Posted in Wyoming October 12, 2017 by

The World’s Tallest Active Geyser Is Right Here In Wyoming And It’s Not Old Faithful

When most people hear “Yellowstone,” Old Faithful immediately comes to mind. It’s only natural, considering that it is in the top 10 of the world’s most famous geysers. Although you can count on Old Faithful to erupt on a schedule, it isn’t even close to being the tallest thermal spring in the park, let alone the world.

While that news may be amazing, what might be just as surprising is that the world’s tallest active geyser is located in Yellowstone National Park. It shouldn’t be too shocking, though. Geothermal attractions are among the things Wyoming does best.

Steamboat Geyser is in Norris Geyser Basin in the northwest corner of Yellowstone National Park.
nature_smiles/Flickr
To see it when it's not going off, you wouldn't know that it is the tallest geyser in the world, but it is capable of jetting steaming-hot water as high as 380 feet into the air.
Tjflex2/Flickr
Steamboat doesn't erupt as regularly as many of the other geysers in Yellowstone. It may produce major eruptions within days of each other or remain dormant for decades at a time. It was quiet for the 50-year span between 1911 and 1961 but has gone off intermittently since awakening in the early 1960s. It vents steam frequently and experiences significant eruptions up to three times a year.
There have been other geysers in the world and even in the park that were taller. Excelsior Geyser, for example, used to shoot up over 300 feet, but its activity waned over the years, and it hasn't erupted since 1985. Excelsior was reclassified as a hot spring, clearing the way for Steamboat to be the biggest geyser on the block.
Bryan Ungard/Flickr
Because Steamboat Geyser is so completely unpredictable, you just have to be in the right place at the right time when it goes off.
Kent Kanouse/Flickr
Before a major eruption, steam begins venting from the opening and roils around signaling something huge is coming.
jsj1771/YouTube
When the big show starts, it can last anywhere from 3 up to 40 minutes.
jsj1771/YouTube
The towering geyser is fed underground by a nearby spring. Steamboat completely drains Cistern Spring during major eruptions but, within a few days, it's full again.
Martin Diepeveen/Flickr
After the main attraction is over, the geyser has been known to continue to release large amounts of steam for hours - even up to 2 days.
James St. John/Flickr
Trying to catch Steamboat Geyser in the act is a gamble, but it's a sight to behold if you're fortunate enough to be there when it spouts off.
James St. John/Flickr
Watching a video doesn't come close to seeing Steamboat Geyser in person, but this will give you an idea of the show it puts on:

Have you been nearby when Steamboat has gone off? What other Wyoming geysers do you find mesmerizing?