Do you have to pay to see Old Faithful?

Does it cost money to see Old Faithful? No, but Yellowstone does require a $35 entrance fee that's valid for 7 days. The pass allows you to view all attractions within the park, including Old Faithful.



To see the Old Faithful geyser, you do not pay a specific "viewing fee," but you must pay the standard entrance fee to enter Yellowstone National Park, as the geyser is located within the park's boundaries. In 2026, a standard seven-day pass for a private, non-commercial vehicle typically costs $35, while individuals entering on foot or by bicycle pay $20. Once inside the park, access to the Old Faithful viewing area, the historic Old Faithful Inn, and the surrounding boardwalks is completely free. There is ample parking near the visitor center, and you can check the predicted eruption times on the park's official app or at various information kiosks. If you hold an America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, your entry is covered. It is also worth noting that the park offers several "Fee-Free Days" throughout the year, such as National Park Week in April or Veterans Day in November, when entry fees are waived for all visitors, allowing everyone to witness the world-famous geyser at no cost.

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Historic Busiest Time of Day: Between 9-11am, waits can be over an hour long in the summer. Seasonality: Schedule to open to passenger vehicles April 21st, 2023. Closes November 1st, 2023. Distance to Closest Major Park Attraction: Old Faithful is 31.4 miles from West Yellowstone.

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In 2019, a man fell into thermal water near the cone of Old Faithful and suffered severe burns. Two years prior, a man sustained severe burns after falling in a hot spring in the Lower Geyser Basin. In 2016, a man left the boardwalk and died after slipping into a hot spring in Norris Geyser Basin.

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Since 1870, 22 people have died in the park after falling into the pools and geysers. One of the most recent deaths, in 2016, involved a man trying to soak in a geyser in the park. The man fell into the water and was boiled to death.

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Yellowstone National Park strictly prohibits visitors from touching, swimming, or soaking in hot springs.

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The Boiling River is a six-foot wide stream of hot water pouring over a travertine ledge into the Gardner River. Users have piled rocks to create a soaking area where the 140-degree water mixes with the cold river. It is the quintessential Yellowstone hot springs swimming experience.

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It's actually not too hard to find parking at Old Faithful because the parking lot is massive. You may have a problem getting a parking spot at Canyon Village, especially along the North Rim.

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While you can see Mount Rushmore in as little as an hour, I recommend spending about 4 hours to get the full experience. This includes taking the traditional selfie in front of the faces, walking the Presidential Trail, visiting the Museum and gift shop, and enjoying the Evening Lighting Ceremony.

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