Norris Geyser Basin

Norris Geyser Basin is the hottest, oldest, and most dynamic of Yellowstone's thermal areas. The basin consists of two areas: Porcelain Basin and the Back Basin. Porcelain Basin is barren of trees and provides a sensory experience in sound, color, and smell, while Back Basin is more heavily wooded with features scattered throughout the area. The area is home to a wide variety of thermal features, including geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles, with the highest temperature yet recorded in any geothermal area in Yellowstone. The features in the basin change daily, with frequent disturbances from seismic activity and water fluctuations. Visitors can explore the area through a combination of boardwalks, paved paths, and unpaved paths, and can see a range of colors created by thermophiles, including yellow, dark brown, rust, red, emerald-green, and dark blackish-green. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including trout, and offers opportunities for fishing and scenic drives