Biscuit Basin is a short ½ mile boardwalk trail that guides you through epic Yellowstone Hyrdrotheremal features including Jewel Geyser, Mustard Spring, Black Opal Pool, and more. This easy walk is a must-see attraction in Yellowstone.
Biscuit Basin - Yellowstone National Park
Biscuit Basin was named originally for the unusual biscuit-like formations (deposits) that used to be surrounding Sapphire Pool. During the 1959 Hebgen Lake Earthquake Sapphire Pool erupted and the biscuits were blown away.
Even without the biscuit-like deposits, Sapphire Pool is still amazing!
UPDATE from July 23, 2024 Biscuit Basin Hydrothermal Explosion
A Geyser in the Biscuit Basin Area near Black Diamond Pool (pictured above) exploded around 10 AM Tuesday Morning on 7/23/2024, sending a black cloud of debris, including mud and rock, into the sky.
The aftermath of the Biscuit Basin Explosion included scattered rock and mud while leaving a large amount of the boardwalk area severely damaged and unsafe for park visitors/tourists.
These explosions do happen in Yellowstone; in fact, the last time they happened in Biscuit Basin was in 2009.
For safety reasons, park officials have closed Biscuit Basin until further notice.
Yellowstone National Park Entrance Fee
Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.
Park Entrance Pass - $35.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $30.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Park Entrance Pass - Snowmobile - $30.00 Entry for one driver and one passenger (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Per-Person Entrance Pass - $20.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.
Annual Park Entrance Pass - $70.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.
$20.00 for Non-Commercial Group (16+ persons)
$20.00 for Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons) ($25.00 plus $20.00 per person)
$125.00 for Commercial Van with 7-15 seats
$200.00 for Commercial Mini-Bus with 16-25 seats
$300.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats
Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.
$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.
Location - Upper Geyser Basin, three miles north of Old Faithful in the Upper Geyser Basin.
Distance - ½ of a mile boardwalk
If you want to spend more time hiking, you can take the extension off the Biscuit Basin Loop and head towards Mystic Falls Trail, Observation Point, Summit Lake, and Fairy Creek Trail.
The boardwalk is an easy walk from the parking lot. There is a small hill in the beginning, but once you are past that, it is pretty flat.
There is no shade, so it can get fairly warm on a hot summer day. However, it is well worth taking the time to explore this gorgeous thermal area in Yellowstone.
Black Opal Spring
One of the first things you see when you walk along the boardwalk is the gorgeous Black Opal Spring.
Sapphire Pool
Sapphire Pool is one of our favorite blue water pools in Yellowstone National Park. The bright blue pools are unbelievable.
It is hard to imagine that Sapphire Pool is over 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Following the 1959 earthquake, Sapphire Pool would erupt with 150-foot eruptions. Today the pool is normally very calm with rare boiling and surges.
Jewel Geyser
Jewel Geyser erupts every seven to ten minutes!
You can see the eruptions from all around the Biscuit Basin boardwalk. We had to wait for just a few minutes for it to erupt and it was so worth it.
Shell Spring
Keep an eye on Shell Geyser as you walk by it. You will see the water start to drain and then it starts bubbling up. For a small thermal feature, it is really fun to watch.
At times Shell Spring can erupt 5 to 8 feet high.
Avoca Spring
Avoca Spring hisses and steams as you walk by it on the boardwalk.
At time Avoca Spring will erupt with water going in all directions.
The Biscuit Basin boardwalk splits and there is a trail towards Mystic Falls which is 1.2 miles.
Just down from there the boardwalk splits is this super colorful pool. We have not been able to find a name for it but it is worth taking the side trail down a few feet to get a photo.
Mustard Spring
Mustard Spring temperature ranges from 172-198°F. It erupts frequently and normally for about five minutes.
Black Pearl Geyser
We did not see this small geyser go off. So far we are still researching if it is still active.
Wall Pool
Wall Pool is absolutely gorgeous! I don't know why we don't hear more about the epic hot springs and colorful pools along Biscuit Basin more often.
River Otters
Keep an eye out on the Firehole River for River Otters as you cross the wooden bridge heading up to Biscuit Basin.
We saw 5 or 6 River Otters playing in the water just below the bridge. I have to admit we were so surprised we jumped and squealed in joy a bit. LOL
Don't Forget to Pack
Camera and Binoculars, remember you will want to see wildlife!
Field Guide to Birds and Mammals - These easy-to-use field guides are easy to use and make it exciting to identify birds and mammals.
Insect Repellent - Nothing ruins a good day outdoors like biting insects!
Sunscreen - I personally choose environmentally friendly sunscreen
Camera Gear we use
We are big fans of using great camera gear to get amazing photos while traveling.
Canon R5 - We recently upgraded to the R5 after using a Mark 5 for years. We are loving the camera shutter speed and quality of images.
Canon 100 - 500mm - We use the Canon 100-500 for wildlife photography.
Camera Rain Cover - A rain cover will help protect your camera during rain showers but also when photographing waterfalls.
Camera Cleaning Kit - Cameras can get dirty, beat up, and dusty while in the parks. We like having a cleaning kit with us so we can do on the spot touch ups.
Extra Camera Batteries - We suggest always having one or two extra camera batteries with you. There is nothing worse than going to take a shot and the battery dies.
Extra Memory Cards - We use Extreme PRO SanDisk cards
Fun Yellowstone National Park Tours and Activities
4-Hour Morning Kayak on Yellowstone Lake with Lunch- Admire the tree-fringed banks, beaches, and thermal pools of Yellowstone Lake from the water on this morning tour.
After a kayak lesson and time to familiarize yourself with your kayak, set out to explore the West Thumb with your guide. You will paddle for approximately two miles along the West Thumb Geyser Basin as you look for elk and bear along the lakeshore and marvel at the steaming geysers in this incredible area of the park!
Click here to book your tour for the 4-hour Morning Kayak on Yellowstone Lake with Lunch!
Lamar Valley Safari Hiking Tour with Lunch - the lush riverside plains of the Lamar Valley are a wildlife watching hotspot within Yellowstone National Park. With this guided hike, you get to explore the natural landscapes as you venture off-road and seek out little-known spots, increasing your chances of seeing wildlife. Look out for buffalo, wolves, eagles, and other animals along the way and watch them from a safe distance in their natural habitat. Tour includes lunch, bear spray, binoculars, trekking pole, backpack(if necessary), coffee and/or tea.
Click here to book your tour for the Lamar Valley Safari Hiking Tour with Lunch.
Yellowstone National Park Private Wildlife Tour - Book your private tour with Yellowstone Exposures to ensure a truly unforgettable day with a local expert. Have your day designed and mapped for you by a local professional so that you can utilize it to the fullest.
With snacks, High-quality spotting scopes and binos. Your guide will take photos and video throughout the day. Included a full picnic lunch, snacks, and refreshments.
Click here to book your tour for the Yellowstone National Park Private Wildlife Tour.
Where is Biscuit Basin in Yellowstone?
Biscuit Basin is located three miles north of Old Faithful just off of the Grand Loop Road.
It is an easy drive and there is a great loop parking lot near the trailhead that is easily accessible. I would not drive large RVs into the loop parking lot.
It could get really tight to make the turn. We saw someone trying to make it through the parking area and the entire time we were holding our breath hoping they didn't hit another car.
Closest Visitor Center
Old Faithful Visitor Center is the closest campground to Black Sand Basin.
Where to stay when visiting Yellowstone National Park
When planning where to stay while vacationing in Yellowstone you will want to determine which area of the park you are planning to visit.
We suggest if possible staying at a few different lodging options to provide easy access to different portions of the park.
Yellowstone National Park Lodging
There are nine National Park Lodges located within the park offering over 2,000 rooms.
Only two lodges are open during the winter - Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel.
From late spring through fall all of the lodges are open.
- Canyon Lodge and Cabins: 400+ guest rooms spread across 5 hotel-style lodges, with 100+ cabins being more rustic accommodations. Available to book on Expedia
- Grant Village Lodge: 300 guest rooms spread across 6 two-story, hotel-style lodges. Available to book on Expedia
- Lake Hotel and Cabins: Large lodge that has hotel room-style and cabin accommodations. Available to book on Expedia
- Lake Lodge Cabins: 186 cabins.
- Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins: Large lodge that has hotel room-style and cabin accommodations.
- Old Faithful Inn: Rustic lodge with hotel room-style accommodations. Available to book on Expedia
- Old Faithful Lodge: Cabin accommodations.
- Old Faithful Snow Lodge: Large lodge that has hotel room-style and cabin accommodations. Available to book on Expedia
- Roosevelt Lodge: Cabin accommodations.
Lodging near Yellowstone NP
Gray Wolf Inn & Suites in West Yellowstone - 3-star hotel. Gray Wolf Inn & Suites is located close to Yellowstone Park West Entrance, and provides a firepit, laundry facilities, and a 24-hour gym. Adventurous travelers may like the snowmobiling at this hotel. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Free in-room Wi-Fi and a business center are available to all guests.
Stage Coach Inn in West Yellowstone - Yellowstone Park West Entrance is located near Stage Coach Inn, which provides free continental breakfast, laundry facilities, and a fireplace in the lobby. For some rest and relaxation, visit the sauna. Free in-room Wi-Fi is available to all guests, along with a gym and a 24-hour business center.
Yellowstone Westgate Hotel in West Yellowstone - At Yellowstone Westgate Hotel, you can look forward to free continental breakfast, laundry facilities, and a fireplace in the lobby. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Free in-room Wi-Fi and a business center are available to all guests.
Brandin' Iron Inn in West Yellowstone - Brandin' Iron Inn is located close to Yellowstone Park West Entrance, and provides free full breakfast, laundry facilities, and a fireplace in the lobby. Skiers and snowboarders can spend time on the slopes at this motel offering ski-in/ski-out access and cross-country skiing. Guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.
Kelly Inn West Yellowstone - Close to Yellowstone Park West Entrance, Kelly Inn West Yellowstone provides free continental breakfast, a free roundtrip airport shuttle, and a firepit. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Free in-room WIFI is available to all guests, along with laundry facilities and a business center.
Dreamcatcher Tipi Hotel near Gardiner, MT- Along with self parking, this campground has coffee/tea in a common area and a microwave in a common area. Free continental breakfast and free Wi-Fi in public areas are also provided. Additionally, concierge services, a garden, and barbecue grills are onsite. All 17 accommodations boast heated floor (bathroom) and offer Wi-Fi and 8 bathrooms. Other amenities available to guests include memory foam beds, premium bedding, and rainfall showerheads. Private bathrooms are not ensuite.
Absaroka Lodge near Gardiner, MT- Absaroka Lodge provides amenities like a terrace and a garden. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi.
Yellowstone Big Rock Inn near Gardiner, MT- Yellowstone Big Rock Inn provides a garden and more. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi.
Super 8 by Wyndham Gardiner near Gardiner, MT- Super 8 by Wyndham Gardiner/Yellowstone Park Area provides dry cleaning/laundry services and more. Guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.
Yellowstone Gateway Inn near Gardiner, MT- 3-star hotel near Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone Gateway Inn provides amenities like a garden and laundry facilities. Treat yourself to a massage or other spa services. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi.
Click on the maps below to see additional hotels and vacation rentals near Yellowstone NP.
Additional Yellowstone National Park Resources
Yellowstone National Park Guide - Your complete guide to exploring the world's first National Park!
Things to do in Yellowstone - These are the top things to do that you don't want to miss, including exploring the Mammoth Hot Springs, the Museum of the National Park Ranger, Yellowstone Waterfalls, Kayaking in Yellowstone, fishing in Yellowstone, Fairy Falls Trail, and more!
Yellowstone National Park Facts - Learn more about our 1st National Park and fun facts about the wildlife in the park.
Yellowstone Wildlife Guide- Complete Guide to seeing wildlife in Yellowstone National Park, including the most popular wildlife viewing areas, including Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley.
Yellowstone Geyser Basin Areas
Upper Geyser Basin, including Geyser Hill, Biscuit Basin, Black Sand Basin, and Old Faithful Geyser.
Midway Geyser Basin, including Grand Prismatic Spring and Firehole Lake Drive.
Lower Geyser Basin, including Fountain Paint Pot Trail and Firehole Canyon Drive
Norris Geyser Basin—This basin is known for having some of the hottest water and springs in the park. It is actually two basins: Porcelain Basin and Black Basin, with famous geysers, including Ledge Geyser, Cistern Geyser, and Steamboat Geyser.
West Thumb Geyser Basin - Beautiful boardwalk trail with hydrothermal features right next to Lake Yellowstone!
Mud Volcano - The Mud Volcano area is Located south of Canyon Village and North of Lake Yellowstone. It has several hydrothermal features, including a mud volcano and Dragon's Mouth Spring.
Yellowstone Campgrounds
Ultimate Yellowstone Camping Guide - This complete guide to camping in Yellowstone includes all front country campgrounds including: Bridge Bay Campground, Canyon Campground, Fishing Bridge RV Park, Grant Village Campground, Indian Creek Campground, Lewis Lake Campground, Madison Campground, Mammoth Campground, Norris Campground, Pebble Creek Campground, Slough Creek Campground, and Tower Fall Campground.
For a fun adventure check out Escape Campervans. These campervans have built in beds, kitchen area with refrigerators, and more. You can have them fully set up with kitchen supplies, bedding, and other fun extras. They are painted with epic designs you can't miss!
Escape Campervans has offices in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, New York, and Orlando
Yellowstone Lodging Resources
Ultimate Yellowstone National Park Lodging Guide - This complete guide to all of Yellowstone National Park's Lodges and cabins, including Canyon Lodge, Canyon Lodge Cabins, Grant Village Lodge,Yellowstone Lake Hotel, Lake Lodge Cabins, Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Cabins, Old Faithful Inn, Old Faithful Lodge (Cabin Accommodations), Old Faithful Snow Lodge, and Roosevelt Lodge (cabin accommodations)
Parks near Yellowstone National Park
Grand Teron National Park
Complete Guide to Grand Teton National Park - Your complete guide to go explore Grand Teton National Park before or after you visit Yellowstone!
Grand Teton Camping Guide - Complete Guide to all of Grand Teton National Parks campgrounds.
Grand Teton Lodging Guide - Complete Guide to all of Grand Teton's Lodges.
Glacier National Park
Epic Guide to Glacier National Park - Complete guide to exploring Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park Camping Guide - Complete Guide to all of Glacier National Park front country campgrounds
Glacier National Park Lodging Guide - Complete Guide to Glacier National Park Lodges
Additional Montana National Parks
Little Bighorn Battlefield - Also known as Custer's Last Stand, a place where the Plains Tribes fought their last major battle and won.
Big Hole National Battlefield - site of the pivotal battle in the Nez Perce War of 1877 between Colonel Gibbon's troops and five bands of the Nez Perce Indians led by the famous Native American Leader, Cheif Joseph.
Grant Kohr's Ranch National Historic Site - See what ranch life was like in the 1800s in Montana
Make sure to follow Park Ranger John on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok
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