Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook Yellowstone

This elevated viewing platform provides the classic aerial perspective of Grand Prismatic Spring that most ground-level visitors miss. The brilliant orange, yellow, and green rings are created by heat-loving bacteria that thrive at different temperatures radiating out from the 160°F center. The overlook sits about 0.8 miles up a moderate trail from the Fairy Falls trailhead parking area.

Access requires a 1.6-mile round-trip hike on relatively flat terrain, but the trail can be crowded during peak summer months. Best colors appear midday when the sun illuminates the bacterial mats. Winter access is possible but requires snowshoes or cross-country skis, and the spring often steams heavily obscuring the view.

Aerial view of Yellowstone's rainbow hot spring