Morning Glory Pool in Upper Geyser Basin
Morning Glory Pool
Named by Mrs. E. N. McGowan, wife of Assistant Park Superintendent Charles McGowan in 1883 for its resemblance to the morning glory flower, Morning Glory Pool’s unique coloring is due to the bacteria which inhabit the water. Unfortunately the vivid blue colors are slowly being overshadowed by the yellow & orange outer rings, which have grown as people have thrown coins, trash, rocks, and logs into the pool over the years, blocking the vents and altering this beautiful pool’s appearance. An interpretive sign at the viewing platform discusses the damage and implores visitors to research the natural beauty found here. Although Morning Glory is the most popular hot spring in the upper geyser basin, you can find many other beautiful pools…a few of my personal favorites are the similar looking Chromatic Pool, Beauty Pool, the cool blue Belgian Pool, Shield Spring, and bubbling blue Spasmodic Geyser.
Beauty Pool in Upper Geyser Basin
Beehive Geyser erupting in Yellowstone National Park
Other Notable Features
Along with over 100 named features, there are at least 200 unnamed geysers & pools in the Upper Geyser Basin area, and while most of the geysers here don’t have a daily predicted eruption schedule, that’s part of the fun. On my most recent visit, I saw Beehive Geyser suddenly shoot up nearly 200 feet from across the basin, and even from a distance it was an incredible sight. Grotto Geyser is another personal favorite, as its cone shape splashes and sputters sometimes for up to an hour during its daily eruptions. A few other highlights I’d encourage seeking out here are Grande Geyser, Giant Geyser, and Riverside Geyser…but truly every spring, pool and geyser is exciting. This would become be a ridiculously long post if I continue to mention all of my favorites, and I’m sure when you visit you’ll have your own favorites as well.
Grotto Geyser erupting in Yellowstone National Park
Know Before You Go
• It’s of paramount importance that you stay on boardwalks and designated trails. Hydrothermal water can severely burn…never touch thermal features or step on thermal runoff.
• Swimming or soaking in hot springs is completely prohibited (and likely fatal).
• Pets are not allowed in thermal areas for their own safety.
Crested Pool in Yellowstone National Park
