Pros & cons
PROS
- Spectacular 150–200 ft eruptions that run about 4–5 minutes
- A small “Indicator” vent often gives a 10–20 minute heads-up
CONS
- Irregular schedule; can erupt only once during daylight, easy to miss
- No facilities on the boardwalk right at the geyser
Overview
Beehive Geyser is a classic on Geyser Hill’s lower boardwalk, a short walk from Old Faithful. When it fires, the column is tall, narrow, and fierce—often even taller than Old Faithful—and the show wraps in roughly five minutes with a loud steam phase. If your timing is good, it’s one of the most memorable moments in the basin.
How Eruptions Work
Active periods bring 4–5 minute eruptions that commonly reach 150–200 feet. A nearby vent called Beehive’s Indicator often starts first with a modest fountain, usually signaling Beehive is coming in about 10–20 minutes (it can be seconds to 30 minutes, and occasionally Beehive goes without an Indicator). After the water column subsides, expect a roaring steam phase.
Frequency and Planning
Intervals are variable—often roughly a day apart—and many days you’ll only get one eruption in daylight. Your best odds: stay in the Old Faithful area overnight, check recent times and community reports, and hustle when the Indicator is called out. Rangers at the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center sometimes get short warning and may share updates.
Where to Watch and Photograph
You’ll get prime, close-up views from the lower boardwalk on Geyser Hill. If you’re farther away, you can sometimes catch it from the Old Faithful area if you move quickly once it starts. In bright sun, the tall jet can throw rainbows—great for photos.
Safety and Conditions
Hydrothermal ground changes quickly here; follow closures and stay on the boardwalk. Stand upwind if possible—spray and mineral mist can travel with the breeze. Bison and elk frequent the basin; give wildlife ample space and never step off the walkway.
Nearby Logistics
There are no restrooms or water right at Beehive on the boardwalk. Use facilities in the Old Faithful developed area before you head over.
Best Time to Visit
Because eruptions are irregular and often about a day apart, being nearby throughout the day—or better, overnight—dramatically improves your chances. For photography, midday sun can create rainbows in the plume; mornings and late afternoons offer softer light but opportunities depend entirely on Beehive’s mood.
Where it is
44.4626, -110.8300Tips for Beehive Geyser
- 01Watch Beehive’s Indicator; Beehive often follows in about 10–20 minutes.
- 02Check recent times and set alerts via community reporting tools before you visit.
- 03Staying near Old Faithful overnight greatly improves your odds of catching it.
- 04Stand upwind during the show to avoid hot spray and mineral mist.
- 05Use restrooms in the Old Faithful area before heading to the boardwalk.
Amenities
Near Beehive Geyser
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayAnemone GeyserSmall twin geyser with frequent bursts and a dramatic drainGeyser
0.1 mi awayGeyser HillBoardwalk packed with geysers, steps from Old FaithfulGeyser · Trailhead
0.1 mi awayGiantess GeyserRare, thunderous geyser that sometimes rockets 200 feet highGeyser
0.1 mi awayBlue Star SpringSmall, sapphire-blue pool steps from Old Faithful’s boardwalkGeyser · Parking
0.1 mi awayObservation Point–Solitary Geyser LoopOld Faithful’s best overlook plus a quiet detour to a blue-rimmed geyserEasy · 1.9 mi · 1 hr
0.1 mi awayObservation Point TrailShort climb to a quiet perch over Old Faithful's eruptions.Easy · 1.9 mi · 1.3 hr
0.3 mi awayGeyser Hill LoopBoardwalk geysers plus a quiet perch to watch Old FaithfulEasy · 2.5 mi · 1 hr
0.3 mi awayUpper Geyser Basin BoardwalksFlat boardwalks past Old Faithful and a who's-who of geysersEasy · 3 mi · 2 hr
