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Outdoors

Yellowstone Grand Prismatic Overlook Hike

You walk the start of the Fairy Falls Trail, then take a short side path that climbs gently to a viewpoint looking down on Grand Prismatic Spring and the rest of Midway Geyser Basin.

For The Reps · Updated

hike scenery for Yellowstone Grand Prismatic Overlook near Wyoming
Photo: Grand Prismatic Spring (5 August 2013) 1 (14484911372) by James St. John, CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0). Via Wikimedia Commons.
Where
Wyoming, USA
Distance
1.9 km (1.2 miles) return
Climb
32 m (105 ft)
Time
1-2 hours
Difficulty
Easy

The route

Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail from the Fairy Falls Trailhead and back.

Park at the Fairy Falls parking lot, 1.6 km (1 mile) south of Midway Geyser Basin on the road between Madison and Old Faithful. Parking is very limited.

When to go

In 2026 the roads from the West Entrance to Madison and on to Old Faithful are open to regular vehicles from 17 April to 31 October; the park lists the trail for summer, autumn and winter.

Permits and fees

Entrance costs $35 per vehicle or $20 per person for 7 days, and in 2026 non-US residents aged 16 or over pay an extra $100 each unless they hold an annual or America the Beautiful pass. No trail permit is mentioned for this walk.

Before you go

  • This is a busy area in summer, so arrive early or late to find a space in the small car park.
  • To make a longer outing, carry on along the same trail to Fairy Falls, which drops 61 m (200 ft).
  • Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and hike in a group of three or more if you can.

What to bring

  • Shoes with grip that you have already worn in
  • At least 1.5 litres of water
  • Food you will actually want to eat
  • A warm or waterproof layer
  • The route, saved offline
  • Sun cream and a hat

Getting ready for it

If your longest walk lately is under two hours, do a few longer walks first, ideally with some climbing and the pack you will carry.

Step-ups and lunges twice a week make the descents much easier on your knees.

Staying safe

  • This is bear country: stay at least 91 m (100 yards) from bears and wolves.
  • Tell someone your route and when you expect to be back.
  • Turn around if the weather turns or the footing gets sketchy. The trail will still be there.

Route details checked September 30, 2026 against nps.gov, nps.gov, nps.gov, nps.gov, nps.gov and nps.gov. Rules and closures change, so check before you go.