Short time in Yellowstone on a road trip (SD, WY, MT) to a destination wedding brought us, on a rainy (and snowy) day in September to the east entrance. After going around the lake in the rain and cold, with construction slowing us down, we got to the Old Faithful area just 15 minutes before a scheduled eruption. Crowds were thinner (off season) and the geyser did not disappoint. Parking was not a problem in late September. Saw a wayward bison near the lodge and visitor center! The geyser basin around Old Faithful is well designed for crowds to enjoy this experience. Visited nearby Upper Basin area as well. Fascinating to see the earth's interior "bubbling up" with various kinds of thermal eruptions. Having been in Yellowstone in January and twice in the busy summers, this was a subdued visit. We did not stay at the accommodations in the park nor take time for a meal.

Of course you have to stop here! It’s beautiful. If the visitors center is closed the Yellowstone Lodge has the eruptions time posted. If you have time hike the trail that overlooks old faithful for another perspective - this hike is a bit rough in spots. While old faithful is the “star” of this area, the Grand Geyser is in my opinion more spectacular when it erupts. There are benches near the Grand Geyser.

I was exceptionally lucky that I got to see Old Faithful erupt twice when I was at the upper geyser basin. And I got rained on both times. The predicted times are really accurate and it is so impressive to see water shoot so high in the air on such a regular basis. I was able to get video, numerous photos and a handful of selfies because I saw it twice. I will say that it was rather steamy since it was cold out but it didn’t take away from the awesomeness of the display.

The first spot we thought about when planning our Yellowstone trip was Old Faithful, one of the most iconic and well-known features in Yellowstone National Park. Old Faithful is famous for its predictable eruptions, which occur approximately every 60 to 110 minutes, making it a reliable attraction for visitors. Watching it was like seeing a natural fountain, with eruptions lasting between 1.5 to 5 minutes and reaching heights of 106 to 184 feet (32 to 56 meters). Old Faithful’s eruptions are powered by geothermal activity beneath the Earth's surface. Water seeps into the ground, is heated by magma, and eventually builds up pressure that is released in an eruption. There is an information center where visitors can learn about Old Faithful, which was the first geyser in the park to receive a name. It has been a major draw for tourists since the establishment of the park in 1872, playing a crucial role in the early development of Yellowstone as a tourist destination. Designated viewing areas around Old Faithful, including boardwalks and benches, provide safe and optimal viewing spots. There weren’t just eruptions in the area; there were also many beautiful geysers, rivers, and basins along the boardwalk, allowing visitors to explore as well. We spent hours exploring the area, and it was clear why Old Faithful remains one of Yellowstone National Park’s most beloved and enduring attractions.

It was surprisingly easy to get a good view of the geyser. We expected it to be crowded, but when we got there, there was plenty of space to sit down on the deck or on one of the benches. While waiting for the geyser to go off, we took a little walk through some trees and over some thermal activity. Seeing this geyser is a must-do at Yellowstone!

Old Faithful geyser is a must while in Yellowstone. Easy viewing platform with predictable schedule. Park does a great job letting you know when to be there for best experience. Even though it is busy, always can find seating to enjoy the show.

We showed up early during peak tourist season, and the crowd wasn't bad. We were able to get a seat in the front row which was nice. The walking trails are well maintained. There are shops, restaurants, and restrooms. It is easy to spend a few hours in the area.

The most well known geothermal feature is Old Faithful. This geyser erupts at roughly 90 minutes intervals. I saw two eruptions. The first came 15 minutes after the predicted time, but the second made up for it by being 8 minutes early. You have to wait patiently for it to erupt. The park rangers make predictions, but the geyser operates on its own schedule. Once it does erupt, it is spectacular. There is a visitor center and other features to explore in the vicinity.

We lucked out and got to the area with enough time to eat and wander the shops before the "window" of the geyser going off. The park now gives a time with a plus/minus 15 minute timeframe as I think people are just a bit too used to the idea that this would happen at a specific time. There aren't any bad seats, but the front seats at least get you an easier time to get a good photo or video without people in it. As you should expect, once the show starts, there is just a wall of people holding up phones, so adjust accordingly and take a photo or short video and then just watch the actual natural event with your own eyes.

Old Faithful the centerpiece of historic Yellowstone is always a thrill to watch. There is seating around the geyser at a safe distance but we chose to stay back and avoid the biggest crowds to watch. Not the biggest or most consistent spouting geyser in the park, Old Faithful does spout the most often and always gives a show.