Best View of Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone

When you travel to Yellowstone National Park, chances are good that you hope to catch a glimpse of Grand Prismatic Spring. The largest thermal feature in Yellowstone, Grand Prismatic Spring is quite a sight to behold! It is so large, in fact, that getting a good view of this technicolor wonder can be difficult. When we visited Yellowstone, we stumbled upon arguably the best view of Grand Prismatic Spring quite by accident.

Where to find overhead view of Grand Prismatic Spring

Brand new the week that we traveled to Yellowstone is the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook Trail. You can find the parking lot for this trail near the Fairy Falls Trailhead at Midway Geyser Basin. It was quite packed when we visited, and the hike will take you close to an hour round trip at a moderate pace… but our entire family agrees that it was absolutely worth the effort.

After you park, head for the trail which begins as you cross an old bridge. You will want to wear sturdy shoes and take some water as the hike includes a 105 foot climb up the hill over about half a mile.

As you start the ascent, you will start to see Grand Prismatic Spring beyond the trees.

The trees begin to give way the farther up the hill you go.

At the end of the trail the trees give way to a clearing and a viewing platform. Head out onto this platform for easily one of the very best views of Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone. This stunning view is one of the best views you can get to on foot.

View of Grand Prismatic Spring from the Boardwalk

And! Just in case you are curious as to how this overlook view compares to the view from the crowded boardwalks down below… Here is about the best view of Grand Prismatic Spring that we could see from the boardwalk. Really no comparison!