Highlight • Natural Monument
Cistern Spring
Hiking
5.0
(22)
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
May 9, 2023
Hiking
August 27, 2024
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Cistern Spring
4.9
(55)
781
hikers
4.16km
01:07
50m
50m
The Steamboat Geyser and Norris Basin Loop Trail offers an incredible journey through Yellowstone's most active thermal area, where the landscape constantly shifts and steams. You'll wander along boardwalks and sandy paths, passing through the stark, colorful Porcelain Basin with its vibrant pools, then into the more forested Back Basin to discover gems like Emerald Spring. This easy 2.6-mile (4.2 km) hike, with just 155 feet (47 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 6 minutes, making it a perfect, accessible adventure for nearly everyone.
Planning your visit to this popular hiking trail in Norris Basin Yellowstone means being prepared for crowds, especially in summer; an early morning start is always a good idea. Remember to stick to the designated boardwalks and trails, as the ground is fragile and hot. There's ample parking at the trailhead, and a museum nearby provides excellent context for the geological wonders you're about to see, making it a family-friendly hike.
This trail is home to the famous Steamboat Geyser, the world's tallest active geyser, known for its unpredictable but spectacular eruptions. The Norris Geyser Basin is Yellowstone's hottest and most dynamic, featuring highly acidic pools and a constantly changing environment. Exploring these landmarks in Norris Geyser Basin gives you a front-row seat to the raw, powerful forces shaping our planet.
4.9
(12)
207
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(19)
265
hikers
4.47km
01:13
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 2,280 m
Weather
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Today
Friday 21 August
27°C
5°C
29 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 18.0 km/h
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