Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
You will see perpetual spouting at the center of Fearless Geyser at your left (west) as the
trail approaches Monarch Geyser on the right. Behind Monarch's crater is a devastated-look-
ing hillside, showing that Monarch was a truly regal feature at one time, though it has not
had a large eruption since 1913. Before that year it could rocket to a height of 200 feet (60
m), spewing out rocks and mud “with rumblings that shake the valley” (as an 1884 guidebook
states). It then became so quiet that it's sometimes called Monarch Geyser Crater. However,
proving that geysers can never be pronounced dead, it began having superheated boiling peri-
ods in 1993, with an occasional burst 20 feet (6 m) high. Some researchers believe there may
be an underground connection between Monarch and Steamboat Geysers.
Partway up the small hill north of Monarch Geyser are Mushroom Geyser (named for its
mushroom-shaped pedestal deposits, now gone) and Minute Geyser. Minute Geyser erupted
at one-minute intervals as much as 40 feet (12 m) high until about 1902. Unfortunately loc-
ated near the stagecoach loading dock, Minute Geyser's vent was blocked by a large boulder
thrown in by vandals. This changed the action to another vent that spouts frequently. Minute
Geyser has had occasional major eruptions in recent years.
As you continue through the woods, you might notice steam rising to the left (west). For-
gotten Fumarole acted as a geyser from 2004 to 2008, erupting to 20-30 feet (6-9 m); Redis-
covered Geyser, on a short path of its own, is usually a tiny perpetual spouter.
Bathtub Spring is on its own stretch of path between the main walkway and the museum.
The spring usually looks just like an old-fashioned tub filled with yellow to light brown muddy
water, sometimes spouting continuously. The massive buildup of geyserite is unusual for Nor-
ris features and was probably formed during alkaline water cycles within the hot spring, since
not much sinter accumulates during acidic cycles.
WALKING TOURS OF PORCELAIN BASIN
Consult the Norris Geyser Basin map, page 231 , for Porcelain Basin's walkways.
Porcelain Basin Overview
Approaching from the parking lot, turn right and pass through the museum breezeway to visit
Porcelain Basin, or stop to visit the museum's geological exhibits. The far side of the breezeway
affords a panoramic view of the basin and of Mt. Holmes about 10 miles (16 km) beyond.
The acres of geyserite and acid-leached lava here give the ground the texture and colors
of fine pastel tableware. Porcelain Basin is aptly named, since geyserite is made of silica, and
silica and alumina are major constituents of porcelain. In the varying light between dawn
and dusk, pools of opalescent water reflect different shades of blue. The basin shows delicate
tints of canary yellow, sulfurous yellow green, aqua, orange, rose, coral, white, tan, and gray.
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