Things to Do at Old Faithful

Old Faithful is probably the world's most famous geyser, and honestly, it lives up to the hype. This natural wonder has been erupting roughly every 90 minutes for as long as we've been keeping track, shooting scalding water up to 180 feet into the air. What makes it special isn't just the spectacle - though watching 3,700-8,400 gallons of water blast skyward never gets old - but the reliability that earned it the name. The geyser sits in the Upper Geyser Basin, which happens to be home to the world's largest concentration of hot springs and geysers. You'll find yourself in a landscape that feels genuinely otherworldly, with steam rising from the ground and that distinctive sulfur smell that means you're standing on top of one of the planet's most active volcanic systems. The whole area gives you a sense of just how dynamic and restless the earth really is beneath our feet.

Old Faithful sits in the Upper Geyser Basin, reachable via the Grand Loop Road that connects all major Yellowstone attractions. Easy access from two directions. The South Entrance puts you ~16 miles away, while the West Entrance runs roughly 16 miles through Madison. Roads are well-maintained but expect summer crowds-you'll get stuck behind RVs and wildlife jams. Parking disappears fast during peak season. Early morning or late afternoon works better than the midday rush.