Fountain Paint Pot Trail in Yellowstone National Park is an amazing half-mile boardwalk loop that leads visitors past all four types of hydrothermal features! This is a great opportunity to see geysers, hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles.
TL;DR Don’t have time to read the full article? Here are my top finds:
🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
📍Tours
🐻 Save time! Buy your National Park Pass before your trip
Fountain Paint Pot Trail - Yellowstone National Park
Location - Lower Geyser Basin between Madison and Old Faithful on the loop road.
Highlights - Contains all four types of hydrothermal features - Geysers, Hot Springs, Mudpots, and Fumaroles.
Trail Distance - .5 mile boardwalk loop
The Fountain Paint Pot Area is a must-see while visiting Yellowstone! This boardwalk trail is a great opportunity to learn more about the different type of thermal features you can find within the park.
There is an easily accessible parking lot near the boardwalk.
Bacterial Mats
As you first head down the boardwalk, you will see thermophiles which are heat-loving microorganisms including bacteria. The green, orange, and brown colors you see in the bacterial mats are mostly Cyanobacteria.
Cyanobacteria can live in hot water that is up to 167 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature of the water dictates the color of the Cyanobacteria. Cooler waters form different shades of orange, brown, or rust.
Hot temperatures closer to 176 degrees are usually yellow-green.
Colors along the bacterial mats can change by season and with the sunlight.
Silex Spring
What does Silex mean - Silex is Latin for Silica.
When you look at the hot water in Silex Spring it is worth remembering that deep beneath your feet the heat from molten rock deep beneath the surface is transmitted up through the earth's crust.
The groundwater that circulates through rocks becomes heated as it follows cracks upwards until it escapes at the surface creating a hot spring.
Fountain Paint Pot
One thing to know is Fountain Paint Pot changes by the season. What you may see in the Fall is different from what it looks like in early summer.
During spring and early summer, the mud pots can be thin and watery from winter rain and snow.
Later in the summer and in the fall, the mud pots are thicker.
The hissing and roaring sounds you hear are caused by gases including steam, carbon dioxide, and a little hydrogen sulfide. These gases rush from the earth through a vent.
Leather Pool
The 1959 Hebgen Lake Earthquake caused dramatic changes to Leather Pool. The pool waters rose to boiling after the earthquake which killed microorganisms. Today the pool has cooled again and can support microorganisms.
Red Spouter
One cool thing about the Red Spouter is it exhibits the behaviors of all four thermal features. The Red Sprouter changes by season so you will find it looks very different depending on the time of year you are visiting.
Spring and early summer you can expect the Red Sprouter to be muddy hot spring that can seem similar to a geyser as it splashes reddish water up to several feet high.
Later in the year closer to late summer and fall as the water table lowers Red Sprouter is more of a big mudpot and then transforms into a hissing fumarole.
As you continue along the Fountain Paint Pot Boardwalk Trail you will enter into the geyser area.
There is an overlook that gives you the chance to see a half dozen geysers erupting at the same time!
Twig Geyser
Twig Geyser is the first geyser you will pass on the boardwalk. It is located at the base of the steps on the boardwalk.
Twig Geyser erupts 2 to 10 feet high in a series of eruptions.
Jet Geyser
When Jet Geyser is active it can erupt every few minutes up to 20 feet high.
Fountain Geyser
Fountain Geyser is across from Jet Geyser and can look empty before it erupts.
Eruptions can last 25 minutes or more and be 20 to 50 feet high!!!
Morning Geyser
Morning Geyser is located behind Fountain Geyser. This geyser seldom erupts but when it does you are in for a show! Morning Geyser is one of Yellowstone's largest geysers with eruptions reaching 80 to 200 feet high!
Spasm Geyser
Spasm Geyser erupts pretty frequently with an initial eruption of up to 20 feet and then splashes that are about 3 feet high.
Clepsydra Geyser
What does Clepsydra Mean - Clepsydra is Greek for a water clock.
Clepsydra Geyser is pretty easy to see erupt. This geyser splashes from several vents. You can see the steam from Clepsydra Geyser throughout the Lower Geyser Basin.
Celestine Pool
The last hot springs you will see along the boardwalk trail is Celestine Spring. This pool has a gorgeous blue color.
Bobby Socks Trees
As you travel through the different thermal areas within Yellowstone National Park you will notice trees that look like they are wearing white socks.
This white sock look is caused when Lodgepole Pine Trees drown in super-heated waters. The trees are penetrated by silica which hardens their bases.
Fountain Paint Pot Trail Map
Where is Fountain Paint Pot?
Yellowstone National Park Tours and Activities
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
⭐️ Rating: 4.6 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours to 1 day | 🔊Check Rates and Availability
See the highlights of Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park without worrying about going with a tour group. This audio tour lets you navigate the way to see what you are intrested in the most, or you can use a planned out itinerary. Plus, this audio tour works even if your smartphone doesen't have service or WIFI.
Full-Day Guided Yellowstone Day Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 11-12 hours | 🚌Check Rates and Availability
Leave the planning of a Yellowstone Adventure up to us and we'll have a spectacular day to savor in the world's first national park while you relax and take in the views. This tour focuses on Yellowstone's Lower Loop, including Hayden Valley, Grand Prismatic Spring, Old Faithful, and Gibbon Falls. Pick-up and drop-off are at your hotel with a provided lunch.
6-Mile Geyser Hiking Tour in Yellowstone with Lunch
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 6 hours | 🥾Check Rates and Availability
Marvel at the geothermal landscapes of Yellowstone National Park on this guided 6-mile (9.7km) hike. While most visitors stop at Old Faithful, this hike reveals even more of the park's natural wonders, passing hissing geysers and steam vents, and steamy hot springs. This hike is approximately six hours long from the Daisy Geyser Trailhead along the Firehole River as you look out for wildlife and refuel with a hearty picnic lunch along the way.
Full Day Private Fly Fishing in Yellowstone
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours | 🎣 Check Rates and Availability
The local guides know the ins and outs of the river system within Yellowstone National Park. Not only are we equipped with the equipment, knowledge, and permits to provide you with some additional or new understanding of fly fishing and they come with a zest and love for the ecosystem in which we are bringing you into. We will strive to make sure this is an adventure you will never forget.
Click here to find more great Yellowstone National Park Tours.
Nearby Yellowstone Attractions
Old Faithful - Old Faithful is just down the road from Firehole Lake Drive
Biscuit Basin - Check out Black Opal Pool and the Jewel Geyser in Biscuit Basin.
Firehole Lake Drive - This 2-mile scenic drive includes the Great Fountain Geyer, White Dome Geyser, and Firehole Lake
Firehole Canyon Drive - Check out Firehole Falls and Firehole River Swimming Area on this great scenic drive.
Norris Geyser Basin - Norris Geyser Basin features some of the hottest thermal areas in the entire park.
Black Sand Basin - This short boardwalk trail offers great thermal features.
Have you seen all of the epic Yellowstone Waterfalls you can easily see in the park.
Closest Campground
Check out all of the Yellowstone Campgrounds to help plan your time in the park.
Closest Yellowstone Lodging
The Old Faithful Inn, Snow Lodge, and Old Faithful Lodge Cabins are the closest lodging options to the Fountain Paint Pot Trail.
Additional Yellowstone National Park Information & Resources
National Park Lodges available in Yellowstone National Park
There are nine National Park Lodges with over 2,000 rooms available in Yellowstone National Park. We suggest staying at a couple different lodges in different areas to provide easy access to different portions of the park.
Two lodges are open year-round including:
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins
🏨Ready to Book the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel -> Click Here
The Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel has hotel rooms and cabin accommodations. (Cabins are seasonal) and steps away from Mammoth Hot Springs and a great option for exploring Lamar Valley and wildlife viewing.
The Old Faithful Snow Lodge
🏨Ready to Book the Old Faithful Snow Lodge -> Click Here
The Old Faithful Snow Lodge is a newer lodge in Yellowstone with several upgraded ammenities and just steps from Old Faithful, Geyser Hill, and the lower Geyser Basin!
Lodges that are open from late spring through fall include:
Canyon Lodge and Cabins:
🏨Ready to Book the Canyon Lodge and Cabins -> Click Here
This is a modern lodge that is located in Canyon Village with several dining options, a visitor center, gift shop, and close to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone Falls, Hayden Valley, and Norris Geyser Basin. Canyon Lodge has 400+ guest rooms spread across 5 hotel-style lodges, with 100+ cabins being more rustic accommodations.
Grant Village Lodge
🏨Ready to Book the Grant Village Lodge -> Click Here
You will love the EPIC views of Lake Yellowstone from the Lodge's two restaurants (make sure to get advance reservations for dinner) as the sunset is pretty epic and registered guests to the Grant Village Lodge can make reservations before anyone else! THe lodge is also in close proximity to Lake Yellowstone, West Thumb Geyser Basin, Lower Geyser Basin and Old Faithful, and Hayden Valley! Grant Village Lodge features 300 guest rooms spread across 6 two-story, hotel-style lodges.
Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Cabins
🏨Ready to Book the Lake Yellowstone Hotel -> Click Here
I like to describe the Lake Yellowstone Hotel as understated luxury with amazing views of the lake. It is also close to Hayden Valley, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Yellowstone Falls. lodge that has hotel room-style and cabin accommodations.
Lake Lodge Cabins:
🏨Ready to Book the Lake Lodge Cabins -> Click Here
I love staying in these cabins because everytime I have stayed here, it seems like there is wildlife everywhere, especially elk and bison! Thre is186 very cozy cabins located near Lake Yellowstone lodge.
Old Faithful Inn
🏨Ready to Book The Old Faithful Inn -> Click Here
The Old Faithful Inn is arguably the pinnacle of all National Park Lodges! It is a right-of-passage to stay here, especially for fans of the parks, especially fans of the lodges and the National Park Rustic "Parkitecture" design. If you can't get a room here, make sure to at least stop in and check out the lobby and perhaps have lunch in the dining room.
Old Faithful Lodge
🏨Ready to Book The Old Faithful Lodge -> Click Here
These Cabin accommodations are located about as close as you can get to Old Faithful itself! You can also walk right out and take the Geyser Hill Trail, a must for any first time visitor to Yellowstone.
Roosevelt Lodge and Cabins
🏨Ready to Book The Roosevelt Lodge -> Click Here
These Cabin accommodations is the closest lodging in the park you can get to Lamar Valley! Caution, these rooms are hard to get as they are very popular. They also have an Old West Dinner Cookout, offer horseback rides, and Stagecoach Adventures.
Lodging near Yellowstone NP
Lodging options in West Yellowstone, Montana
Gray Wolf Inn & Suites islocated close to the park's West Entrance, and provides a firepit, laundry facilities, and a 24-hour gym. They also offer a hot tub, free WIFI and a business center.
Stage Coach Inn has a free continental breakfast, laundry facilities, and a fireplace in the lobby. They also have a sauna, free WIFI, a gym, and a 24-hour business center.
Yellowstone Westgate Hotel offers a free continental breakfast, laundry facilities, and a fireplace in the lobby. They also have a hot tub, free WIFI, and a business center.
Brandin' Iron Inn is located close to the park's West Entrance, provides free full breakfast, laundry facilities, and a fireplace in the lobby and free WIFI.
Kelly Inn West Yellowstone - free continental breakfast, a free roundtrip airport shuttle, and a firepit. They also have a hot tub. free WIFI, laundry facilities and a business center.
Lodging options in Gardiner, Montana
Dreamcatcher Tipi Hotel this campground has coffee/tea and a microwave in a common area. Free continental breakfast, 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.
Super 8 by Wyndham Gardiner provides dry cleaning/laundry services and more. Guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.
Click on the maps below to see additional hotels and vacation rentals near Yellowstone NP.
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.
Additional Yellowstone Resources
Yellowstone Lodging Guide -Check out all of the lodges you can stay in while visiting Yellowstone NP.
Yellowstone Camping Guide - Check out all of the campgrounds available within the park.
Things to do Yellowstone - Check out all of the top things to do in the park.
Yellowstone Facts - Learn more about the unique features in Yellowstone.
Free National Park Days - Check out all of the days the National Park Service waives park entrance fees.
National Parks in Wyoming - Check out all of the parks you can visit while in Wyoming.
Grand Teton National Park - Everything you need to know to plan a great visit.
Make sure to follow Park Ranger John on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok
Kel says
I really enjoy your website. It has helped me plan our Yellowstone trip. Thank You for putting so much time into the site and sharing your experiences and expertise.