Morning Glory Pool
4.9(1.2K)google
Hot SpringPhoto SpotScenic Lookout
Overview
Morning Glory Pool is a world-famous thermal pool located in the upper geyser basin, historically named for its remarkable resemblance to the blue morning glory flower. Sadly, vandalism over decades from thrown trash and coins has partially clogged the central vent, lowering the temperature and allowing yellow and orange thermophilic bacteria to colonize the outer edges, changing its pure blue colors into a multi-hued wonder.
Practical Info
Every dayOpen 24 hours
Suggested Duration1.5-2.5 hours
Best TimeBest visited during a bright, warm summer or autumn midday. Direct overhead sunlight penetrates the deep, trumpet-shaped thermal spring, beautifully highlighting the intense gradients of crystalline teal blue in the center and fiery orange-yellow bacteria on the shallow edges.
Getting ThereTucked deep inside the Upper Geyser Basin trail system. Private vehicles are prohibited; you must park at the main Old Faithful visitor lot and complete a flat, highly scenic 1.4-mile walk (one-way, approx. 30-45 minutes) along the maintained wooden boardwalk paths.
Travel Tips
- Morning Glory Pool cannot be accessed via motor vehicles. You must complete a 1.4-mile one-way (2.8 miles round-trip) flat paved hike heading north from the Old Faithful Visitor Center; budget a minimum of 1.5 hours of dedicated walking time.
- This fragile pool's vents were partially choked by historic vandalism (coins, rocks, trash), dropping water temps and altering its signature pure blue core with orange bacterial rings. Throwing objects is a federal crime heavily patrolled by undercover rangers.
- Reaching the pool requires traveling deep into the fully exposed Upper Geyser Basin with zero canopy shelter. Carrying oversized hydration flasks and wearing high-SPF sunblock is critical; there are no retail kiosks along the boardwalk systems.
Reviews
Positive
- The colors of Morning Glory are incredibly exquisite; the deep center is a pure sapphire blue, transitioning to bright yellow and orange edges.
- The trail leading here from Old Faithful chains together numerous smaller geysers along the way, making for a rich geothermal hike.
- The boardwalk around the pool is kept spotless with sturdy railings, letting visitors examine the deep textures of the pool at a comfortable distance.
- Because it requires a walk to reach, it filters out the noisy roadside crowds, giving the whole spot a more peaceful and sacred atmosphere.
Heads up
- Walking here from the Old Faithful visitor center takes about 1.4 miles one way (nearly 3 miles round-trip), testing families with young kids.
- Because past vandals threw coins and trash inside, clogging the vent and lowering temps, the edge colors are somewhat faded compared to decades ago.
- The entire paved trail stretch offers almost completely zero tree shade; walking this in hot summer middays leaves you baked and dehydrated.
- Space around the pool is tight; when multiple walking tours hit this terminus together, the small platform jams instantly, making photo spots rare.