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Grand Prismatic Overlook

Easy/Intermediate
 4.8 (45)
  1. Areas
  2. WY
  3. …Northwestern Wyoming
  4. …Yellowstone National Park
  5. Old Faithful
Plan with onX Backcountry
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“This overlook is one of the parks "must do" trails offering unparalleled views of Grand Prismatic from above. ”

Karl W
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Map Key

0.3

Miles

0.5

KM

Point to Point

7,357' 2,242 m

High

7,278' 2,218 m

Low

79' 24 m

Up

69' 21 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

11%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Hot Spring · Views

Family Friendly Easy and wide with exceptional views.

Description

To get to this trail, you'll need to park at the frequently very crowded parking lot for Fairy Falls Trail (you cannot access the trail from the Grand Prismatic parking area). Follow the wide road-like Fairy Falls Trail for a little over 0.5 miles. You'll see the overlook trail to your left (or just follow the crowds).

The trail climbs a little on a gentle grade before heading to a viewing platform. The platform offers possibly the best view of Grand Prismatic in the park, and there is quite a bit of space here to get your selfies and family photos. Most people turn around and hike back to the parking area, but the trail continues northwest from the viewing platform and down one switchback to rejoin the Fairy Falls Trail.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Yellowstone National Park

Shared By:

Karl W
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 45 votes

#1

in Old Faithful

#41

Overall
  4.8 from 45 votes
5 Star
84%
4 Star
11%
3 Star
4%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Old Faithful

#3

in Wyoming

#41

Overall
20 Views Last Month
3,853 Since Jul 10, 2019
Easy/Intermediate
24%
45%
26%
3%
3%
0%
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Photos

Grand Prismatic Hot Spring as seen from Fountain Flats Drive.
Dec 16, 2015 near Yellows…, WY
Grand Prismatic.
Sep 9, 2015 near Yellows…, WY
Grand Prismatic.
Sep 9, 2015 near Yellows…, WY
View of Grand Prismatic Spring from Overloop
Aug 1, 2020 near Yellows…, WY

1 Comment

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Bad / Closed 12 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jun 1, 2023
Chuck Tracy
had to include a portion of the Fairy Falls Trail.. 2mi
Mar 4, 2023
N T
Oct 2, 2022
Jake Ezell
Sep 19, 2022
Alex Pacheco
Amazing
Sep 9, 2022
Lindsay Galbraith
Very pretty- well worth the trip! It makes Grand Prismatic worth it! — 1h 03m
Sep 8, 2022
Lisa Vidacs
0.3mi
Sep 3, 2022
Kaylin Courtney
Sep 2, 2022
Molly M

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