Old Faithful Geyser Tours and Tickets

Old Faithful erupts about every 1-2 hours on average, with around 20 eruptions taking place daily. Each day a Yellowstone National Park worker will predict the next eruption time, which is then posted at the Old Faithful Visitor Center and online. The prediction is typically accurate within 10 minutes of the actual eruption.

Like all other geysers, Old Faithful is a hot spring that erupts with water and steam. Geysers are found in very specific locations, where there is heat below the ground—hence why they’re often in volcanic areas—and plenty of water. Eruptions are caused when underground cavities fill with water and steam, causing pressure that accumulates and leads to the release of jets of boiling water and steam.

Yes, there are viewing areas near Old Faithful. One of the most popular spots is the viewing boardwalk area, which has wooden benches. You can also watch eruptions from the viewing deck at the Old Faithful Inn.

Although any time the geyser erupts offers a great opportunity for photographs, some of the best pictures come at the first eruption of the morning and during the midday sunlight. The least crowded times are dawn until 11am, then later in the day after 6pm.

Yes, the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center is located at the Upper Geyser Basin. The center features information about the national park, including its geysers, while kids can enjoy the interactive Young Scientist exhibition room.

Yes, there are many hiking trails in Yellowstone National Park, including routes close to Old Faithful. Some popular options include Observation Point Trailhead, Artemisia Trailhead, Howard Eaton Trailhead 0K2, Fairy Falls Trailhead, and Monument Geyser Basin Trailhead.