Largest Geysers in Yellowstone

Largest, Tallest, Highest, and Biggest Geysers in Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park is home to the world’s most spectacular geysers, and among them, some are true giants that define the park’s unique geothermal landscape. These natural wonders erupt with incredible power, sending boiling water and steam hundreds of feet into the air. Here’s a detailed look at the ten largest geysers in Yellowstone — each with its own character, rhythm, and grandeur.

Quick Reference: List of Largest Geysers in Yellowstone

Rank	Geyser Name	Location (Geyser Basin)	Approx. Eruption Height	Eruption Pattern / Notes
1	Steamboat Geyser	Norris Geyser Basin	Up to 300 ft (91 m)	Tallest active geyser in the world; eruptions are unpredictable but dramatic
2	Giant Geyser	Upper Geyser Basin	Up to 200 ft (61 m)	Immense eruptions lasting over an hour; occurs rarely but is breathtaking
3	Beehive Geyser	Upper Geyser Basin	Up to 200 ft (61 m)	Narrow, powerful jet lasting several minutes; preceded by a small “indicator” geyser
4	Grand Geyser	Upper Geyser Basin	180–200 ft (55–61 m)	Tallest predictable geyser; erupts every 6–7 hours
5	Great Fountain Geyser	Lower Geyser Basin	75–200 ft (23–61 m)	Highly photogenic with multi-tiered terraces; erupts roughly every 9–15 hours
6	Castle Geyser	Upper Geyser Basin	Up to 90 ft (27 m)	Cone geyser with dramatic steam phase after eruption
7	Riverside Geyser	Upper Geyser Basin	70–100 ft (21–30 m)	Arches gracefully over Firehole River; erupts every 6 hours on average
8	Daisy Geyser	Upper Geyser Basin	70–80 ft (21–24 m)	Reliable eruptions every 2–3 hours; highly predictable
9	Fountain Geyser	Lower Geyser Basin	Up to 75 ft (23 m)	Fountain-type geyser with long, chaotic eruptions
10	Excelsior Geyser Crater	Midway Geyser Basin	Historic 300 ft (inactive)	Once erupted to 300 ft in the 1800s; now functions as a boiling spring only

1. Steamboat Geyser (Norris Geyser Basin)

Steamboat Geyser is the undisputed king of Yellowstone’s geysers and holds the title of the tallest active geyser in the world. Located in the Norris Geyser Basin, Steamboat can shoot boiling water over 300 feet (91 meters) high during a major eruption. Its eruptions are unpredictable, sometimes occurring days apart, other times years. When Steamboat does erupt, the spectacle can last for hours, followed by days of steam venting. It’s the most powerful natural water eruption on Earth and one of the park’s most thrilling sights.

2. Giant Geyser (Upper Geyser Basin)

Giant Geyser, one of the largest in the Upper Geyser Basin, can blast water up to 200 feet (61 meters) into the air. Its eruptions are rare but incredibly dramatic, lasting for over an hour with impressive bursts of steam and water. The geyser sits in the Giant Group, near the Firehole River, and is closely monitored by geyser enthusiasts for signs of activity, as small precursors often precede a major eruption.

3. Grand Geyser (Upper Geyser Basin)

Grand Geyser is the world’s tallest predictable geyser, erupting approximately every 6 to 7 hours. It can shoot boiling water as high as 180 to 200 feet (55–61 meters) in multiple bursts that last up to 10 minutes. Visitors often gather near its viewing area to witness its spectacular display, which combines immense height with rhythm and consistency, making it a highlight of any Yellowstone trip.

4. Great Fountain Geyser (Lower Geyser Basin)

Great Fountain Geyser erupts in graceful cycles, shooting water between 75 and 200 feet (23–61 meters) into the air. Located on Firehole Lake Drive, this geyser is surrounded by terraced pools that create a mirror-like reflection of the sky and steam during eruptions. The display is slow, elegant, and one of the most photogenic in the park, especially at sunset when the light reflects off its pools.

5. Castle Geyser (Upper Geyser Basin)

Castle Geyser is famous for its fortress-like cone, which inspired its name. Its eruptions send boiling water up to 90 feet (27 meters) high, followed by a dramatic 20-minute steam phase. The geyser’s cone is thousands of years old, making it one of the most ancient active geysers in Yellowstone. Castle’s combination of power, sound, and history makes it a favorite among photographers and park visitors.

6. Daisy Geyser (Upper Geyser Basin)

Daisy Geyser may not be as tall as some of its neighbors, but it’s one of the most reliable large geysers in Yellowstone. Its eruptions reach 70 to 80 feet (21–24 meters) high and last about three to five minutes. Daisy’s predictable nature — usually erupting every two to three hours — makes it a must-see feature for visitors wanting to experience an active geyser without long waiting times.

7. Riverside Geyser (Upper Geyser Basin)

Riverside Geyser sits on the edge of the Firehole River and erupts at a beautiful 70–100 feet (21–30 meters) arc over the water. The symmetry and scenic location make it one of the most picturesque geysers in the park. Its eruptions occur roughly every six hours, lasting about 20 minutes, and the reflection of its plume in the river adds to its magic, especially during sunset.

8. Beehive Geyser (Upper Geyser Basin)

Beehive Geyser lives up to its name with a cone that resembles an old-fashioned beehive. When active, it erupts with astonishing force, shooting water up to 200 feet (61 meters) high in a narrow, roaring jet. Eruptions are not regular but are often preceded by a smaller “indicator” geyser nearby, signaling visitors that the big show is about to begin. The sheer intensity of Beehive’s eruption makes it one of the park’s loudest and most exciting sights.

9. Fountain Geyser (Lower Geyser Basin)

Fountain Geyser is located in the Fountain Paint Pot area and is one of the park’s most dynamic large geysers. Its eruptions reach heights of 75 feet (23 meters) and last about half an hour, accompanied by heavy bursts of steam and splashing water. The geyser pool bubbles violently before each eruption, creating anticipation for visitors who gather around to witness the full power of Yellowstone’s geothermal system.

10. Excelsior Geyser (Midway Geyser Basin)

Excelsior Geyser is a massive crater that once erupted explosively, reaching heights of up to 300 feet in the 19th century. Today, it functions more like a boiling hot spring, continuously discharging more than 4,000 gallons of 199°F (93°C) water per minute into the Firehole River. Even though it no longer erupts in its former glory, the sheer size of its crater and the amount of steaming water flowing from it make Excelsior one of Yellowstone’s largest geothermal features.