thermal · high value

Norris Geyser Basin

Acidic water, shifting vents, and a documented explosion make Norris the loop's most demanding thermal chapter.

Yellowstone fire danger is HIGH

The dedicated NPS fire page and July 14 release list HIGH fire danger. No fire restrictions were in place when checked; both danger and restrictions can change.

Checked Jul 26, 2026

Parkwide chip sealing can move without notice

NPS says chip sealing can cause delays up to 30 minutes at various Yellowstone locations in 2026. Slow down on loose gravel and increase following distance.

Checked Jul 26, 2026

Chapter

Yellowstone's hottest restless basin

40 minutes0.75-mile Porcelain Basin option; 1.5-mile Back Basin is not planned · up to 8% grade · partial wheelchair access

Narration

Yellowstone's hottest restless basin

Transcript

What to notice

Porcelain Basin
Dynamic acidic features
Porkchop Geyser explosion story

Field notes

Recorded subsurface temperature: 459°F at 1,087 feet
Porcelain Basin route: 0.75 mile
Back Basin route: 1.5 miles
Porkchop explosion: September 5, 1989

Parking

The 143-space lot regularly fills in summer; follow ranger directions and use overflow only when directed.

Access

The museum approach can be rough. NPS warns of uneven ground and grades exceeding 8% in the basin.

Knee-friendly alternative

Use the museum overlook and only the first Porcelain Basin viewpoints; turn back before steep or uneven sections and skip Back Basin.

Restrooms

Seasonal facilities near the parking area; accessible details vary.

At this stop

Stay on boardwalks and designated trails. Keep hands and feet out of thermal water and runoff, and keep children close.
Grades exceed 8%; turn around before pain changes your gait.
Toxic gases can accumulate; leave the basin immediately if you feel sick.

Content checked 2026-07-26

Next road chapterToward Gibbon Falls