Pink Cone Geyser

Roadside pink-hued cone geyser with roughly daily, linger-worthy eruptions

InsideYellowstone National Park

Overview

Pink Cone Geyser is a cone-type geyser in the Lower Geyser Basin, right off Firehole Lake Drive. It’s named for the pinkish hue of its cone—an eye-catching contrast to the otherwise pale geyserite around it. This is a classic quick-stop feature: easy to pull over, take a look, and, if you’re lucky, catch a long eruption.

What You’ll See

A compact, pink-tinged cone that stands out among the basin’s features.
Eruptions recur roughly every 18–25 hours and can run for a long time, making it a good candidate to wait on if you have patience.
It’s part of the informal “Pink Cone Group,” with nearby features like Bead, Labial, Narcissus, and Pink Geyser.
Water here is near boiling (about 91°C/196°F), so the show is all steam, jets, and sustained spray rather than towering heights.

How to Catch an Eruption

Patience pays off. If you notice sustained splashing or the feature starting to overflow, you might be on the cusp of a lengthy, camera-friendly eruption. Pink Cone isn’t typically predicted, so treat it as a bonus you might luck into while cruising Firehole Lake Drive.

Quick Geology

Cone geysers form where superheated water rises through narrow constrictions. As silica-rich water vents, it deposits sinter (geyserite), slowly building the cone. Trace manganese and iron oxides stain Pink Cone’s sinter, giving it that signature pink-red coloration.

Best Time to Visit

Early or late in the day gives the cone warm, low-angle light that really brings out the pink tones and steam. Since eruptions are roughly daily but not scheduled, swing by when you’re already in the Lower Geyser Basin and be ready to linger if you see activity.

Getting There & Services

This is a roadside stop on Firehole Lake Drive. There are no restrooms or potable water here; plan your pit stops at developed areas like the Fountain Paint Pot area, Old Faithful, or Madison Junction before or after your detour.

Safety

Stay on designated routes—hydrothermal crust is thin and the water is near boiling. If wildlife wanders through, give them wide space and keep your distance.

Pros

Distinctive pink-tinged cone from mineral staining
Roadside stop along Firehole Lake Drive
Erupts roughly daily, often with long, photogenic runs

Cons

No services at the pullout
Not typically on prediction boards, so timing is uncertain

Tips

Watch for sustained splashing or overflow—good signs an eruption is starting.
Plan restroom stops at Fountain Paint Pot, Old Faithful, or Madison Junction.
Early or late light makes the pink cone pop in photos.
Pink Cone isn’t predicted; check prediction boards for other geysers while you wait.
Stay on designated routes; the ground is thin and water is near boiling.