Spectacular Shoshone Geyser Basin (Yellowstone monthly update, October 2026)

One of the densest concentrations of geysers in Yellowstone can be found in the remote Shoshone Geyser Basin, on the west side of Shoshone Lake.

Shoshone Geyser Basin is one of the most spectacular in all of Yellowstone National Park. Located deep in the backcountry along the west side of Shoshone Lake, the area has one of the densest concentrations of geysers, second only to the Upper Geyser Basin (where Old Faithful is located). There are over 100 geysers in this region and 40 or 50 might be active at any given time. A trail takes you right by Minute Man geyser (always at the ready!), so it is quite easy to watch the frequent eruptions there.

During the month of October 2026, the University of Utah Seismograph Stations, which monitors and operates the Yellowstone seismic network, located 66 earthquakes. The largest was a Magnitude 2.0.  Throughout 2026, there has been very little change in ground deformation—neither uplift nor subsidence. Steamboat Geyser had minor activity. Echinus Geyser erupted on October 26. Giant Geyser, in Upper Geyser Basin, erupted on October 5, 13, and 22. Yellowstone volcano remains at normal, background levels of activity.

For questions, email yvowebteam@usgs.gov

Read Caldera Chronicles https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/yellowstone/caldera-chronicles

Visit Yellowstone Volcano Observatory website https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/yellowstone