After exploring Porcelain Basin, we made our way to Norris Back Basin, home to some of the area’s most striking geothermal features. Near the entrance lies one of the most vividly colored attractions—Emerald Spring (above). Its stunning turquoise hue comes from the sulphur-rich water, which absorbs every color of light except blue.
Steamboat Geyser, the tallest geyser on Earth, erupts unpredictably every 3 to 6 months, sending scalding water soaring over 90 meters into the sky. During our visit, we watched it bubble and sputter dramatically for about 15 minutes—but unfortunately, we didn’t witness one of its rare full-scale eruptions.
Positioned across the boardwalk from Steamboat Geyser, Cistern Spring is another striking turquoise pool in the Norris Back Basin. Subsurface connections link it directly to Steamboat Geyser, causing it to drain whenever Steamboat erupts. Typically, Cistern Spring overflows steadily, depositing around 36 millimeters of sinter annually.
Echinus Geyser was once known for its reliable eruptions, which occurred every 35 to 75 minutes and sent acidic water as high as 18 meters into the air. However, in the late 1990s, its activity began to decline, and it hasn't erupted since 2020. As the largest of the rare acidic geysers—its water has a pH level similar to vinegar—Echinus is also unique in the Norris Back Basin for the distinctive red mineral deposits that ring its vent.
Norris Back Basin is dotted with numerous smaller springs and geysers, each with its own distinct charm. Crater Spring (above), often seen as a miniature version of Emerald Spring, features similar vivid coloring on a smaller scale.
Green Dragon Spring (above) makes a dramatic impression with thick steam continuously billowing from the sulfur-lined cave at its source. While it shares some similarities with Dragon’s Mouth Spring in the Mud Volcano area, Green Dragon differs in one key aspect: instead of muddy water, a steady stream of clear, green-hued water flows gracefully from the cave into the outside pool.
Yellow Funnel Spring (above) may not be among the most dramatic features in Norris Back Basin, but it stands out with its distinctive yellow coloration, giving it a subtle yet unique appeal.
Our favorite highlight in the Norris Back Basin was Vixen Geyser. We were fortunate to arrive during an ongoing eruption that had already been in action for an hour. It's known for its unpredictable and temperamental eruptions, which is why it was named "Vixen". Though modest in size, this feisty geyser is one of the most animated in the area, vigorously shooting water up to 10 meters into the air with impressive energy.
As we explored Norris Basin, it became clear that many geysers can appear quite unremarkable when they’re not actively erupting. If we hadn’t caught Vixen Geyser in action, we might have questioned why it even warranted a sign along the boardwalk.
Years ago, Minute Geyser (above) lived up to its name by erupting every 60 seconds, launching jets of water up to 15 meters high. Unfortunately, over time, careless visitors threw rocks into the vent, clogging its natural channel. Today, this once-spectacular geyser has been reduced to a faint reminder of its former power.
We were fairly impressed by the geothermal wonders of Norris Basin—its variety of features and occasional eruptions made for a fascinating visit. However, we're curious to see how it compares to the renowned Old Faithful geyser area, which we plan to explore tomorrow.
As we continued our journey toward West Yellowstone, we took a break at a pullout overlooking Gibbon Meadows to enjoy lunch. These open meadows offer a peaceful contrast to the surrounding dense forest, formed by the seasonal flooding of the winding Gibbon River. The lush grasslands had attracted a couple of bison, adding a classic Yellowstone touch to the tranquil setting.
