Excelsior Geyser Crater

Excelsior Geyser Crater is one of Yellowstone's most dramatic hydrothermal features, a massive turquoise pool sitting in the Midway Geyser Basin that continuously pours thousands of gallons of scalding water into the Firehole River below. The vivid color gradient of the pool, ranging from deep blue at the center to bright yellows and oranges along the bacterial mat edges, makes it endlessly compelling to photograph. The boardwalk that loops around the basin gives you elevated angles looking down into the crater, and the steam rising off the surface adds natural atmosphere to your shots. Midmorning light works well when the sun is high enough to illuminate the pool's colors without harsh shadows, though overcast days actually reduce glare and bring out the water's saturation beautifully. A wide angle lens helps capture the scale of the crater alongside the steaming Firehole River. The boardwalk is paved and accessible, and the loop from the parking area is short. (Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States)