Grand Prismatic Spring - Yellowstone NP

Terraces and run-off channels in front of Grand Prismatic Spring

While trees still bear evidence to the 1988 fires the beautiful colors of this spring are overwhelming. When the steam clears away, the mountains and clouds are often reflected in the clear spring waters.

The Hayden Expedition in 1871 named this spring because of its coloration and sketches made by artist Thomas Moran were so impressive that geologists A.C. Peale returned in 1878 to verify the colors.

This spring begins with a deep blue center followed a pale blue. Green algae forms beyond the shallow edge. Outside the scalloped rim a band of yellow fades into orange followed by red which marks the outer border. The entire spring is often shrouded in steam which actually reflects the beautiful colors.

Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in Yellowstone and the 3rd largest in the world; the first two are in New Zealand. Grand Prismatic with a diameter of nearly 370 feet, discharges an estimated 560 gallons of water per minute.