Lone Star Geyser

Lone Star Geyser activity is predicted by the park rangers in the main visitor center at Old Faithful. Lone Star erupts about every 3 hours. To reach Lone Star, you have to take a hike that is about two and a half miles long. You reach the trailhead right off of the main park road. Look for the parking for the Kepler Cascades, the Lone Star Geyser parking is right next to it (or, just park at the Kepler Cascades). The trail to Lone Star is flat, and easy. It is a nice hike, shaded by trees most of the distance, and runs beside the Iron Spring Creek for the first part of the trek. We moved at a good clip because we are always eager to see the next sight.

It was fortunate for us that we set a good pace, because just as we emerged from the trees and topped a small rise, we could see the start of the Lone Star eruption ahead of us. I don't have big zoom on my camera, but you can see the plume from the Lone Star cone. The plume didn't last too long, by the time we got up close to the geyser it had already ceased to spout. We had passed a few people on the trail, and it was unfortunate timing for them - they arrived just a few minutes later than us and missed the entire show. But I guess waiting 3 hours for another display isn't so bad - it is beautiful park, and there was nice weather. I talked to a couple who turned out to be Canadian - he was wearing a Costa Rica Tshirt, and told me about their vacation down there - that sounds like a great place to visit someday. Hopefully soon!