Welcome to the Yellowstone Grand Prismatic Spring Tour
Make your Yellowstone visit a trip to remember with this self-guided walking tour to the Grand Prismatic hot spring, one of the park’s absolute must-see attractions. As you walk this trail to the best overlook of the stunning spring, you’ll dive deep into the mysteries behind this geothermal wonder, from how it formed to why it looks as colorful as it does. Plus, uncover the fascinating history of Yellowstone’s biggest eruption and hear the words of the first European to ever set eyes on Grand Prismatic. If you want, you can even keep the adventure going with a hike to Fairy Falls!
About the Tour
You’ll begin your Grand Prismatic Walking Tour in the Fairy Falls Parking Lot. From here, you’ll cross the Firehole River, a steaming waterway intertwined with Yellowstone’s volcanic history. As you walk, you’ll hear about where the Firehole River ends up, and what happens to all the water that spills out of Yellowstone’s hot springs and geysers.
Next, you’ll dig deep into the geologic and volcanic history of Yellowstone. Find out how this landscape formed and hear some secrets not many people know (like how Yellowstone is actually moving)! Then, get the facts on Yellowstone’s biggest ever eruption and how scientists cracked the case.
After that, you’ll get to know an early explorer who happened across Grand Prismatic hundreds of years ago. Then adventurous visitors will have the option to branch off and hike toward Fairy Falls, enchanting visitors with its cascading beauty amidst a forested trail.
Finally, you’ll ascend to Grand Prismatic Overlook, offering the iconic views of the hot spring you’ve seen in photos… but photos can’t prepare you for the real thing! Find out how it gets that breathtaking color as you grab some snapshots of your own. Your tour concludes here.
Want all of our tours? Upgrade to Action+:
- An annual $99.99/year subscription offers access to over 200+ tours.
- Unlimited use throughout the year.
- Includes free access to new tours as they are released.
Nearby Tours
Driving
2-3 Hours
35+ Stories
60+ Miles
Driving
5-6 Hours
90+ Stories
80+ Miles
Driving
4-5 Hours
140+ Stories
57+ Miles
Walking
2-3 Hours
40+ Stories
2.5 Miles
Walking
1-2 hours
20+ stories
0.6 miles
Tour Map
Starting Point
Join the tour anywhere along the route. Follow the route in the indicated direction.
Suggested starting point is indicated by the green START marker on the map:
Fairy Falls Trailhead Parking Lot, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
The suggested start is at the Fairy Falls Trailhead Parking Lot.
How Does It Work?
- Access your tour: Download the Action Tour Guide app and sign in with the same email used for your website purchase. Your tour will appear under My Tours.
- Download your tour: Download it before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
- Start your tour: Open My Tours, select your tour, and tap Start Touring when you reach a starting point.
- Listen your way: Use your phone’s speaker or headphones, or connect to your car’s audio system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not currently supported, compatibility is in development.
- GPS-triggered audio: Stories play automatically as you reach each location along the route.
- Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day. Tours are valid forever (one year for Action+).
Yellowstone Grand Prismatic Spring Audio Tour
Things to do on the Tour Include:
-
Welcome
-
Firehole River
-
Hot Springs to the Sea
-
Volcanos and Vistas
-
Yellowstone’s Hotspot
-
Yellowstone’s Biggest Eruption
-
Osborne Russell
-
Fairy Falls
-
A Sacred Spring
-
Synechococcus
-
Rainbow-Colored Hot Spring
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
The Grand Prismatic Spring is one of Yellowstone National Park’s most iconic geothermal features, known for its stunning colors and size. It is the largest hot spring in the United States.
Absolutely! The Grand Prismatic Spring is a must-visit attraction in Yellowstone, offering a unique and mesmerizing natural spectacle.
The self-guided walking tour typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes to explore the boardwalks and viewpoints around the spring.
While there may not be specific guided tours for the spring itself, rangers often offer talks and programs in the area during the summer months. Check with the visitor center for any scheduled programs.
The best viewpoints are located on the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook Trail and the boardwalks surrounding the spring. Both offer excellent vantage points to view the vibrant colors and intricate formations.
No, swimming or accessing the spring is strictly prohibited due to the extremely hot water and fragile ground. Safety barriers and boardwalks are in place to protect both visitors and the natural features.
Morning visits are often less crowded and provide better lighting for photography. However, the spring is beautiful at any time of day.
Yes, after visiting the spring, you can explore nearby attractions like the Fairy Falls Trail, Excelsior Geyser, and Midway Geyser Basin, which are within a short drive or hike.
Explore 230+ Tours
Inclusions and Exclusions
Action Tour Guide app: Download the app to access your purchased tour.
GPS-triggered audio: Stories and directions play automatically as you reach each location.
Tour anytime: Single tours and bundles never expire and can be used anytime. Action+ is an annual subscription that automatically renews each year unless canceled.
Narrated stories: Hear local history, culture, and stories from experienced narrators.
Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day.
Offline access: Download your tour before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
Stories, stops, and directions: Follow the route to key attractions with automatic directions and stories at each location.
Transportation: Transportation, parking fees, and tolls are not included.
Admission: Entry tickets and reservations are not included.
Food and drinks: Meals and drinks are not included.
Rental car: A rental car is not included and may be required for driving tours.
