Mammoth in Yellowstone National Park in Park County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
Giant Geyser
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 31, 2015
1. Giant Geyser Marker
When active, Giant Geyser is one of the largest in the world. Historic accounts describe Giant’s eruptions soaring to heights of 250 to 300 feet. However, recent eruptions have ranged from 200 to 250 feet.
Giant Geyser displays cycles of activity and dormancy. The unpredictability of Giant is due, in part, to interconnections between it and the geysers and hot springs of the nearby Grotto Group.
Fast Facts:
• Giant is a cone-type geyser.
• When active, Giant’s eruptions may reach heights of 200 to 250 feet.
• Giant’s eruptions can last from 1 to 1.5 hours and expel more than a million gallons of water.
Shrouded in Antiquity
The large sinter shroud surrounding Giant’s vent may be an indication of the geyser’s great age. The slow accumulation of mineral (1 to 2 inches every 100 years) indicates that Giant could be thousands of years old.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features.
Location. 44° 28.24′ N, 110° 50.45′ W. Marker is in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, in Park County. It is in Mammoth. Marker can be reached from Lower Grand Loop Road (U.S. 287), on the left when traveling
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Grotto Geyser (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Daisy Geyser (approx. 0.2 miles away); Riverside Geyser (approx. 0.2 miles away); Beauty and Chromatic Pools (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fading Glory (approx. 0.3 miles away); Grand Geyser (approx. 0.3 miles away); Crested Pool (approx. half a mile away); Castle Geyser (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Yellowstone National Park.
More about this marker. A photograph of an erupting Giant Geyser is on the left side of the marker. An 1870s watercut of Giant Geyser appears on the right side of the marker.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 31, 2015
2. Giant Geyser Marker
Giant Geyser can erupt over 50 times a year (2007) or once a year (2010). Its last eruption was in January 2010.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 31, 2015
3. Marker in the Upper Geyser Basin
Giant Geyser can be seen behind the marker.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 31, 2015
4. Giant Geyser Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 31, 2015
5. Giant Geyser
The sinter shroud surrounding Giant’s vent can be seen here. As stated on the marker, its large size may be an indication of the geyser’s great age.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 8, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 320 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 8, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
