Trip ideas while visiting Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming
The Grand Prismatic Spring in the Midway Geyser Basin is a remarkable hot spring. It holds the title of being the largest hot spring in Yellowstone National Park and is also one of the biggest in the world. The size of the spring is quite impressive, measuring about 370 feet across and approximately 121 feet deep. What truly captivates visitors are the vibrant colors of the water. While the central part of the pool displays a lovely cerulean hue, it’s the surrounding edges that showcase an array of deep reds, greens, bright yellows, and fiery oranges. These stunning colors are the result of thermophilic bacteria thriving in the mineral-rich water near the hot spring. Interestingly, the center may appear blue, but it’s actually not. The blue wavelengths of light scatter, creating the illusion of a blue color when we observe the spring.
If you want to get a stunning photo of the Grand Prismatic Spring and its vibrant colors, you should consider visiting the Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail. It’s a 1.5-mile trail that allows you to see the spring from above. The trail is located away from the main boardwalk and provides a fantastic view. Please note that this area opens in late May due to bear activity. You’ll find a small parking lot about a mile south of Midway Geyser Basin.