Upper Geyser Basin
Yellowstone NP South - Wyoming
Old Faithful Inn
Description: The centerpiece of the Upper Geyser Basin is the Old Faithful Inn. The hotel, which stands next to the park's most famous geyser, Old Faithful, was built in 1904 and has been a registered National Historic Landmark since 1987. The building is partly made of stone and mainly of wood and is still one of the largest existing wooden buildings in the USA. To keep it that way for a long time, for example, all open fires are prohibited in the building. Not even birthday candles may be lit. In 1988, the hotel was severely threatened by the Great Yellowstone Fire, but it was saved. After several additions and a major renovation in 2004, the hotel can now accommodate over 340 people.
Who would like to have a room in the Old Faithful Inn, should know this if possible a year in advance, because always on May 1, the room allotments for the following year are released. These are then usually fully booked within a few days.
Our rating: When we were at Upper Geyser Basin for the first time in 1994, we planned to spend the night at Old Faithful Inn sometime. Of course we could not suspect at that time, that the project had to wait 21 years until the realization.
In 2015, in June, the time had come. We could even get hold of one of the few rooms with private bathroom. Our expectations of a stay here were also fully met. It was great to stay in this beautiful old wooden house and enjoy an evening by the fireplace. Besides, it's just like all the guidebooks say - once the masses of day tourists have gotten back on their buses and moved on, the hotel becomes quiet, homey and cozy.
We enjoyed our stay here so much that we even repeated it again in 2017.
Even if you don't stay here, we can strongly recommend everyone to take a look at the hotel. It is just great.
Observation Point
Description: Observation Point is reached via a 2.1mi loop from the Old Faithful Inn. The trail itself is not particularly spectacular, because you hike mainly through wooded areas. But the view from the top is priceless. If you also time the eruption of Old Faithful, you have a great view into the valley. Another geothermal feature on the way is the Solitary Geyser.
Our rating: Great little hike with even better views. Before the hike we recommend to ask at the visitor center about the eruption times of Old Faithful. If you walk leisurely, you should be able to make the ascent in an hour.
Tour over Geyser Hill up to Morning Glory Pool
Description: In the area of the Upper Geyser Basin is by far the largest density of geysers and colorful pools in Yellowstone NP. In addition, the most famous geyser of the park, Old Faithful, is located here. Over several planked paths you can walk around and easily spend a whole day.
Our rating: Who visits the Yellowstone NP, will definitely pass here. If only to stand once between hundreds of people to see the Old Faithful erupt. But also the other parts are worth seeing. The Upper Geyser Basin and especially Geyser Hill should not be missed.
