Pros & cons
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
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.
Where it is
44.4645, -110.8304Tips for Ear Spring
- 01There 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).
- 02Listen 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).
- 03Check 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).
- 04For fewer people and better photos, aim for an early morning loop of Geyser Hill.
Amenities
Near Ear Spring
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayDoublet PoolTwin blue hot spring with an occasional audible thumpScenic Viewpoint
0 mi awayLion GeyserCone geyser with a startling, lion-like roar on Geyser HillGeyser
0.1 mi awayPump GeyserSmall, rhythmic splasher on Geyser HillGeyser
0.1 mi awayGeyser HillBoardwalk packed with geysers, steps from Old FaithfulGeyser · Trailhead
0.2 mi awayObservation Point–Solitary Geyser LoopOld Faithful’s best overlook plus a quiet detour to a blue-rimmed geyserEasy · 1.9 mi · 1 hr
0.2 mi awayObservation Point TrailShort climb to a quiet perch over Old Faithful's eruptions.Easy · 1.9 mi · 1.3 hr
0.4 mi awayGeyser Hill LoopBoardwalk geysers plus a quiet perch to watch Old FaithfulEasy · 2.5 mi · 1 hr
0.4 mi awayUpper Geyser Basin BoardwalksFlat boardwalks past Old Faithful and a who's-who of geysersEasy · 3 mi · 2 hr
