Grand Prismatic Spring
Yellowstone Np
GRAND PRISMATIC SPRING
A BRIEF SUMMARY OF GRAND PRISMATIC SPRING
The Grand Prismatic Spring is an iconic thermal feature with vibrant colors created by the bacteria that inhabit the water and form the bacterial mats that surround the spring. The colors vary based on the heat of the water flowing from the spring.
The spring is so large that most photographs people see are from the air where you can get enough height to see the entire spring and surrounding colorful bacterial mats. However, to capture this image you don’t have to leave the ground, you can take a relatively easy hike to a viewpoint perched along the ridge to the west that overlooks the spring.
Photos and location summary by Don Metz.
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DATA POINTS INCLUDED WITH GRAND PRISMATIC SPRING SUMMARY
I would rate the difficulty of this trail as 2 on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being most difficult). It’s an easy 3/4 mile walk from the Fairy Falls Trailhead parking lot to the Grand Prismatic viewing area - with less than 200’ of elevation change. The NPS rebuilt what had previously been a social trail into a well-designed trail up to a large viewing platform.
Warm days and sunny skies are necessary; partly cloudy skies create interesting compositions if you include the horizon and sky to the east.
If the ambient temperature is below 60 degrees or so, the hot water from Grand Prismatic creates surface steam, which will completely cover the beautiful hot spring and prevent you from photographing it. When driving up to the Grand Prismatic, if you see steam over the hot spring, don’t waste your time hiking up to the overlook.
Normal to long telephoto lenses work well depending upon the composition. A normal lens (about 50mm) is enough to capture the entire scene. Medium and long telephoto lenses are great for isolating portions of the spring and the bacterial mats for abstract compositions and to emphasize the colors.
7,450 Ft. Elevation
Other Resources Available with Membership
KMZ Trail File
Directions
Best Time of Day to Shoot
Best Time of Year to Shoot
Equipment Needed
Permits Required
Direction of Shot
Google Maps Birds-Eye-View
Number of Photographers to Expect
Cell Service
Overnight Lodging/Camping
Nearby Restaurants
Area Guides and Workshops
Other Resources
LOCATION SUMMARIES WRITTEN BY PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS
