The Porcelain Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park is very unique It’s geysers are an incredible aqua color. It’s especially fun to visit this trail after seeing the contrast of the Grand Prismatic just down the road.
The Porcelain Geyser Basin shares the same trailhead as the Norris Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park. We didn’t even know about it when we visited, and happened upon it by chance! We did the entire Norris Geyser Basin before we saw a trail branching off with a sign reading Porcelain Geyser Loop.
So we decided to go for it as well. We were sure glad we did because the scenery and colors on this particular trail were really stunning. (Plus how can you resist when you’re already standing at the trailhead!)
The Porcelain Geyser Basin alone is 2.4 miles, and Norris Geyser Basin is an additional 4 miles. Depending on how many miles of boardwalk you’re up for in a day, should determine how many geyser areas you’ll want to see.
It’s good to keep in mind that during the summer months, it’s incredibly hot with sulfur steam wafting around. I was totally wiped out at the end of our first day of geyser sight seeing. I think this was mainly due to the hot conditions rather than mileage or elevation!
The colors are other-worldly on some of these pools. And you may find yourself considering what it must be like on Mars at points throughout day. (Or maybe that’s just the heat getting to me again!)
Most of the pools along this trail are the color of the sea in varying shades. But lest you think about swimming, the constant steam coming off the water makes it clear the temperature is just under boiling!
But seriously, you will be so hot! So try and leave yourself some time at the end of the day to swim at one of the fresh water rivers, or in Yellowstone Lake!
We both really enjoyed this extra trail on our geyser tour. It was relatively short considering how many stunning geysers there were to see. And of course we’re always up for adding another adventure!
Update: You can find each of our Yellowstone posts in my 10 Tips for Visiting Yellowstone National Park. I put together everything we learned into that post. All the places we visited in the park are linked so you can read about them individually!
That place looks so amazing, it almost seems like it’s somewhere in outer-space. Like from Saturn or something. And – as usual – the pictures are stunning!
It was amazing, so colorful yet barren at the same time. Can’t quite believe I’ve lived within 6 hours of this gorgeous place and I’ve never been until this year!