Clepsydra Geyser

Clepsydra Geyser is a hydrothermal hot spring in the Lower Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park. Water shoots up from the ground in nearly constant bursts, creating a display of steaming spray and heat that visitors can watch from a safe boardwalk path.

The geyser was named during an expedition in 1878 and was once famous for erupting at regular three-minute intervals. A powerful earthquake in 1959 shifted its behavior, transforming it into the nearly continuous erupting feature that exists today.

The name comes from the ancient Greek word for water clock, referring to how regularly it once erupted in the past. Visitors walking here notice how this steady feature shapes the character of the area and connects people to the natural forces at work.

The best viewing spot is the Fountain Paint Pot Nature Trail boardwalk, where visitors can safely keep their distance from the hot water. Wear sturdy shoes and watch for sudden bursts of steam that can appear without warning.

Unlike many other geysers in the park, this spring no longer has quiet periods and feels like a living, breathing force. This dramatic shift fascinates visitors who witness how the earth itself can alter its own power and rhythm.