Crested Pool

Crested Pool is one of the most captivating and striking hot springs in Yellowstone’s Upper Geyser Basin, admired for its mesmerizing blue waters and the distinctive sinter rim that gives the feature its name. Set amidst the geysers and pools near Old Faithful, this spring presents a perfect balance of beauty and raw geothermal power. Visitors are often drawn to it for its clarity, constant motion, and the subtle hissing sound that surrounds it, giving a sense of nature’s steady heartbeat beneath the earth.

Crested Pool

Crested Pool Boiling 

Quick Reference: Crested Pool

Feature	Details
Name	Crested Pool
Location	Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
Type	Hot Spring
Geothermal Feature	Constantly boiling spring with siliceous sinter formations
Water Temperature	Average 191.1°F (88.4°C)
pH Level	8.9 (highly alkaline)
Conductivity	2269 µS/cm
Appearance	Deep, clear, vivid blue pool with a beautifully scalloped sinter rim
Activity	Almost constantly boiling; occasional bursts up to 6 feet (2 m)
Notable Feature	Intricate “crested” edge formed by mineral deposits; audible sizzling sound from boiling activity
Depth	Estimated over 42 feet (13 m)
Bacterial Growth	Minimal due to extreme heat, resulting in crystal-clear water
Formation Process	Hot silica-rich water deposits sinter around the pool edges over time
Nearby Attractions	Castle Geyser, Grand Geyser, Daisy Geyser, Old Faithful
Accessibility	Easily accessible via the Upper Geyser Basin boardwalk
Best Viewing Time	Early morning or late afternoon for vivid color and steam effects
Safety Note	Stay on designated boardwalks; extremely hot and fragile ground surfaces
Fun Fact	The pool’s “crested” rim inspired its name and makes it one of Yellowstone’s most photogenic springs

With temperatures averaging 191.1°F (88.4°C), Crested Pool is almost constantly boiling, at times sending up bursts of water as high as six feet (2 meters). The pool’s nearly circular shape, deep vent, and active convection currents make it a stunning yet formidable sight. The intense heat within the pool prevents most bacterial or algal growth, which is why its waters remain exceptionally clear and appear a vivid blue, especially under direct sunlight. This clarity allows visitors to see the vent’s depth and observe the constant churning below the surface.

The defining characteristic of Crested Pool is the intricate sinter formation that surrounds it—delicate, lace-like mineral deposits formed by the precipitation of silica from the hot water. This ornate rim, resembling a natural crest, is the source of the spring’s name. Boiling is particularly active along this “crested” edge, producing rhythmic splashes and audible sizzling sounds as bubbles rise and burst along the perimeter. The combination of heat, motion, and mineral texture makes this pool a remarkable example of the artistry of geothermal activity.

Crested Pool has an average pH of 8.9 and an average conductivity of 2269 uS/cm, indicating highly alkaline water rich in dissolved minerals. These chemical properties are typical of Yellowstone’s hot springs, where deep underground water interacts with volcanic rock before reemerging at the surface.

For visitors, Crested Pool is easily accessible via the Upper Geyser Basin boardwalk, located along the popular route that also features Castle, Grand, and Daisy Geysers. The best time to view the pool is early morning or late afternoon, when the lighting highlights its blue depth and the rising steam creates a mysterious, dreamlike atmosphere. While it may look inviting, the spring’s water is dangerously hot—getting too close is not only unsafe but can damage the fragile sinter formations that have taken centuries to form.