Old Faithful Tours and Activities

Old Faithful
Old Faithful
Old Faithful
Old Faithful
Old Faithful


Its iconic stature and reliability attract visitors from around the world. View this geyser, which always satisfies with its regular dramatic shows.

Visit Old Faithful to see why it has earned its name. It has been consistently erupting for as long as people have known about it. The geyser’s reliability is a main reason why Yellowstone National Park, the world’s first national park, was created in 1872. Stay in the vicinity of the geyser for an hour or more and it’s almost certain to come to life. In fact, it’s so reliable that the park service provides time predictions for the 20 daily eruptions.

The massive plume of steam and water reaches a height from 100 to 180 feet (30 to 55 meters) and it can be seen from a distance. Sit at one of the benches provided to watch the geyser put on its show for 1.5 to 5 minutes from the safety of a wide boardwalk. The water temperature coming from below the earth’s surface has been measured at 204 F (96 C), slightly below boiling. The steam temperature is over 350 F (180 C).

Try to come early in the day when the area is least busy. Park in the large parking lot, find a bench and wait until you can utter that familiar saying, “Thar she blows!”

Not far from the geyser, the Old Faithful Inn is an impressive seven-story log building constructed in the early 1900s. Stay at this national historic landmark to experience its rustic features of gnarled wood, a volcanic rock fireplace and lofty ceilings.

Visit the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center for a detailed explanation and displays of how geysers work. Your children can get their Junior Ranger and Young Scientist booklets at the center. Other prominent park features are also explained to provide a better understanding of the many natural attractions.

Find Old Faithful in the Upper Geyser Basin, which includes over 150 similar features in 1 square mile (2.6 square kilometers) of the park. Yellowstone National Park has about 60% of the world’s known geysers. Pay the weekly or annual entrance fee to view Old Faithful and many other attractions in this beloved park. Note that the road to the geyser closes from early November to late April.

Plan a trip to see Old Faithful

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Alpenhof
The Alpine House
Anvil Hotel

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Old Faithful

Old Faithful Inn - Inside the Park

Old Faithful Inn - Inside the Park

2.5 out of 5
3200 Old Faithful Inn Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY
Old Faithful Inn - Inside the Park
Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins - Inside the Park

Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins - Inside the Park

2.5 out of 5
2051 Snow Lodge Ave, Yellowstone National Park, WY
Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins - Inside the Park
Old Faithful Lodge & Cabins - Inside the Park

Old Faithful Lodge & Cabins - Inside the Park

2 out of 5
725 Old Faithful Lodge Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY
Old Faithful Lodge & Cabins - Inside the Park
Grant Village - Inside the Park

Grant Village - Inside the Park

2.5 out of 5
24 Rainbow Loop, Yellowstone National Park, WY
Grant Village - Inside the Park
Gray Wolf Inn & Suites

Gray Wolf Inn & Suites

3 out of 5
250 S Canyon St, West Yellowstone, MT
Gray Wolf Inn & Suites
Kelly Inn West Yellowstone

Kelly Inn West Yellowstone

2.5 out of 5
104 South Canyon, West Yellowstone, MT
Kelly Inn West Yellowstone
Yellowstone Westgate Hotel

Yellowstone Westgate Hotel

2.5 out of 5
638 Madison Ave, West Yellowstone, MT
Yellowstone Westgate Hotel
Stage Coach Inn

Stage Coach Inn

2.5 out of 5
209 Madison Ave, West Yellowstone, MT
Stage Coach Inn
White Buffalo

White Buffalo

2 out of 5
236 Dunraven St, West Yellowstone, MT
White Buffalo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Old Faithful

At Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Don’t miss out on sightseeing tours, horseback rides, and live music events. There are numerous camping options available, making it easy to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the area while exploring the iconic geysers and landscapes that make Yellowstone a must-visit destination.

Recreation

At Big Springs, indulge in serene nature walks and restorative activities, just 33.8km from Old Faithful. Experience luxury at Yellowstone Big Gun Fun, a country club 30.6km away, or find tranquility at Two Top with wellness offerings and relaxation vibes, located 32.2km from Old Faithful.

Adventure

Set up camp at Grant Village Campground, located 22.5km from Old Faithful, for a family-friendly outdoor experience. Hike the scenic Purple Mountain Trail, 20.9km away, for stunning views. For an adrenaline rush, try the Yellowstone Park Zipline, 30.6km from Old Faithful, soaring through the treetops.

Nightlife

Enjoy a night out at Playmill Theatre, just 30.6km from Old Faithful, where you can catch a family-friendly show in a charming atmosphere. Alternatively, visit Yellowstone IMAX Theatre, also 30.6km away, for an unforgettable cinematic experience perfect for families and couples alike.

Find the best attractions near Old Faithful

Old Faithful, located in Yellowstone National Park, is a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Visitors can marvel at the iconic Old Faithful geyser and explore the surrounding hot springs and park areas. This eco-friendly haven offers a variety of attractions that promise memorable experiences in nature, making it a must-visit spot for those seeking adventure and relaxation in the great outdoors.

  • Old Faithful Visitor Education Center: Located a mere 322m from Old Faithful, this centre offers an engaging introduction to the park's geothermal wonders. With family-friendly exhibits and outdoor adventure vibes, it's the perfect spot to learn about the park's unique ecosystem and history.
  • Grand Prismatic Spring: About 6.4km away, this stunning hot spring is renowned for its vibrant colours. The natural beauty offers a serene atmosphere, ideal for wellness and relaxation enthusiasts looking to connect with nature in an outdoor setting.
  • Castle Geyser: Just 805m from Old Faithful, Castle Geyser is a must-see. Its dramatic eruptions and unique structure provide a captivating glimpse into the park's geothermal activity, making it a fascinating stop for any visitor.

Best time to go to Old Faithful

Visitor numbers around Old Faithful is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Old Faithful can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Old Faithful falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Old Faithful falls in December, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January13.6°F (-10.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageModerately Low
February14.5°F (-9.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March22.1°F (-5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageModerately Low
April27.9°F (-2.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May37.4°F (3.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June48.9°F (9.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighModerately High
July59.0°F (15.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighModerately High
August57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainSunnyAverageModerately High
September49.5°F (9.7°C)Light RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
October34.3°F (1.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November22.1°F (-5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowModerately Low
December12.9°F (-10.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Old Faithful

To save money on your trip to Old Faithful, explore free attractions like Grand Prismatic Spring and Yellowstone Caldera. Opt for a visit in January, March, or November for lower hotel rates, and consider booking a month in advance or looking for last-minute deals on Expedia. Fridays are typically the cheapest days to stay. Use Expedia's search tool to compare rates, find eco-friendly accommodations, and explore package deals that combine flights and activities for additional savings. Remember to check for free cancellations and good prices to maximize your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Old Faithful is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Old Faithful are January, March and November, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are moderately higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Old Faithful is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Old Faithful is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around Old Faithful is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool empowers you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotel options first. Furthermore, you have the ability to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You could save some dollars by combining your Old Faithful hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.