Observation Point

Observation Point is a hillside lookout above Old Faithful in the Upper Geyser Basin. Come for the broad view of the geyser, basin and Old Faithful district; the eruption looks small from here, so this is about the whole landscape more than a close-up plume. It’s a moderate, sustained climb on switchbacks. Some visitors find it quieter than the boardwalk, though crowd levels vary.

From the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center, follow the boardwalk counterclockwise for about 0.3 mile to the Geyser Hill sign. Cross the Firehole River bridge and take the marked uphill trail. The switchbacks climb about 0.5 mile to the viewpoint; return the same way. The out-and-back route is about 1.6 miles in total. You can add about 0.9 mile by continuing to Solitary Geyser and returning to the boardwalk. Bring water and pace the ascent; the descent can feel steep, and spring snowmelt may leave the trail muddy or slick. Pets aren’t allowed, no reservation is needed, and the park entrance fee may apply.

The elevated angle helps make the basin’s scale clear: at least 150 hydrothermal features sit in one square mile of Upper Geyser Basin. Look for the Old Faithful Inn and other buildings of the historic district below. The basin also contains Grand, Castle, Daisy and Riverside geysers.

Members of the Washburn Expedition named Old Faithful in 1870 for its consistent eruptions. If you want to photograph a plume, time the climb around the current eruption prediction and bring a longer lens; from the overlook the geyser is distant. A wide frame that includes the basin and historic buildings shows why this viewpoint is worth the uphill walk.