After more than five years of silence, Yellowstone’s Echinus Geyser is active again, and scientists and visitors have been buzzing since February 2026, when the rare acidic geyser suddenly started erupting again. The last time anyone saw that kind of activity was way back in December 2020, and the team at the US Geological Survey jumped in right away to confirm the news. Echinus sits in the Norris Geyser Basin, which, if you’ve never been, is one of the most unpredictable and hottest spots in the whole park.

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What Makes Echinus Geyser Unique in Yellowstone?

Echinus Geyser is unique among geysers and other geothermal features in Yellowstone National Park because it is considered the world’s largest acidic geyser, which reacts with minerals and creates beautiful red, orange, and yellow colors on its rim. There is a strong smell of sulphur, which is common in hydrothermal areas because of the presence of volcanic gases and water.

Key Characteristics of Echinus Geyser

• Acidic Water: The water has a high concentration of minerals such as iron, aluminium, and arsenic, which form colorful deposits around the pool.
• Large Pool Structure: The pool of Echinus Geyser is 20 meters across, making it one of the most beautiful geothermal features.
• Short But Powerful Eruption: The eruptions are short, lasting 2-3 minutes, and can go up to 30 feet into the air.
• Silica-Rimmed Vent: The edges of the geyser are rimmed with deposits of silica.

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When Did the Recent Eruptions Begin, and How Frequent Are They?

The first confirmed eruption took place on February 7 and was followed by additional eruptions on February 9, February 12, and February 15, which confirmed that the pressure was building within the underground hydrothermal plumbing system. By the end of February, scientists had recorded just over 40 total eruptions.

How Scientists Monitor Echinus Geyser

• Temperature Sensors: The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) uses its instruments to track temperature spikes in the response channels that indicate an increase in the volume of hot water flowing during an eruption.
• Pattern Analysis: The recent Echinus eruptions establish a similar pattern cycle as the Echinus eruptions observed in late 2017, while the geyser was also intermittently active.
• Geothermal Data: Scientists gather data on changes in pressure of the underground water systems to determine when Echinus Geyser will erupt.
• User Safety: Scientists use their monitoring to ensure that there are safe observation areas for visitors to Echinus Geyser.

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Why Did the Geyser Stay Dormant for Over Five Years?

Geysers erupt when underground water is heated by hot rocks that are part of the vast Yellowstone volcano, and the heat increases pressure until steam and boiling water are forced out into the air through a channel. If the underground channel is disrupted or partially clogged by mineral deposits, the geyser stops erupting for a period of time.

Yellowstone’s Echinus Geyser is active again, showing how wild and ever-changing Yellowstone’s hydrothermal system is. For scientists, it’s a golden chance to watch and learn how these geothermal features shift and evolve over time.

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