Emerald Spring & Steamboat Geyser ~ Yellowstone National Park

Both the mesmerizing Emerald Spring and the super powerful Steamboat Geyser are located near the head of the Norris Back Basin Loop Trail. For those who are not up to doing the entire one and three quart mile Back Basin boardwalk trek, the location of these two attractions makes it easy to enjoy just how peaceful, yet explosive this geothermal area can be. There are park benches and stone wall seating in the viewing areas, which are perfect for relaxing while taking in all of the sights and sounds of this vast natural volcanic water park. The museum complex is also nearby, which is a great learning center for gaining insight into the natural history of the Norris Geyser Basin.  

The Emerald Spring certainly is a sight for sore eyes and the views are guaranteed to help leave the troubles far behind. This glistening pale blue hot water spring is nestled in a small barren area that is surrounded by a lush pine forest near the hilltop, so the dramatic views extend to the distant horizon. Just one look is all it takes to be absolutely captivated and a landscape artist would feel right at home in this place. Just like when visiting the many other natural wonders in this amazing environment, it is best to set plenty of extra time aside for soaking up the beautiful scenery!   

Depending on which direction a visitor goes at the start of the Back Basin Loop Trail, the Steamboat Geyser will either be the opening act or the grand finale. Steamboat Geyser most definitely is a show that you simply do not want to miss, because this is the worlds tallest geyser and an eruption will blast water over 300 feet straight up in the air. Steamboat Geyser does not have a predictable schedule and the time span between major eruptions has been as long as a few years in the past, due to new fissures being formed by seismic activity. On the flip-side, the Steamboat Geyser was very active a few years ago, so it is anybody's guess when the big show will return. Spending some extra time at this spot while hoping that the big geyser comes to life is what most people do and if the show turns out to be a disappointment, at least there is some good conversation to be found with the fellow tourists in the proverbial theater lobby.

A previous article features the Back Basin Loop Trail and as can be seen in the attached photo album, there are endless opportunities to capture a memorable picture. In fact, I went a little crazy with the picture taking during my visit and the photo album ended up being far to big for a solitary article. This is why the Emerald Spring and Steamboat Geyser are featured separately in today's article, so it is safe say that a complete tour of the Norris Geyser Basin certainly will be a fulfilling experience that will create pleasant memories for many years to come!