Norris Geyser Basin
Spring in Wyoming
Introduction
Geothermal Features
- ๐ Steamboat Geyser: The tallest active geyser in the world, with eruptions reaching 300-400 feet.
- ๐ก๏ธ Echinus Geyser: Known for its acidic water, with a pH of around 3.5.
- ๐ Porcelain Basin: Features milky blue waters due to high silica concentration.
- ๐ณ Back Basin: Heavily wooded area with scattered geothermal features.
- ๐ฅ Porkchop Geyser: Notable for its 1989 steam explosion.
- ๐ง Emerald Spring: A 27-foot deep pool with green water due to sulfur and refracted light.
- ๐ซ๏ธ Fumaroles: Roaring Mountain contains many fumaroles, which were more powerful in the late 1800s.
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Trails and Accessibility
- ๐ถโโ๏ธ Porcelain Basin Trail: A 3/4-mile (1.2-km) trail with boardwalks and bare ground.
- ๐ฒ Back Basin Trail: A 1.5-mile (2.4-km) trail through a wooded area.
- ๐ค๏ธ Boardwalks: Ensure safe viewing of geothermal features.
- โฟ Accessibility: Some trails may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
- ๐ ฟ๏ธ Parking: 143 total spaces, with 17 oversized spaces. Overflow parking available.
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Historical Background
- ๐ Named After: Philetus W. Norris, the second superintendent of Yellowstone.
- ๐๏ธ Norris Geyser Basin Museum: Built in 1929-30, a National Historic Landmark.
- ๐๏ธ Museum of the National Park Ranger: Located in the historic Norris Soldier Station.
- ๐บ๏ธ Early Exploration: Norris provided the first detailed information about the thermal features.
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Nearby Attractions
- ๐จ Artists Paintpots: A small thermal area with colorful hot springs and mudpots.
- ๐ Gibbon Falls: An 84-foot waterfall formed by the Yellowstone Caldera rim.
- ๐ซ๏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
- ๐ป Bears: Both black and grizzly bears are sometimes seen in the area.
- ๐ฆ Sagebrush Lizards: One of the few areas in the park where they live.
- ๐ธ Chorus Frogs: Listen for them in spring.
- ๐ฆ Killdeer: Found year-round, feeding on insects in the warm waters.
- ๐ Gibbon River: Popular for fly-fishing, home to brook trout, brown trout, grayling, and rainbow trout.
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Visitor Information
- ๐ Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
- ๐ป Facilities: Restrooms available near the parking lot.
- ๐ Bookstore: Located near the entrance, offers educational materials.
- ๐ Safety: Stay on boardwalks to avoid dangerous thermal features.
- ๐ Parking: 143 total spaces, with overflow parking available.
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