Great Fountain Geyser

Great Fountain Geyser shortly after an eruption on a late afternoon of thunderstorms during a mid-September visit to Yellowstone National Park. The geyser is one of the most popular for photographers wanting to catch inspiring sunset photos and is found along the Firehole Lake Drive between Madison Junction and Old Faithful.

The vent itself is in the center of a large terraced pool with several bands that provide interesting reflections of the sky and sunsets.

Adding drama to the photo is the large cloud with the drooping pouch-like structures on the underside. The cloud probably is the remains of a cumulonimbus cloud or thunderhead that drifted over the area following a thunderstorm. Lighting was seen during the photo session behind the ridge at left of center as well as far to the right and out of sight in this view.

Second Highest Geyser in Yellowstone

Eruptions from Great Fountain Geyser regularly occur every 10 to 15 hours and can reach heights from 75 feet to 220 feet. Such lofty eruptions add drama to what already is be a spectacular scene.