Ashley Ross and the Crystal Geyser
We’ve been in Green River for almost four years now, and none of us have seen a full eruption (rumored to be sixty-feet high in its prime). So, our plan was to camp at the geyser, and we would have to see it happen, right? Unfortunately, no. Upon arrival (7pm), the geyser was erupting, but only reaching about ten-feet high. Through the night and into the morning, the geyser rumbled, bubbled, and released plenty of odors. For a full twelve hours, there was a steady flow of water traveling down the travertine terraces, but no major eruption. C’est la vie. We’ll try again sometime soon. But, it makes us question the geyser’s life span. Is she dying? Is it clogged? Are the eruptions happening underground? We highly recommend a trip to Crystal Geyser if you’re in the region, especially since it may not exist forever.
Crystal Geyser
A rare cold water geyser, the Crystal Geyser gets its power from carbon dioxide. The geyser erupts sporadically (every 12-16 hours) and can last for over an hour. It’s said that the geyser can shoot up to sixty-feet high, but typically is seen to erupt around twenty-feet high. To get to the Crystal Geyser, begin at the intersection of Main Street and Hastings Road driving east. Cross over Interstate 70 (do not get on the interstate) and turn left onto the frontage road. At mile 3.7, turn right onto the graded dirt road. Over the next several miles, you will pass through varied landscapes. Pass under the power lines and veer right at mile 7.2 to head west towards the Green River. After another half a mile, you’ve arrived at the Crystal Geyser. The mineralized water will not hurt you, but it is not potable. Even if you miss an eruption, the amazing mineral-formed travertine terraces are incredible to explore and view along the riverbank. Visiting this odd landscape, where the surface is wrinkled and pools of water linger, is reward enough for the short trip to the Crystal Geyser. Once you’re done exploring, return to Green River the way you came.
