Prismatic Spring Tours

Grand Prismatic Spring featuring a bridge and a river or creek as well as a small group of people
Grand Prismatic Spring showing a hot spring and mist or fog
Grand Prismatic Spring featuring a sunset and a lake or waterhole
Grand Prismatic Spring showing a hot spring and mist or fog
Grand Prismatic Spring showing bird life and a pond


Otherworldly is an appropriate description of this volcanic feature that bears little resemblance to the commonplace perception of a spring.

Visit Grand Prismatic Spring, a popular feature of Yellowstone National Park. The large steaming water basin has an unmatched blue color that is breathtaking. Its perimeter is bordered by a shoreline with hues of yellow, orange, green and brown. View the natural feature, which results from activity deep in Earth’s interior.

Learn fascinating facts about the spring. A crack in the earth 121 feet (37 meters) below the surface allows hot gases to escape and heat the spring. Water temperatures at its center have been measured at 189 F (87 C). At 370 feet (113 meters) wide, the spring is bigger than an American football field, making it one of the world’s largest known springs. Heat-loving bacteria give the shoreline its bright colors.

Visit other nearby pools and geysers that abound in the Midway Geyser Basin area surrounding the spring. It also includes the Opal and Turquoise pools, as well as the impressive Excelsior Geyser. Stroll along the accessible boardwalk that passes all these features at a safe distance. Not far away, 7 miles (11 kilometers), is the Upper Geyser Basin where Old Faithful is located.

Get overhead views of the Grand Prismatic Spring by following the Fairy Falls Trail, with its trailhead a 5-minute drive south of the Midway Geyser Basin. Expect a 1.2-mile (1.9-kilometer) round-trip hike with some elevation change. The trip will be worthwhile for the sight when you reach the viewing platform. While you’re in the area, also look for the 200-foot-high (60-meter) Fairy Falls, one of the park’s most impressive waterfalls.

Pay the weekly or annual entrance fee to Yellowstone National Park to access Grand Prismatic Spring. Summer is the best time to see the spring because the colors are the most brilliant.

Be sure to use sun protection. If you wear a hat, make certain it’s securely fastened to your head as the area can be windy. If your hat blows into the spring you cannot get it back, and it becomes a contaminant to the fragile ecology. Note that the road here closes from early November to late April.

Plan a trip to see Grand Prismatic Spring

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Best Lodging Options Near Grand Prismatic Spring

Old Faithful Inn - Inside the Park

Old Faithful Inn - Inside the Park

2.5 out of 5
3200 Old Faithful Inn Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY
Old Faithful Inn - Inside the Park
Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins - Inside the Park

Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins - Inside the Park

2.5 out of 5
2051 Snow Lodge Ave, Yellowstone National Park, WY
Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins - Inside the Park
Old Faithful Lodge & Cabins - Inside the Park

Old Faithful Lodge & Cabins - Inside the Park

2 out of 5
725 Old Faithful Lodge Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY
Old Faithful Lodge & Cabins - Inside the Park
Gray Wolf Inn & Suites

Gray Wolf Inn & Suites

3 out of 5
250 S Canyon St, West Yellowstone, MT
Gray Wolf Inn & Suites
Grant Village - Inside the Park

Grant Village - Inside the Park

2.5 out of 5
24 Rainbow Loop, Yellowstone National Park, WY
Grant Village - Inside the Park
Kelly Inn West Yellowstone

Kelly Inn West Yellowstone

2.5 out of 5
104 South Canyon, West Yellowstone, MT
Kelly Inn West Yellowstone
White Buffalo

White Buffalo

2 out of 5
236 Dunraven St, West Yellowstone, MT
White Buffalo
Stage Coach Inn

Stage Coach Inn

2.5 out of 5
209 Madison Ave, West Yellowstone, MT
Stage Coach Inn
Dude & Roundup

Dude & Roundup

2 out of 5
3 Madison Avenue, West Yellowstone, MT
Dude & Roundup
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Grand Prismatic Spring

At Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park, visitors can enjoy guided tours to learn about the vibrant geothermal features. Hiking trails offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape, while wildlife tours provide opportunities to spot bison, elk, and other animals. Photographers will find ample chances to capture the spring's brilliant colors and unique formations, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

Recreation

Yellowstone Big Gun Fun offers a luxurious country club atmosphere 16 miles from Grand Prismatic Spring, perfect for unwinding. Big Springs, 21 miles away, provides wellness and relaxation in a beautiful recreational area. Two Top, located 17 miles from the spring, also emphasizes rejuvenation and nature-inspired tranquility.

Adventure

At Madison Campground, 8 miles from Grand Prismatic Spring, enjoy family-friendly outdoor adventures. Hike the scenic Purple Mountain Trail, located 9 miles away, for breathtaking views. For a thrilling experience, try the Yellowstone Park Zipline, 16 miles from the spring, offering adrenaline-pumping fun amidst beautiful landscapes.

Nightlife

The nightlife near Grand Prismatic Spring offers unique experiences. The Playmill Theatre, 16 miles away, features family-friendly shows in a romantic atmosphere. Meanwhile, the Yellowstone IMAX Theatre, also 16 miles away, provides an entertaining cinematic experience perfect for families and couples alike.

Find the best attractions near Grand Prismatic Spring

Explore the stunning Grand Prismatic Spring and its surrounding attractions in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Enjoy outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities, and eco-friendly experiences while visiting key points of interest like geysers, rivers, and the Grand Prismatic Spring overlook. Don’t miss the chance to stay at nearby lodges for a comfortable getaway. Whether you're seeking natural beauty or unique attractions, Grand Prismatic Spring offers an unforgettable experience for all travelers.

  • Old Faithful: Experience the mesmerizing eruptions of Old Faithful, one of the most famous geysers in the world. Located 4 miles from Grand Prismatic Spring, this natural wonder offers a thrilling adventure atmosphere, making it a must-see for any visitor.
  • Lower Geyser Basin: Situated 2 miles away, Lower Geyser Basin is a family-friendly park that invites outdoor enthusiasts to explore its unique geothermal features. With eco-friendly vibes, it's perfect for picnicking and enjoying the beauty of nature with loved ones.
  • Fairy Falls: Just 0.7 miles from Grand Prismatic Spring, Fairy Falls enchants visitors with its romantic setting and stunning views. Ideal for adventure seekers, it's a picturesque spot for hiking and capturing breathtaking photos.

Best time to go to Grand Prismatic Spring

The best time to visit Grand Prismatic Spring can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Grand Prismatic Spring falls in July, when visitor numbers are high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Grand Prismatic Spring falls in December, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January13.6°F (-10.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageModerately Low
February14.5°F (-9.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March22.1°F (-5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowModerately Low
April27.9°F (-2.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May37.4°F (3.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June48.9°F (9.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageModerately High
July59.0°F (15.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyHighModerately High
August57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainSunnyHighModerately High
September49.5°F (9.7°C)Light RainSunnyHighAverage
October34.3°F (1.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November22.1°F (-5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowModerately Low
December12.9°F (-10.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Grand Prismatic Spring

To save money on your trip to Grand Prismatic Spring, visit during the off-peak months of January, March, or November, when hotel prices are lower. Book your accommodations about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on Expedia for the best rates. Fridays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Mondays are the most expensive. Consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for extra savings, and join Expedia’s One Key membership for exclusive discounts and rewards. Utilize price filters to find the best deals that fit your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Grand Prismatic Spring is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Grand Prismatic Spring are January, March and November, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are moderately higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Grand Prismatic Spring about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Grand Prismatic Spring is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around Grand Prismatic Spring is Monday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel category. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking a package through Expedia, which combines your hotel stay near Grand Prismatic Spring with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.