Geyser Gazing Society

Packing for a Day of Geyser Gazing

You have set aside the time, picked the perfect spot to go, and gotten your directions from the internet. You are all ready for a day of geyser gazing right? Before you head off to the geyser field of your choice, there are some basics that you should make sure to bring with you.

One of the most important things to remember for geyser gazing is sensible clothing. Wear sturdy shoes like boots that can handle rough terrain because you will probably have to do a lot of walking. Boots are also a good idea because they provide more protection in case you step into a hot spring or geyser pool, which can severely burn you. Since geyser gazing may involve a lot of hiking, wear clothing that is loose and comfortable enough to move in while protecting you from the elements. Jeans, cargo pants, t-shirts and sweatshirts are a good idea. You might also want to wear a baseball hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Sunscreen is a very good thing to have for an all-day excursion. Make sure that you bring it with you instead of putting it on at home, so you can reapply it later on in the day.

If you are making the trip in late autumn or in the winter, bundle up with layers, so you can remove articles of clothing as you warm up from hiking and the midday sun. Bring binoculars in order to check out the geysers from a safe distance and to spot far off geysers. You may get so busy that you forget your growling stomach, but you should consider whether you want to pack a lunch or go to a nearby restaurant. Do not wait until you are in the middle of your tour and find yourself starving without any food. Since geyser fields are tourist spots, the odds are there are many restaurants within a reasonable distance from the geysers. Even if you are not going to eat lunch at the park, make sure you bring water to prevent dehydration.

In addition to bringing binoculars, you will not want to forget your camera. Many of the sights at geyser fields are stunning and you want to be able to capture that memory. You may also want to carry a small notebook and pen to record your observations about the geyser. It might be wise to bring a small first-aid kit—a few bandages, band-aids, and some anti-bacterial wipes—in case you get hurt during your sightseeing. You can carry all of your belongings in a backpack or messenger bag.

Make certain to bring materials about geysers. You do not want to bring encyclopedias because you will have to carry them. Try to bring a paperback guide about geysers and pick up any materials that the park office or visitors’ center offers. If possible, check out the schedule for the geysers’ eruptions ahead of time online. If that is not available, check the schedule when you get to the geyser field and plan your route accordingly. Geyser gazing can be a very enjoyable experience and a little preparation will make it all that much better.