The Grand Prismatic Spring

My previous sloppiness was due to my next attraction, the Grand Prismatic, Yellowstone's all-star attraction. My travel guide had prepared me well for photographing the Grand Prismatic, but once I finally got there, things didn't go as planned. Attraction rating: 5 stars. As we approached the parking lot, the fork in the road leading to the parking lot was completely blocked. My father-in-law got out of the car to explore the area and learned that the parking lot ahead was completely full, so only one car could enter and one car could leave. Yellowstone's star attraction truly lives up to its reputation! We patiently waited for each car to enter and exit. There were no security guards or staff present, and everyone's cars lined up at the entrance, waiting for all the cars inside to exit before entering. After parking, we followed the uphill trail, which formed a circular path around the Grand Prismatic and several surrounding smaller prisms. Walking the entire circular path allowed us to see the Grand Prismatic up close. However, from such a close distance, the Grand Prismatic seemed incredibly large, haha. Not only the Grand Prismatic itself, but even the surrounding area was barely visible without any wind. The entire slope was filled with steam, reminiscent of a scene from Journey to the West. Everyone felt like they were transported through a spiritual realm, possessed by immortal spirits. At the end of September, Huangshi had already seen heavy snowfall! On the way down, hail and snow suddenly fell. It was a first for me to witness such a scene at this time of year, and I couldn't help but feel a little excited. Along the way, I happened to meet a foreigner in a short-sleeved shirt and shorts, still unafraid of the snow and wind, enthusiastically continuing his ascent. Everyone else was also extremely excited.

The best place to view it is not the boardwalk around the lake, but starting from Fairy Falls Trailhead, walking 0.6 miles and climbing a small hill to the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook.

The best time to view the hot springs is around noon, when the colors of the springs are particularly rich under bright direct sunlight and there are no reflections on the lake surface.

We knew the view would be better at noon, so why did we go up the mountain in the morning? The reason was simple: parking at the trailhead was extremely limited, and arriving at noon would have been impossible without exceptional luck. Furthermore, the temperature in the hot spring area was incredibly high. Even though it was only early July, the heat was already raging early in the morning, and by the time we descended the mountain around 11:00 PM, everyone was drenched in sweat. From noon to 3:30 PM that day, we stayed near the visitor center to escape the heat.

Of course, it is famous not only for its size, but more importantly for its vibrant and varied colors. We did not wait until noon at the observation deck, as the colors of the Grand Prism were already very vibrant. At noon, it would have been like a postcard, showing a deeper blue and brighter yellow and orange.

Of course, it is famous not only for its size, but more importantly for its vibrant and varied colors. We did not wait until noon at the observation deck, as the colors of the Grand Prism were already very vibrant. At noon, it would have been like a postcard, showing a deeper blue and brighter yellow and orange.

As the landmark of Yellowstone and the Eye of the Earth, the Grand Prismatic is a must-see, but how to see it is very particular. There is a circle of trails around the Grand Prismatic. If you only look at it from the trails, you will undoubtedly not know the true face of Mount Lu. Coupled with the heat of winter, it feels like visiting a giant bathhouse. Therefore, the key to seeing the Grand Prismatic is to find a trail that goes up the mountain and overlook it from a high place to see the panoramic view of the Grand Prismatic. When we went there, it was said that the trail up the mountain was closed due to safety issues, so we just visited a giant bathhouse, which is a pity. There is a bench next to the Grand Prismatic. I don’t know if it is specially designed for people to climb up and overlook it, but the bench is more than half a meter high and is basically useless.

The Grand Prismatic Spring (also known as the Grand Rainbow) is the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest in the world. It has been named "the most beautiful surface on Earth." Discovered by geologists in 1871, it was named the Grand Prismatic Spring for its striking colors, which range from green to bright red to orange. The hot spring water is rich in minerals, allowing algae and colored bacteria in the colonies to survive near the water, resulting in these colors. Due to the high temperature in the center of the hot spring, no living things can survive. From the inside out, the colors appear different, including blue, green, yellow, orange, tangerine, and red. A pedestrian wooden boardwalk has been built around the Grand Prismatic Spring, and it takes about 40 minutes to walk around it. The best angle to view the Grand Prismatic Spring is from above. Of course, when conditions do not permit, some tourists climb to the lower slope opposite to overlook it, which allows for some great photos.

While walking through the Grand Prismatic Hot Springs area, I was too close to the hot springs to see their entirety. The Grand Prismatic Hot Springs can be viewed from the Fairy Falls Trail, which leads to a small hill southwest of the hot springs. Driving, you can use a GPS to locate Fairy Falls, where there's a parking area. Then, follow the signs up the hill—it's a short, 20-minute walk. While the climb from the parking lot to the top of the hill is a bit arduous, the moment you see the view, you have no complaints. The view from here is truly stunning, offering a panoramic view of the entire "Big Eye." The sun was out, creating a vibrant, vibrant scene.

In the early morning, the temperature was low and the fog was thick, so we couldn’t see anything at the Grand Prism. In addition, the wooden plank road was covered with a thick layer of frost and was very slippery, so we decided to come back in the afternoon.

To reach the site from the parking lot, one must cross a small river and climb a hill. A one-way plank road connects the entire attraction, with several hot spring pools in front. Hot water flows down the riverbank into the river below, creating a steaming atmosphere. Further in, the most spectacular Grand Prismatic Hot Springs is located. The afternoon temperature is likely above 15 degrees Celsius, and the mist has largely dissipated, though the steam from the hot spring itself remains intense. On sunny days, the vibrant beauty of the Grand Prismatic Hot Springs is fully on display. The spring water is crystal clear, appearing a deep blue due to its depth. The surrounding area appears multicolored due to the diverse minerals it contains and the presence of thermophilic bacteria. The ripples appearing on the surface are truly remarkable, a work of art unmatched by human effort.

If you want to see the entire Grand Prism, you must take the Fairy Falls hiking trail, which takes about half an hour one way.

Although the weather hasn't improved, the Grand Prismatic's colorful beauty doesn't make us feel too disappointed. If the sun comes out, the temperature rises, and the fog decreases, the colors will be more transparent and richer.

The Grand Prismatic Basin is also home to a variety of hot springs. Wooden plank paths connect the various hot springs, and visitors are kindly advised to explore them in a clockwise direction. But then the sun suddenly came out, and while the Grand Prismatic Basin remained shrouded in thick fog, the smaller hot springs, already radiant, were ablaze. Without hesitation, Junye rushed to the smaller hot springs, located counterclockwise.

In the summer, the temperature is higher and the fog is less. Even without climbing up the mountainside, the Grand Prism in the sunlight is still as bright as a rainbow.

The Grand Prismatic Spring is one of Yellowstone's signature attractions, and there are countless pictures of it online. There are two ways to view it: one is to follow the traditional tour route for a closer look, which I won't discuss, and to be honest, it feels rather bland from a closer distance.

Another way to enjoy the panoramic views is to climb the surrounding mountains. First, drive to the Fairy Falls parking lot, park, walk across the bridge, and head north. After about a kilometer, you'll see a sign for the Grand Prismatic Overlook. Follow the signs to the left and climb the mountain. After about 400 meters, you'll reach the specially constructed viewing platform. Now it's time to take out your phone and take some photos.

Yellowstone National Park's Grand Prismatic Spring, also known as the Grand Rainbow Spring, is the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest in the world. Measuring approximately 75 to 91 meters wide and 49 meters deep, it gushes out approximately 2,000 liters of groundwater at a temperature of approximately 71°C per minute. A prominent representative of Yellowstone's hot springs, the Grand Prismatic Spring, with a diameter exceeding 100 meters, displays a vibrant array of colors, including blue, green, yellow, orange, and red, extending from its center outward. It is one of the largest and most colorful hot springs in the world.

It is too big, so you can only take partial photos from the viewing path. You must go to a high place to see the panoramic view when the sky is blue and the clouds are white.

Dasuojing Hot Spring is also known as the "Seven-Color Pool".

This river, known to hunters in the past as the "Fire Hole River," is the only way to reach the Dasuojing Hot Springs. Already, a dazzling array of colorful pools is emerging on both sides of the river. Vivid orange and ochre, jewel-like blue and emerald green—this is what's been hailed as "the most beautiful surface on Earth."

The stunning colors of the surface also change with the seasons. This is because the ratio of chlorophyll to carotenoids in the mineral-rich waters, which are inhabited by microorganisms such as algae and pigment-containing bacteria, changes with the seasons, giving the waters different colors.

Yellowstone National Park is the oldest national park in the United States. Americans proudly call it "the most unique and magical paradise on earth." The Grand Prismatic Spring in the park is the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest in the world. The color of the Grand Prismatic Spring changes with the seasons. The rich and natural colors are like God's overturned palette. It has been named "the most beautiful surface on earth." If you go to Yellowstone National Park and see the Grand Prismatic Spring, you will never go back to other similar attractions, such as Huanglong. The colors there are absolutely incomparable.

The most difficult place to park in the entire Yellowstone is the Grand Prismatic, so come as early as possible or in the evening to find a parking space more easily.

The Grand Prism itself is very large, and because of the heat, it is difficult to photograph it completely. Therefore, although the photos below were taken in that area, they are not of the Grand Prism itself.

A few words give a good overview of Yellowstone Park. I just want to say three words: "worth going"!

One of the most famous geysers in Yellowstone National Park, it is also the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest in the world.

Next, we headed to the most famous Grand Prismatic Fountain. I'd researched online beforehand and found a path leading to the top of the mountain for the best viewing spot. Initially, I worried I wouldn't find it, but once I got there, I realized it wasn't just a path at all. It was a well-traveled, clearly marked, "official" tourist route, easy to follow. Honestly, this vantage point for viewing the Grand Prismatic Fountain is truly exceptional, offering an unobstructed view of its entirety, perfectly capturing the entirety of the scene in my camera lens.

After exiting Big Geyser, we continued our navigation towards Old Faithful. We soon arrived at a heavily parked attraction. We almost stopped, but my wife saw patches of yellow shimmering in the nearby river and decided to check it out. We then turned around and drove into the parking lot. A sign at the intersection read: Grand Prismatic Hot Spring. After we crossed the bridge, we saw a stream of hot, sulfur-smelling liquid cascading down from the heights, staining the riverside rocks yellow. After crossing the bridge and climbing a slope, we came upon a large hot spring. Its center was blue, and its color faded from light yellow to dark yellow towards the outer edges. It was a truly beautiful sight. Walking further along the plank road, you'll find the even more magical Grand Prismatic Hot Spring, whose surrounding area and upper surface are shrouded in a magical, multicolored halo, resembling a prism. From the center of the spring, emerald green hot springs continuously gush out, and hot vapors evaporate and permeate the surface and surrounding areas. Sunlight illuminates them, creating a multicolored mist. Especially in a gentle breeze, these wisps of mist drift with the wind, creating an ever-changing, fairy-like scene. In the shallowly submerged area surrounding the spring, the long-term effects of the sulfides in the hot springs create a shimmering, submerged hue of blue, green, yellow, orange, rust, and reddish-brown. As the water undulates, the underwater colors are breathtaking. This stunning scene captivated all visitors, and even a little girl nearby couldn't stop exclaiming, "Beautiful! Beautiful!"

You can only see its full view by climbing the opposite hillside when the weather is clear and there is less fog. (Since there is no hiking in the group, you can only choose to go on your own and climb with the local group.) On the wooden plank road, you can only see the true face of the Grand Prism when the weather is very good.

The Grand Prism is so beautiful, whether you look at it from close up or from a distance, it is absolutely stunning!

Yellowstone's water is hot, and when the temperature is low, it produces steam. Therefore, the best time to visit the Grand Prismatic Geyser is around noon. The best photo op is to get off at the middle geyser parking lot, follow the trail up the mountain to the waterfall, and there's an observation deck. Our first visit was late, so we couldn't see anything up close; it was all steam...

The next day, I didn't give up. After visiting Grand Teton, I had plenty of time, so I went there again. This time, the Grand Prismatic still had some mystery, with some curling green smoke.

So if you want to take good photos, it is best to come at noon in summer, when there is no water vapor to disturb you and it is very magnificent.

Walking on the plank road of the middle geyser, it was foggy and so I couldn't see her face clearly. In fact, the best angle to see the Grand Prism is to look down. You can see the Grand Prism by climbing up the short slope opposite. It takes about an hour and a half to walk around. If you want to take the perfect panoramic view on the Internet, you probably need to take a helicopter. Don't ask me why I didn't take a picture, because I was poor.

Even though the sunlight is not strong enough and is naughty, I always think that I can capture its other side.

From a distance, you can barely feel anything, just a vast expanse of water emitting steam and heat. However, a 40-minute walk up a slope about a kilometer away, and looking from halfway up the mountain, you will discover the unparalleled beauty.

The large prism in the distance is like an emerald mirror, embedded in the surrounding rocky beaches and woods, and the travelers around it are like ants.

The picture is quite shocking, and this perspective is generally not achieved in group tours. This is also the advantage of independent travel.

The most beautiful hot spring in Yellowstone National Park, it is the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest in the world. From the observation deck, you can see the Grand Prism as it appears in magazines, with a big green eye and long orange eyelashes, which is very beautiful.

To see the full view of the Grand Prismatic Mirror, you have to go to the opposite halfway point. It's extraordinary. Wow, it's so exciting, but I really regret not bringing a camera. If I had known the hike was so easy, I would have brought it. Well, I will record this moment with my eyes. Thank God.

The Grand Prismatic Spring is the signature or the facade of Yellowstone. We followed the navigation to the parking lot of the Grand Prismatic Spring Scenic Area. There were too many vehicles and we saw the most tour buses along the way.

There is a wooden plank road to the Grand Prismatic Spring, and the entire plank road takes about 40 minutes to tour. Unfortunately, the view from the plank road is very flat, and the full view of the Grand Prismatic Spring cannot be seen.

When I walked up to the Grand Prismatic Observation Deck and saw the entire Grand Prismatic Spring, I was truly stunned by the beauty. Nature's uncanny craftsmanship created such a beautiful masterpiece that I just wanted to stop and take a look.

As we approached the Grand Prismatic Spring, the path below was already filled with shallow hot spring water. I squatted by its edge for a long time, contemplating it. It looked so refreshing and refreshing, but after a long struggle, I finally decided not to take the plunge. I arrived at the legendary Grand Prismatic Spring. Ah, hot springs in autumn are truly a tragedy. After waiting for ages, I finally managed to capture a glimpse of the distant green water. Forget it, I gave up. The Grand Prismatic Spring is so large that capturing its entirety from the path was impossible. I'd read in travelogues that you can detour to a wild hilltop south of the hot springs for a bird's-eye view, perfect for capturing panoramic views. Unfortunately, I checked the official website before leaving, but that area has been "reclaimed" and is now closed for construction of the official plank road.

We arrived at the Grand Prismatic, but the fog was so thick it was completely blurry, nothing like the images online. Also, drones aren't allowed in Yellowstone, so from the boardwalk, we couldn't see the entire Grand Prismatic. However, the smaller one next to the Grand Prismatic still had some color variations, created naturally by algae and bacteria. It was truly a marvel of nature.

Even before entering the Grand Prismatic Spring, the sight of the surging Firehole River shrouded in mist is already captivating. After seeing the same old, smoldering hot springs, the vibrant colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring will truly captivate you. The scenery surrounding the hot spring is also breathtaking.

The Grand Prism is like a shy beauty who is always reluctant to reveal her true face to the public. Visitors are prohibited from entering and can only watch it from afar on the wooden plank road.

So the closer you get to the Grand Prismatic Spring, the less you can see its standard full view, but up close, you can feel the steamy heat of the Grand Prismatic Spring and hear its gentle pulsation.

You don’t need to look at the map to find the scenic spots, just walk in the direction of the crowds.

In the distance, I spotted a bridge, and a crowd of tourists were strolling along the boardwalk connecting it. This must be the direction of the Grand Prismatic Spring. A wooden boardwalk has been built around the Grand Prismatic Spring, and a complete walk takes about 40 minutes (I doubt it's that long, as it includes time for viewing and taking photos). At sunset, a photo opportunity at a suitable spot by the spring is absolutely essential.

We had other plans when the sun was setting. Another suitable time to visit the Grand Prismatic Spring is at noon, because there is less fog on the water surface at this time and the colors are clearer. We arrived at almost noon.

The feeling of viewing this spring from close up and from a distance is completely different. Because a large amount of hot water gushes out every minute, the hot and humid mist never dissipates, and the area around the hot spring appears a mixture of orange and red colors.

Looking at the Grand Prismatic Spring from a high vantage point, it's consistent with the description on Baidu, with a blue center and orange, red, and yellow rims. The Grand Prismatic Spring is truly beautiful, and it's a true pleasure to behold, not the kind of beauty that only exists in photos.

I highly recommend it for both close-up and far-flung views. Of all the springs in Yellowstone, the Grand Prismatic Spring is probably the most beautiful. From up close, you only get a flat view, but climbing up the mountain and looking from afar gives you a panoramic view, which is incredibly beautiful. It's also located halfway up the mountain, so the climb is easy.

Hiking tips: Go south along the road where the Grand Prism parking lot is located until you reach

There's a sign at the back mountain parking lot (near the Tire Pool). After parking, follow the gray trail (Fairy Falls Trail) north. It's a short hike around the mountain and you'll arrive. It's quite crowded, so just follow the trail.

The panoramic view of the Grand Prism can only be seen from the fairy trail next to it. Tour groups generally do not come to this place.

It's so beautiful that I'm at a loss for words. It's so stunning... Because it's so big, if you take the side road you won't be able to see the whole picture. There are many people on the opposite side of the mountain, so you can see it more comprehensively.

The Grand Prismatic Spring is like a giant multicolored diamond that fell from the sky. Its beauty is beyond words. For the best view of Fairy Falls, be sure to park in the parking lot. Don't park on the side of the road (be careful of getting a ticket). Then follow the trail up the mountain. It takes about 30 minutes to climb and you can overlook the entire Grand Prismatic Spring. The fog is less at noon, but very thick at the end.

It is impossible to see the complete panoramic view of the Grand Prismatic Spring just by following the outer trail, and the viewing effect will be greatly reduced if you look at the Grand Prismatic Spring from a close distance because of the rising hot steam and wind.

Tips: The best time to photograph the Grand Prism is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., when the light is direct; and at noon, the amount of water vapor above the spring is the least, so the spring will not be obscured by water vapor when photographing. If it is in the morning or evening, the water vapor will be very heavy.

Stunning Yellowstone!

[Key Points]

You can follow the signs on the road to visit the Grand Prismatic in Midway Geyser Basin, but its pool surface is 115 meters in diameter, making it the largest hot spring pool in Yellowstone National Park. Plus, it's so foggy that you can't really see it from the edge. (Try to avoid going in the morning when it's foggy. We went to the Midway Geyser Basin in the afternoon and were quite satisfied with the experience.) Once you exit Midway Geyser Basin, continue south (towards West Thumb) for about 1-2 kilometers. You'll see a sign on the right side of the road called Fairy Falls. The parking lot is right there. Walk about 1.5 kilometers along the Fairy Falls Trail, and on the left side of the road is the uphill road to overlook the Grand Prismatic.

This path has become increasingly well-known to tourists in recent years. It's a well-trodden dirt road, but for safety reasons, officials have officially built a new road, which was completed this year. A round trip to the top of the mountain for the view takes at least an hour.

Unfortunately, due to time constraints, we did not climb to the top to overlook the entire Grand Prism, but we were very satisfied to be able to walk along the wooden boardwalk by the pool and feel its bright colors.

To be honest, I was a little disappointed at first glance, after all, the mist blocked its true appearance. Fortunately, the fog gradually blew away, and the beautiful rainbow-like colors were revealed. No matter how many beautiful pictures I have seen before, at this moment, facing "God's overturned paint palette", I was still very excited.

Occasionally, you'll see tourists' sunglasses and hats floating on the surface of the pool. The wind is very strong, so be sure to take good care of your belongings. Once you drop something, you won't be able to retrieve it even if you want to.

The much-anticipated Grand Prismatic Hot Springs are right before our eyes. This geothermal national park captivates visitors with its vibrant colors. It's difficult to truly see the Grand Prismatic Hot Springs from above, so tour groups can only offer a brief overview. From the center outward, the lake displays a vibrant array of blue, green, yellow, orange, and red, making it the largest and most vibrantly colored feature. While taking a break from photography, I spotted a group of people taking photos on the opposite hilltop. I suspect that's the perfect spot to capture the bird's-eye view, but I'd need to hike a bit. If you're visiting on your own, I highly recommend taking photos from the hilltop for even better results. From the inside out, the lake displays a riot of blue, green, yellow, orange, tangerine, and red. This is because varying water temperatures encourage the growth of different colored bacteria, resulting in a concentric shift in color. The beauty of the Grand Prismatic Hot Springs lies in the seasonal changes in its surface color. In summer, it appears orange, red, or yellow, while in winter, the waters take on a deep green hue. Walk along the plank road and you will see two small prismatic hot springs at the end. Although the colors are not as gorgeous as the large prisms, at least you can observe the changes in the hot springs and the formation of colors from a distance.

There are four things there: a hot spring, a geyser, and two pools. The Grand Prism is the most colorful of them all, and it feels like it brings together all the colors of the eye, with an unfathomable beauty.

The best way to appreciate the Grand Prismatic Spring is from a high vantage point, where you can see its fullest form. Close-up viewing often diminishes the effect due to the steam gushing from the spring. The best spot to view the Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone is at the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook, accessible via an uphill trail from the Fairy Falls parking lot. Before my visit, I'd researched various sources and found that the uphill trail was temporarily closed due to safety concerns, with no timetable for reopening. I was a bit disappointed, but I had no choice but to accept the situation.

Driving along the scenic road toward the Grand Prismatic Spring, we passed the Fairy Falls parking lot and suddenly noticed it was packed with cars. Many people were also coming out of the trail. Could it be that the trail was open? We quickly turned around and saw that the railings at the entrance had indeed disappeared. We were overjoyed. We happened to run into a few Chinese tourists coming down and learned that the platform was open. We were instantly overwhelmed with joy and, desperately, hurried up the mountain. After about 20 minutes of sprinting, we reached the viewpoint. My companion and I were already breathless. But it was all worth it to gaze upon the most beautiful surface on Earth: the Grand Prismatic Spring!

The moment I saw the Grand Prismatic, I felt I had no regrets about my trip to the United States. The hot springs, radiating from the center, shone with vibrant colors like blue, green, yellow, orange, and red, creating a vibrant, alluring spectacle. Its beauty is beyond words, and I can only marvel at the uncanny craftsmanship of nature, creating this most beautiful surface on Earth. Yellowstone was experiencing strong winds that day, and steam continuously billowed from the springs. Time-lapse photography revealed the Grand Prismatic like a giant steam boiler. Of course, the Grand Prismatic's peak beauty depends on sunlight; without it, its vibrant colors diminish significantly. Be sure to visit on a sunny day to admire it.

Unfortunately, the weather was not good. The sky was gloomy and without light, and the Grand Prism also folded up her colorful skirt.



I can only take pictures from a distance. When I get closer, it is all foggy and I can't take any pictures at all.

Safety reminder: You must walk on the plank road!!! Do not leave the plank road under any circumstances (extremely high temperature, life-threatening)!!!

Upon entering the Grand Prismatic Area, there are two hot spring pools. The first one is a mysterious, crystal-blue pool. Because we arrived early and the weather was still cold, the mist from the pool was even more pronounced, creating a truly magical experience.

It's like a giant colored diamond that has fallen into the world!!! Delicate, varied colors and rich textures.

My husband and I were discussing at the time: Do you think the first Indian who discovered the Grand Prism was so shocked that he fainted?

It takes about 40 minutes to walk around the Grand Prism on the wooden boardwalk. However, from the boardwalk, you can only see the Grand Prism from a close distance, and cannot see its entirety.

If you want to see the whole picture, the viewing point is not on the wooden plank road of the Grand Prism, but on a nearby hill.

After about 15 minutes of walking along the trail, you'll find a fork in the road on the left side of the hill. At the fork, there's a piece of paper that looks like a printed guide. Follow the fork, which leads you halfway up the mountain. There's a platform midway, offering the best view of the Grand Prism.

The Grand Prism is so beautiful!!! It is said that the Grand Prism at night is so beautiful that it makes people intoxicated.

The scenery here is like heaven and hell, as if to tell you that heaven and hell exist at the same time. It depends on your choice! Whether you can enjoy the best view is a bit dependent on the weather. The scenery here is most beautiful at noon when the sun is shining brightly. Don't miss it.

You can see the direction of the Grand Prism from the parking lot because it is steaming hot.

It is easier to climb the mountain in Yellowstone without hiking poles. There is a viewing platform on the mountain. The sunlight is matched with the blue sky and white clouds (the clouds feel like they are in an animation). It is really beautiful.

You can park at Fairy Falls and follow the trail up the mountain in about 20 minutes to see the full view of the Grand Prism, which is super beautiful.

The natural atmosphere is truly breathtaking wherever I go in the United States. I don't have the opportunity to look down from above...

Did you see it? It was all foggy, and you couldn't even see the real thing. Because the springs were hot and the weather was cold, the alternation between hot and cold... The result is predictable... So, there's still reason to go back to Yellowstone.

Near the Grand Prismatic Spring, there are several other springs, all of which have the characteristics of Jiuzhaigou in Sichuan and have dazzling colors.

The smoke in here is really bad, forcing me to wear a mask... It's not cold anymore, the smoke makes me feel warm, the scene is still very spectacular, and there are really a lot of people.

Our guide said he'd take us to see the Grand Prism in its entirety, so we followed him up a small hill. It was definitely worth it! The scene was so breathtaking, and photos can't capture the feeling. At least the smoke was moving!

Most people know Yellowstone through photos of the place. I'm no exception. The beauty of the Grand Prismatic Spring lies in the color of the lake. Due to the fluctuations in water temperature, various archaea are able to survive, giving the spring its unique color.

This is truly the treasure of Yellowstone Park, especially at dawn and dusk, it looks like a wild land billions of years ago. The most primitive landforms on earth are shocking, and the colors here are like God's overturned palette!

There are two ways to appreciate the Grand Prismatic Spring. One is to take the long trail next to it, which offers the closest view of the Grand Prismatic Spring's boundaries. If you want to see the whole thing, you need to drive to the parking lot behind the Grand Prismatic Spring and then hike for 20 minutes. There is a staircase with a platform above it, where you can admire the Grand Prismatic Spring from a slightly bird's-eye view.

It's incredibly beautiful. Unfortunately, it rained on my first day, so I couldn't see its true beauty. On my second visit, the mist was still floating, and the sunlight shone through, creating a vibrant display of colors that looked like a painting.

Grand Prismatic Spring is a very famous attraction in Yellowstone Park. There are not many people on the boardwalk. When taking pictures, tourists will consciously wait and are generally very friendly.

It is very deep and spectacular, filled with hot steam like a fairyland. The camera cannot capture its beauty or its full picture.

The alluvial springs are also very beautiful, with layers upon layers of colors, like terraced fields taken from an aerial view.

There are two places to view the Grand Prism: one is the close-up walking path, and the other is the overlooking point! The overlooking point is a must-see for you to see the entire Grand Prism!

The best viewing location of the Grand Prismatic is: 44.515444 -110.832492

Directly locate the coordinates and go there. If you directly locate the large prism, you will go to the plank road parking lot. There is also a parking lot at the overlooking point, but it takes a while to find a parking space.

As you can tell from the tight parking spaces, this is an attraction that you cannot miss if you pass by.

The Grand Prismatic Hot Spring is on the hillside next to the parking lot. When you walk across a bridge, you can already feel its full humidity. Because the temperature was very low that day and the wind was very strong, the wind direction was blowing from the top of the mountain to the parking lot, which made the way up the mountain extremely dangerous. Everyone was surrounded by white steam and the visibility was less than one meter. The hot air was mixed with the cold mountain wind. The alternation between hot and cold was rapid and inadvertent. Steam was rising in the previous second, and frost was howling in the next second. I think everyone who could climb the hillside at that time was a warrior!

When we got to the top of the mountain, there were three colorful hot spring pools. The two smaller ones in the front were easy to photograph in full view, but the largest one was too foggy to be seen. I later learned that the best place to photograph the largest hot spring was on the opposite mountain...

The colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring are breathtaking. Deep blue in the center, lighter blue toward the edges, green at the edges due to algae, then yellow to orange toward the outside, finally edged with red. Its vibrant colors captivate people from around the world, earning it the nickname "Earth's Most Beautiful Surface."

There is steam rising from the spring, and its entirety can be seen when there is no wind; when the wind is strong, the water vapor scatters, and the large prism is hidden in the mist.

Under the bridge, hot water was boiling and steaming.

As soon as you step onto the small wooden bridge, you will be surrounded by steaming heat.

The wooden bridge trails are lined with charming scenery

Hot water keeps bubbling up from cracks in the ground.



It reacts with various minerals to produce a variety of colors.

The Excelsior Fountain has erupted to a height and width exceeding 300 feet (91 meters)



The Excelsior Fountain, on the left side of the wooden bridge trail, gushes out approximately 16,000 liters of 93-degree hot water per minute.



Taking pictures of the Grand Prismatic Hot Spring Pool from the sightseeing plank road, there is steam everywhere and hot steam fills the air.



There is a crisscrossing textured landscape between Excelsior Fountain and Grand Prismatic Spring.



With curiosity in our hearts, we headed towards the Grand Prismatic Hot Spring.

Various minerals undergo oxidation reactions, presenting a variety of colors.

Although the closer you get to the Grand Prismatic Spring, the less you can see its standard full view, but up close, you can feel the heat of the Grand Prismatic Spring's steam and hear its gentle pulsation. It is a wonderful feeling that cannot be seen in photos and is immersive.

The beauty of the Grand Prismatic Spring lies in its changing colors with the seasons. At any given moment, the timing and lighting may not be optimal, but it remains unique. Each visitor will witness a uniquely vibrant display at different times and angles.

The process of exploring the Grand Prismatic Hot Spring is itself a wonderful enjoyment!

Continue walking and looking at the beautiful turquoise hot spring pool.

The first picture below is the famous Grand Prism. It is a flat picture and the details are not very clear.

You can't see the whole picture at eye level, but you can still see the colors, and you will still be amazed when you are in it.

If you want to see the whole picture clearly, you need to drive more than 1 km to a small trail, climb up the hill along the road, and you will see the best view in the second picture below.



It's beautiful, isn't it? However, this isn't its most beautiful season. The most beautiful season is probably summer, when the temperature is high. The difference between the temperature of the hot spring and the air temperature is not much, so there won't be so much steam rising. Without the steam, you can clearly see the full blue sky. If you don't believe it, you can go to Baidu and search for it. It's guaranteed to be honest.

There's a small path up the mountain that leads to a panoramic view, which I had been looking forward to seeing in the guide. However, the path was closed when I visited, which was a shame. If you look up close, you won't get the full view, and the experience is definitely incomparable!

Yellowstone National Park, the world's first and largest national park, covers approximately 898,317 hectares, primarily located in Wyoming, USA. It boasts stunning scenery, including lakes and mountains, dotted with geysers, hot springs, steam pools, hot pools, mudflats, and fumaroles. Grand Prismatic Spring, located in the western section of Yellowstone National Park, is the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest in the world. Discovered by geologists in 1871, it was named Grand Prismatic Spring for its striking color. The water reaches a temperature of 86°C, and biochemical processes cause the water to shift in color, radiating from the center and creating a gradient texture along the edge. Visiting Yellowstone is like risking your life. Why? Yellowstone is incredibly vast, spanning 890,000 hectares, home to more than a thousand species of plants and animals, stunning lakes and mountains, waterfalls, canyons, and a wealth of hot springs, steam pools, and fumaroles. Why is there so much geothermal energy? Because Yellowstone National Park lurks one of Earth's most destructive supervolcanoes (its crater is roughly the size of Beijing). If such a "supervolcano" erupts, it could wipe out most life on Earth. It erupts every 600,000 years, and now, 620,000 years after its last eruption, it's already entered its eruptive phase, so it could erupt at any time. News reports suggest Mount Fuji might erupt soon, but that's a drop in the bucket compared to Yellowstone. Its power is equivalent to 1,000 Krakatoa volcanoes in Indonesia. If all of Earth's fresh water were poured into Colorado, it would only fill halfway. The lava from Yellowstone could fill dozens of Colorado canyons. If Yellowstone erupted, 75% of the United States would be covered, with volcanic ash blocking the sun (because ash is insoluble in water, it stays suspended in the air, making it impassable for human transportation). The surface temperature would drop by 9-12°C, pushing the Earth back into the Ice Age. Imagine the magnitude of a Yellowstone eruption! Would you still dare to visit?

There was no good camera position and the humidity was too heavy, so I couldn't take any great photos. TAT I heard that climbing the nearby mountain would give you good results.

The Grand Prismatic Spring (also known as the Grand Rainbow) is the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest in the world. It has been named "the most beautiful surface on earth." It was discovered by geologists in 1871 and named the Grand Prismatic Spring for its striking colors. From green to bright red to orange. The hot spring water is rich in minerals, allowing algae and colored bacteria in the colonies to survive near the water, thus showing these colors. Due to the high temperature in the center of the hot spring, no living things can survive. From the inside out, different colors such as blue, green, yellow, orange, tangerine and red appear. There is a pedestrian wooden boardwalk built around the Grand Prismatic Spring, and it takes about 40 minutes to walk around it. The best angle to view the Grand Prismatic Spring is to look down. Of course, when conditions do not permit, some tourists climb to the low slope opposite to look out, which can also take good pictures.

TIPS: To see the entire Grand Prism, you can climb the hill on the other side of the road. Some people also say you can climb the hill behind the Grand Prism.

In the summer, due to the reduced haze, you can see the Grand Prism more clearly and completely. In the winter, the haze is so thick that getting too close can make it difficult to see clearly. Therefore, if you visit in winter, it's recommended to head to the hills on the other side of the road for a panoramic view. The following image is a stolen photo taken from the back hill in the summer, showing the Grand Prism in full view.

The colorful Grand Prismatic Spring is undoubtedly one of Yellowstone's signature attractions. Many people have likely seen aerial views of the Grand Prismatic Spring online or in magazines, but seeing it in person is something else entirely. Since we were there in late September, the temperature was low, so the hot springs were shrouded in mist. While the mist obscured the colorful springs to some extent, it still gave the illusion of being on another planet.

Drones are prohibited here. Someone once flew a drone here, but for unknown reasons, the drone fell into the hot springs. Staff later laboriously retrieved the wreckage. Park officials stated that drones are prohibited within Yellowstone National Park to protect the park's ecological environment and animal habitats. Since then, all U.S. national parks have banned drone flights. Remember, visitors must abide by the laws of other countries and uphold the spirit of the Chinese nation.

Our self-driving trip to the middle east and west of the United States is the most precious memory of our life. It also started our family's self-driving journey. After that, we drove all over China for 5 years. Now looking back at Yellowstone in the United States, it is so beautiful, so beautiful that it cannot be described in words.

One of the symbols of Yellowstone National Park. Unfortunately, when we went there, the view point overlooking the Grand Prism was closed for road construction.

Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest in the world. Discovered by geologists in 1871, it was named Grand Prismatic for its striking colors. The water reaches a temperature of 86°C, and biological, physical, and chemical processes create a vibrant color palette. The colors radiate from the center, creating a gradient texture along the edge.

To see the whole picture, you need to walk up the mountain road from the nearby Fairy Falls and look down from the top of the mountain.

The Grand Prismatic Panorama Trail, which is close to the viewpoint, is currently closed for construction. You can check the Yellowstone website for the exact opening hours. If you're still reluctant to visit the mountain, you can take a one-way route, about 8 miles. It might not look that impressive up close, but it's best not to overdo it. Hahaha

The panoramic view from the hill is so beautiful that it makes me cry. The best

It was quite spectacular, but unfortunately I couldn't take a close-up photo of the whole scene. There's a small path not far away that leads up the opposite hillside, from which you can see the whole view. Unfortunately, when I went there it was bear season, and the road was closed, with a bear warning sign, so I didn't get to go up.

I'm quite satisfied with Yellowstone National Park. I've also been to Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong National Park in China. Many people say that after visiting Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, Yellowstone is just so-so. But when I actually arrived in Yellowstone, I was thrilled and amazed. Although it's all formed by volcanic eruptions, you suddenly feel so close to nature. How can nature's beauty be surpassed by humans? Yellowstone is definitely worth visiting; every attraction is worth seeing! Because I went in May, two attractions were closed, but I'll definitely make up for it when I get a chance! Highly recommended!

The business card of Yellowstone National Park, you must check in here when you visit Yellowstone. The Grand Prismatic Spring is definitely worthy of such a high status.

You need to climb to the top of the mountain to see the whole picture. The reputation is greater than the actual situation. Only a few springs in Yellowstone are really beautiful.

There's a mountain that's hard to find, but climbing it gives you a panoramic view overlooking the Grand Prismatic Mirror. We couldn't find the mountain, so we just walked along the wooden path next to it. It was still quite stunning! The colors were so rich.

Is this the Great Prism Realm... Sure enough, this naughty kid doesn't have the temperament of a fairy.

We arrived at the Grand Prismatic, a must-see in Yellowstone. It was truly stunning! The center was a mysterious blue-green, surrounded by a golden rim that contrasted sharply with the blue-green. The outermost edge was an orange-red, like the sun's radiance.

Perhaps it's because its colors are so vibrant, even the steam rising from it has a faint blue hue, adding a touch of mystery to this uncanny work of nature, making it impossible not to be captivated. Once the vapor is blown away by the wind, even for just a second, it's a glimpse worth bragging about for a lifetime.

The Grand Prism is so huge that you cannot see its entirety when standing by the pool. If you want to see the panoramic view, you must climb the hill south of the Grand Prism. However, the path is now completely closed. It is said that someone was crushed to death by a fallen tree a year ago, so the authorities began to repair a regular road. It is expected to be completed next year or the year after.

Tips:

Based on my experience, the best time to view the Grand Prism is in the morning, or in the afternoon when it's dark. Around 10 a.m. is the best time to view it. If you go too early, the sun won't rise completely, and the sky will be too foggy to fully see the colors of the Grand Prism. If you go too late, the crowds will be too numerous to count, and parking will be scarce, requiring you to queue and waste time.

Since it was already past 7pm, when the sun was setting, the sunlight could not directly reach the surface of the Grand Prismatic Hot Spring, so the steam could not be dispersed. Therefore, this is the view. However, the area is very large and it is indeed very beautiful. The lake surface is blue, and the surrounding area is dyed with sulfur.

One of the most popular and famous attractions in Yellowstone! It is truly extraordinary...

It would be more shocking if you could stand on a high place and take a panoramic photo.

The iconic landscape of Yellowstone National Park. When we arrived at the Grand Prismatic, the weather was not good and it was overcast. The viewing path on the opposite mountain was not open, so we didn't see the gorgeous and spectacular scenery as shown in the postcards, and the photos we took were even worse. But I can imagine what it would be like to look down at the Grand Prismatic in the bright sunshine.

Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest in the world.

The Grand Prismatic Springs pool is 115 meters in diameter and 49 meters deep, with approximately 2,000 liters of groundwater at a temperature of approximately 71°C gushing out every minute. The pool is vibrantly colored, with a rainbow-like display of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. The poolside wooden walkway offers a glimpse into the wonders of the Grand Prismatic Springs.

The Grand Prismatic Spring once erupted nearly 300 feet in the 1900s. It is now a dormant geyser and is considered a hot spring.