Fountain Paint Pot

Shortly after leaving Madison Junction, we are greeted by the steaming geothermal area. The first feature we encounter is a predominantly mud pot landscape, named for the red, yellow, and brown hues of the mud here, caused by varying oxidation states of iron in the mud. A highlight of the mud pots' geothermal activity is the bubbling, caused by gases emitted by the Yellowstone volcano. These bubbling phenomena vary with the seasons.

Grand Prismatic Spring

Leaving the Fountain Paint Pot area, a short 10-minute drive brings us to the renowned Grand Prismatic Spring, also known as the Grand Rainbow Hot Spring. It holds the distinction of being the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest in the world. Spanning approximately 75 to 91 meters in width and plunging to depths of 49 meters, it releases a staggering 2,000 liters of water per minute, maintaining a temperature of around 71°C. The Grand Prismatic Spring serves as an iconic symbol of Yellowstone's geothermal wonders, boasting a diameter surpassing 100 meters and presenting a stunning array of colors, ranging from vivid blues and greens to striking yellows, oranges, and reds. Undoubtedly, it stands as the park's largest and most visually captivating thermal feature.

Old Faithful

After a 15-minute drive, we will arrive at Yellowstone's largest visitor center and iconic attraction: Old Faithful. It is an intermittent geyser located in Yellowstone National Park, named for its regular eruptions. It was named during the Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition in 1870 and was the first named geyser in Yellowstone National Park. Its current eruption interval is around 90 minutes, and each eruption lasts 4-5 minutes, with water columns reaching over 40 meters high, making it a spectacular sight. The geyser and the adjacent Old Faithful Inn are listed as part of the Old Faithful Historic District.

Yellowstone Lake

After a 30-minute drive, a stretch of mirror-smooth lake water will come into view. This is the West Thumb Geyser Basin on the shores of Yellowstone Lake. Formed some 150,000 years ago due to the subsidence of the Earth's crust, this basin presents a fascinating spectacle where hot springs combine with the lake waters, creating a misty ambiance. Steam rises from the hot springs, mingling with the serene waters of Yellowstone Lake, set against a backdrop of blue skies and white clouds, forming a unique landscape distinct from other thermal areas in Yellowstone. This area serves as a bay of Yellowstone Lake, where numerous geysers congregate, each with its own array of colors at their vents—some transparent green, others dark hues resembling cement. Together, these myriad geysers present a beautiful, fantasy-like scene.

Bridge Bay Marina

Yellowstone Lake Scenic Cruise Come aboard the Lake Queen II for a one-hour guided tour of the largest freshwater lake above 7,000 feet in the United States. The boat departs the Bridge Bay Marina to cruise on Yellowstone Lake with up to seven different times to choose from. Along the way you will learn about the Lake Area Historical District, the remains of the SS E.C. Waters which you will view, and other amazing information that this area holds. You will be watching for eagles, shorebirds, and occasional elk and bison sightings on the shoreline.

Norris Geyser Basin

The Norris Geyser Basin, named after Philetus Norris, the second superintendent of Yellowstone, is the hottest and most unstable geothermal area in the park. It features the world's largest geyser, Steamboat Geyser, which can erupt up to 380 feet. Notable hot springs in the area include the acidic Sea Urchin Geyser (pH 3) and Pearl Geyser. The basin is highly active, with new geysers emerging regularly, making it one of Yellowstone's most dynamic geothermal areas.

Artist Point

The Yellowstone Grand Canyon, formed over millions of years by the Yellowstone River, spans about 20 miles and plunges 1,000 feet deep. Artist Point, located on the south rim, offers a prime view of Yellowstone Falls and the canyon. The canyon is famous for its depth, the rush of the green river, and its vibrant, multicolored volcanic rocks. These rocks shimmer with hues of white, yellow, green, blue, and vermilion, making the canyon appear as if painted with oil colors. This stunning site, immortalized by painter Thomas Moran in 1872, features brilliantly colored rock walls that remain untouched by erosion.

Lamar Valley

Lamar Valley, located in the northeastern part of Yellowstone, is a lush, wildlife-rich area home to bison, grizzly bears, pronghorn antelope, and elk. Once a farm in the early 20th century, it's now a prime spot for gray wolf sightings in spring, early summer, and winter mornings. Visitors often describe the view where Roosevelt Tower meets the valley as "alluring upfront, majestic in the background," offering a unique experience for each observer.

Mammoth Hot Springs

Located in the northwest of Yellowstone, Mammoth Hot Springs is known for its unique limestone terraces, formed as hot springs dissolve calcium carbonate from the rock. The terraces display vibrant colors due to algae and microorganisms, with hues of yellow, white, and brown. As the world's largest known carbonate deposit hot spring, it originates from the Norris Geyser Basin, with temperatures reaching 77°C. However, a 2002 seismic event halted most spring activity, leading to the loss of vibrant colors and leaving the terraces coated in gray-white powder, a quiet reminder of their former beauty.

Yellowstone Hot Springs

Relax and unwind at Yellowstone Hot Springs, Montana's newest hot springs, located just eight miles north of Yellowstone's North Entrance, at the southern end of Paradise Valley. Nestled between two mountain ranges along the Yellowstone River, this serene location offers a unique soaking experience in mineral-rich waters with continuous flow. Let the peaceful surroundings, stunning mountain views, and soaring eagles melt away the stresses of the day. It's an experience best enjoyed in person at Yellowstone Hot Springs.

The tour ends with drop-offs at airport hotels. Please book flights after 8:00 PM on day three or the next morning.