Norris Back Basin•Yellowstone

The Norris Geyser Basin is a vast geothermal area that is located along Highway 89 in the northwest end of Yellowstone National Park. There are two hiking trail systems to choose from that meander through this amazing landscape and many famous geysers can be viewed along the boardwalk pathway. A museum is located next to the main parking area and this is where a wealth of information can be found concerning the history and geology associated with this field. 

Just for safety's sake, it is always good to mention the importance of staying on the boardwalk when walking through a geyser field. The earth crust is very thin and boiling hot spring water lies beneath the surface, so carelessly walking on the bare ground is a suicide mission. Keeping children within reach is good to do. A few careless tourists perish each year at Yellowstone, so the danger is indeed real.

The Back Basin Loop Trail is about a one and three quarter mile long trek and the journey is easy. Much more time than normal will be required for experiencing this geyser area, so it is best to pack some extra water for the hike. There are park benches located next to the most famous points of interest, so taking a break to absorb the surroundings is easy to do. There is literally one unique geothermal oddity after another in this area, so be prepared to experience sensory overload along the way! 

Boiling mud pits, azure blue hot spring pools, flowing hot water streams and a wide variety of geysers are what awaits along the boardwalk. Steam rises from the ground everywhere in this end of the Yellowstone Caldera, which greatly enhances the visual effect. The powerful Steamboat Geyser is located in this strange area, which is always well worth waiting for, even if an eruption does not occur. Lush green pine forests surround the Back Basin and seeing how these trees struggle to survive in the harsh geyser field certainly adds a dramatic touch. The noise of hissing steam and explosive geyser eruptions fills the air, so the Back Basin Trail truly awakens the senses!

Doing the complete Norris Geyser Basin tour will require a few hours and any extra time spent is guaranteed to be well worth it! Even if the famous Steamboat Geyser remains dormant during the visit, there will still be endless displays of natural geothermal oddities that can be seen nowhere else on earth. The Back Basin Trail certainly is a Yellowstone boardwalk venture that will be fondly remembered for years to come, so be sure to bring a camera to share the photos back home!