Upper Geyser Basin has the largest concentration of geysers in the world.  Although, Old Faithful is the star of the show, it is not the biggest geyser or most regular geyser.  However, it does erupt about every 90 minutes, with the eruptions lasting anywhere from 1.5 to 5 minutes.  During these eruptions it expels thousands of gallons of boiling water and reaches heights anywhere from 106 to 184 feet.  

The National Park Service provides estimates for the next eruption in Education Center, which explains more about the hydrothermal features and the history of Yellowstone’s volcanic geology.  By the way, Yellowstone is still an active volcano and there are stories that it is going to erupt again soon.  

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Since Old Faithful is so regular in its eruptions, you will have plenty of time to explore the rest of the Upper Basin.  There are a number of trails or walkways around the basin that provide visitors ample opportunity to view some incredible, not so famous, hot springs, fumaroles, and mudpots.  Here some of my favorites (pictures are better than words):

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We are not done yet but the next picture is of the Grand Geyser – it is the world’s tallest predictable Geyser. It did not erupt while I was there but its activity is linked with nearby geysers; the sequence takes 7 to 15 hours and culminates in an eruption that last 9 to 12 minutes, with heights reaching 180 feet or more.

And then there are more —

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Well, after I spent most of my day in the Upper Basin, it was time to do some basic housekeeping and make sure everything was in order for the rest of this journey.  I have been out for three weeks – Amerigo is doing great and the puppies have been troopers, but they are a little tired of traveling, I think.  I bought them Yellowstone throws (2 for $20) to keep them cozy at night. Rudy managed to commandeer both of them, but Ruby is fine her Chuckit dog bed under the table.

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Of course, since I love mornings, I had to get up early to try to catch an eruption at sunrise.  My campsite was about 45 minutes away, so I was on the road at 5:00 a.m.  Old Faithfull at sunrise did not disappoint and there was only about a dozen people who had the same thought – Perfect.  Do I know how to have fun or what?

#dofunshitalways #dfsa247 #yellowstone #nps #resist