On September 18, 1870, the explorer Nathanial Langford documented and named the geyser Old Faithful during his expedition in Yellowstone Park. Langford described the geyser as spouting at regular intervals, with columns of boiling water reaching up to 125 feet during each discharge. The following year, in 1871, geologist Ferdinand V. Hayden also documented Old Faithful during the establishment of Yellowstone as a national park, praising its regularity and frequency of eruptions. The geyser remains a popular tourist attraction, receiving about 4 million visitors each year. Located in the Upper Geyser Basin of Yellowstone, Old Faithful erupts on a semi-regular schedule each day, with eruptions lasting anywhere from 90 seconds to five minutes and water shooting as high as 180 feet in the air.
The geyser-viewing area of Old Faithful is known to be the most accessible and visitor-friendly in the park, with bench seating, a large parking lot, and a visitor center that tracks the time, height, and length of an eruption to predict the next one. Staff at Old Faithful work to predict the next eruption based on the duration and height of the previous one, with a 90% confidence rate within a 10-minute variation. This prediction is done through traditional methods of observation, timing with a stopwatch, and logging results. Currently, Old Faithful erupts every 44 to 125 minutes, with an average interval of 74 minutes, totaling about 20 eruptions per day.
The popularity of Old Faithful as a tourist destination has remained steady over the years, with millions of visitors flocking to witness its spectacular eruptions. The geyser’s predictability and regularity make it a reliable attraction for visitors. Although Old Faithful has slowed down in activity since its discovery, with 21 eruptions per day prior to the 1959 earthquake, it continues to draw awe and admiration from tourists who witness its eruptions. This gradual decrease in activity does not detract from the experience for visitors, as seeing one or two eruptions still provides a stunning display of natural beauty.
Old Faithful’s fame and unique characteristics have solidified its status as an iconic part of Yellowstone National Park. The geyser’s historical significance, dating back to its discovery in the 19th century, contributes to its allure for tourists seeking to witness the beauty of nature in action. The ongoing monitoring and observation of Old Faithful’s eruptions by park staff ensure that visitors have the opportunity to see this natural wonder at its best. As a symbol of the natural wonders present in Yellowstone and across the United States, Old Faithful continues to captivate and inspire all who have the chance to witness its magnificent eruptions.
