Place · 0.1 mi away
Overview
The Back Basin is the quieter, more wooded half of Norris Geyser Basin, stitched together by a mostly boardwalk loop of about 1.5 miles (total). Expect an easy, meandering walk past scattered vents, springs, and famous geysers, with a short uphill finish back toward the museum area. If you’ve got more time, pairing Back Basin with Porcelain Basin creates a ~3-mile day that shows off Norris’ full personality—forest and solitude vs. stark, steaming moonscape.
What You’ll See
This is Steamboat Geyser country—the tallest active geyser on Earth. Major eruptions are unpredictable, so think of any activity as a lucky bonus and enjoy the constant hissing, roiling backdrop. The loop also visits colorful pools and classic features such as Echinus Geyser, Cistern Spring, Emerald Spring, Vixen Geyser, and Minute Geyser. Early in the day, cool air can thicken the steam for moody, otherworldly scenes.
Why Norris Feels So Wild
Norris is the park’s hottest, oldest, and most dynamic thermal area. It sits near the caldera rim at the intersection of major faults—one reason features here change frequently. Colors shift with thermophiles and minerals: sulfurous yellows, iron reds and browns, and emerald greens where water cools.
Best Time to Hike
Go early or late to beat parking crunches and thin the crowds. Morning steam adds drama (and sometimes obscures views), while late-day light is excellent on the pools. In winter, access is via snowcoach/snowmobile tours and sections of boardwalk may close—expect a shorter, selective visit then.
Logistics & Tips
Park at the Norris Geyser Basin lot; it fills regularly in summer. Overflow parking may be used when directed. Restrooms are available at the parking area. The loop is easy and mostly level, but do expect some grades as you climb back toward the museum.
Safety
Stay on the boardwalks—ground here is thin, the water acidic and near-boiling, and features can shift without notice. Boardwalks can be slick when wet or icy. Supervise kids closely and give any nesting birds on open ground plenty of space.
Pros
- Often less crowded than the Porcelain Basin loop once you’re past Steamboat
- Moody steam in cool morning air makes for dramatic photos along the boardwalk
Cons
- Parking fills fast; overflow adds walking time to reach the loop
- Strong sulfur odor and thick steam can obscure views on calm, cool days
- Occasional boardwalk closures can force detours or backtracking
Parking
Norris Geyser Basin parking lot (fills early in summer); use signed overflow when directed. Restrooms at the parking area.
Caution
Stay on boardwalks—thin crust and acidic, near‑boiling water. Steam can reduce visibility and surfaces get slick when wet or icy. Expect unpredictable geyser behavior and occasional temporary closures; supervise children closely.
