Old Faithful to Morning Glory Pool
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
Stay on the boardwalk at all times — the ground around thermal features is a thin crust over boiling water, and people have died stepping off the path. This is not an exaggeration or a liability disclaimer; the soil will collapse under your weight.
Bison frequently graze right alongside the boardwalk through the geyser basin. They look docile but can charge without warning and outrun you easily. Give them at least 25 yards and never position yourself between a bison and its escape route.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Walk the loop counterclockwise (away from Old Faithful toward Geyser Hill first) — most crowds head straight up the middle boardwalk, so you'll have the first quarter mile mostly to yourself before the masses catch up.
Time your start to catch Old Faithful erupting, then immediately head out on the boardwalk while everyone else is still milling around the viewing area. Check the predicted eruption times posted at the Visitor Center — they're accurate within about ten minutes.
Morning Glory Pool photographs best in early morning when the low sun lights up the thermophilic bacteria rings without harsh shadows. The colors shift dramatically depending on the light angle, so afternoon shots often look washed out compared to what you see with your eyes.
