Grand Prismatic Overlook Loop

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Features Geological Significance · Spring · Views · Wildflowers

Take in a panoramic view over Grand Prismatic Spring and Excelsior Geyser on this elevated trail at the edge of Midway Geyser Basin.

This trail cannot be accessed from the Grand Prismatic Parking area at Midway Geyser Basin. Instead, it begins at the frequently crowded parking lot for Fairy Falls Trail.

The trail begins from the Fairy Falls Trail. Hikers cross a bridge over the Firehole River and walk along a wide crushed-gravel trail. At the first junction, the trail swings left and gently climbs up through new lodgepole growth. Arrive at a large viewing platform surrounded by a rail that makes it safe. This spot offers the best view of Grand Prismatic in the park, and there is quite a bit of space to get your selfies and family photos.

The trail continues northwest from the viewing platform and down one switchback to rejoin the Fairy Falls Trail, where you can turn right to loop back to the beginning.

Members of Montana Conservation Corps and Youth Conservation Corps designed and built the overlook trail. They also rehabilitated numerous unofficial social trails formed by visitors who went off-trail and scrambled up the slope.