Ear Spring

A tiny hot spring with a sizzling soundtrack and wild history

InsideYellowstone National Park

Overview

Ear Spring is a petite, ear‑shaped hot spring on Geyser Hill in the Upper Geyser Basin, just a short walk from Old Faithful. It usually behaves like a calm, super‑hot pool that constantly simmers and pops—more a soundtrack than a spectacle—and that’s its charm.

Why it’s notable

While it’s a hot spring (not a frequent geyser), Ear Spring can surprise. In September 2018, it erupted roughly 20–30 feet high and spat out a trove of long‑tossed items—rocks, coins, cans, even old curios—its biggest show since 1957. The hot overflow even singed the nearby microbial mats. It’s a very Yellowstone reminder to never throw anything into thermal features.

What you’ll see and hear

Expect crystal‑clear, super‑hot water that “talks” in fizzing, boiling sounds, plus a vivid runoff channel painted by heat‑loving microbes. It’s a quick, rewarding pause as you loop Geyser Hill—and if you time it right, you might even frame Old Faithful erupting in the background from here.

How to see it

Follow the Upper Geyser Basin boardwalks behind Old Faithful to Geyser Hill. The walk is easy and packed with other features, so don’t just sprint in and out—make a loop of it. There are no bathrooms on the boardwalk; plan to use the restrooms in the Old Faithful area before you head over.

Safety & etiquette

Thermal areas change fast. Stay on the boardwalks, keep kids close, and don’t touch the water or fragile mats. Activity can shift without warning; be prepared for temporary detours and follow any posted guidance.

Best time to visit

Mornings are calmer and photogenic, with fewer crowds compared to midday. Shoulder seasons (like spring) generally feel less hectic than peak summer, though some services open later in the season—plan accordingly.

Nearby

Old Faithful and a cluster of named geysers are steps away on the same boardwalk network. Use Ear Spring as a gateway to stroll the whole Geyser Hill loop rather than just camp out at one viewpoint.

Pros

Constantly sizzling, bubbling hot spring along the Geyser Hill boardwalk
Memorable 2018 eruption story that unearthed decades of tossed objects
Quick stop with nearby bench and colorful runoff

Cons

No facilities on the boardwalk; services are back at the Old Faithful complex
Occasional boardwalk detours or closures when thermal activity shifts

Tips

There are no facilities on Geyser Hill; use restrooms in the Old Faithful area before walking over [nps.gov](https://www.nps.gov/places/000/ear-spring.htm).
Listen for the constant simmer—preview the sound in the park’s audio library to know what to expect [nps.gov](https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/photosmultimedia/sounds-earspring.htm).
Check for any temporary boardwalk detours or closures before you go; hydrothermal areas change frequently [nps.gov](https://www.nps.gov/places/000/ear-spring.htm).
For fewer people and better photos, aim for an early morning loop of Geyser Hill.