Walking the Pulse of Yellowstone: Self-Guided Audio Tour of the Upper Geyser Basin
Explore Yellowstone’s Upper Geyser Basin at your own pace with a self-guided audio tour. Walk a roughly 4-mile loop from Old Faithful, learn geological and cultural stories, and time eruptions without joining a group.
The Experience
Before You Go
Download the tour before arrival
Install the VoiceMap app and redeem your code while you have cell service so audio and maps work offline in the park.
Stick to boardwalks
The basin’s crust is fragile and water can be scalding; stay on marked paths and obey all signage.
Time your visit
Start early or late to avoid peak crowds around Old Faithful and Morning Glory Pool for better photos and quieter listening.
Respect wildlife distances
Bison and elk often graze near the boardwalks—use binoculars and keep at least 25 yards distance.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Watch the less-photographed Blue Star Spring in the quieter morning hours
- •Take the short detour to the small thermal pools west of the main boardwalk for mineral textures and colors
Wildlife
- •Bison
- •Elk
Conservation Note
Stay on boardwalks to protect fragile microbial mats; thermal areas are sensitive—do not collect minerals or disturb pools and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Upper Geyser Basin became a focal point for early park development; the adjacent Old Faithful Inn (built 1903–1904) anchored visitor access and shaped early park tourism.
Photographer's Notes
- • Old Faithful boardwalk (for eruptions)
- • Morning Glory Pool viewing platform
- • High point near Castle Geyser for basin panoramas
What to Bring
Sturdy hiking shoesEssential
Provide traction on boardwalks, dirt sections and short steeper pitches.
Layered jacketEssential
High-elevation weather changes rapidly—windproof outer layer recommended.
Water bottle (1–2 L)Essential
Hydration is crucial at altitude; refill at park facilities before the loop.
Binoculars or zoom lens
Helps observe wildlife and distant geysers without crowding features.
Common Questions
Do I need cell service to use the tour?
No; download the audio and geodata ahead of time in the VoiceMap app so it runs offline inside the park.
How long is the loop and how strenuous?
The route is about 4 miles with modest hills and roughly 300 ft cumulative elevation change—moderate at park elevation.
Can multiple people use the same code?
Yes; the booking code can be redeemed on multiple devices so your party can each download the tour.
Is the entire route on boardwalks?
Much of the basin is connected by boardwalks, but there are dirt sections and short climbs through lodgepole pine stands.
Are dogs allowed on this tour?
No—pets are not permitted on trails or boardwalks in Yellowstone’s thermal areas per park regulations.
What if I miss an eruption?
The audio offers geological context and predicted windows for eruptions; you can pause and walk ahead to the next annotated point.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
3–4 hours
Location
Old Faithful, Wyoming
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness for a hilly 4-mile walk at 7,350 ft; comfortable pace with breaks recommended
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