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Norris Geyser Basin

Spring in Wyoming

Introduction

Geothermal Features

  • ๐ŸŒ‹ Steamboat Geyser: The tallest active geyser in the world, with eruptions reaching 300-400 feet.
  • ๐ŸŒก๏ธ Echinus Geyser: Known for its acidic water, with a pH of around 3.5.
  • ๐ŸŒˆ Porcelain Basin: Features milky blue waters due to high silica concentration.
  • ๐ŸŒณ Back Basin: Heavily wooded area with scattered geothermal features.
  • ๐Ÿ’ฅ Porkchop Geyser: Notable for its 1989 steam explosion.
  • ๐Ÿ’ง Emerald Spring: A 27-foot deep pool with green water due to sulfur and refracted light.
  • ๐ŸŒซ๏ธ Fumaroles: Roaring Mountain contains many fumaroles, which were more powerful in the late 1800s.

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Trails and Accessibility

  • ๐Ÿšถโ€โ™‚๏ธ Porcelain Basin Trail: A 3/4-mile (1.2-km) trail with boardwalks and bare ground.
  • ๐ŸŒฒ Back Basin Trail: A 1.5-mile (2.4-km) trail through a wooded area.
  • ๐Ÿ›ค๏ธ Boardwalks: Ensure safe viewing of geothermal features.
  • โ™ฟ Accessibility: Some trails may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
  • ๐Ÿ…ฟ๏ธ Parking: 143 total spaces, with 17 oversized spaces. Overflow parking available.

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Historical Background

  • ๐Ÿ“œ Named After: Philetus W. Norris, the second superintendent of Yellowstone.
  • ๐Ÿ›๏ธ Norris Geyser Basin Museum: Built in 1929-30, a National Historic Landmark.
  • ๐ŸŽ–๏ธ Museum of the National Park Ranger: Located in the historic Norris Soldier Station.
  • ๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Early Exploration: Norris provided the first detailed information about the thermal features.

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Nearby Attractions

  • ๐ŸŽจ Artists Paintpots: A small thermal area with colorful hot springs and mudpots.
  • ๐ŸŒŠ Gibbon Falls: An 84-foot waterfall formed by the Yellowstone Caldera rim.
  • ๐ŸŒซ๏ธ Roaring Mountain: A large, acidic thermal area with many fumaroles.
  • โ„๏ธ Virginia Cascades: A scenic drive past a 60-foot high waterfall, open to cross-country skiing in winter.

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Wildlife

  • ๐Ÿป Bears: Both black and grizzly bears are sometimes seen in the area.
  • ๐ŸฆŽ Sagebrush Lizards: One of the few areas in the park where they live.
  • ๐Ÿธ Chorus Frogs: Listen for them in spring.
  • ๐Ÿฆ… Killdeer: Found year-round, feeding on insects in the warm waters.
  • ๐ŸŸ Gibbon River: Popular for fly-fishing, home to brook trout, brown trout, grayling, and rainbow trout.

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Visitor Information

  • ๐Ÿ•’ Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
  • ๐Ÿšป Facilities: Restrooms available near the parking lot.
  • ๐Ÿ“š Bookstore: Located near the entrance, offers educational materials.
  • ๐Ÿ›‘ Safety: Stay on boardwalks to avoid dangerous thermal features.
  • ๐Ÿš— Parking: 143 total spaces, with overflow parking available.

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