Gibbon Hill Geyser
This geyser erupts at 7,570 feet elevation, producing near-boiling water at 199 degrees Fahrenheit accessible via four-fifths mile walk from the road. USGS analysis records acidic pH of 5.6 with moderate mineral concentrations including 69.2 milligrams per liter sodium and 16.4 milligrams per liter chloride, indicating mixed thermal water sources.
The geyser sits on Gibbon Hill, a thermal prominence within Yellowstone's active geothermal landscape between Norris and Mammoth areas. Lodgepole pine forest surrounds the feature, with thermally influenced bare ground and silica deposits marking areas of highest heat flow. The site experiences average annual temperatures of 34.6 degrees Fahrenheit with 123 inches of snowfall. Thermal runoff channels extend downslope, supporting thermophilic microorganisms that create orange and green mats.
The feature name combines the local topographic designation with its erupting character. Park records document variable activity patterns, with eruption frequency and height changing over decades as subsurface conditions shift. USGS thermal monitoring at this site contributes to long-term datasets tracking Yellowstone's complex hydrothermal system behavior.
Access via short trail from parking area; follow all posted warnings and stay on designated paths. Geyser eruptions are unpredictable; maintain safe distance from vent and runoff channels. Visit late May through October when access road is open. Bring camera with zoom lens to photograph eruptions safely from established viewing areas. The site is less crowded than Old Faithful area but requires same cautions around extreme temperatures and unstable ground.
Is Gibbon Hill Geyser worth visiting?
Best for
- Observing powerful hot springs
- Overnight camping trips
- Winter soaking with dramatic temperature contrast
Not ideal for
- Casual soaking
The water at Gibbon Hill Geyser is slightly acidic (pH 5.6).
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