Sight guide · Napa Valley · United States
Visiting Old Faithful Geyser of California
A privately owned geyser just outside Calistoga that erupts regularly, sending a column of hot water into the air.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Pictured: Napa Valley · Photo: Drew Jacksich from San Jose, California Republic, CC BY 2.0
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Quick answer
Old Faithful Geyser of California is a nature spot in Calistoga, Napa Valley. Allow 1 hour; it is low cost. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Nature
- Area
- Calistoga
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- kids, nature and outdoors
- Best months
- May–July
Plan a trip to Napa Valley
Compare flights, places to stay and rental cars, then book with the provider you choose.
About Old Faithful Geyser of California
A privately owned geyser just outside Calistoga that erupts regularly, sending a column of hot water into the air. The grounds have a small garden and a petting area with goats.
Tip: Ask at the entrance about the expected time of the next eruption so you do not miss it.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1 hour.
- Cost: Low cost.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Calistoga, laid-back hot-springs town at the top of the valley.
Best time to visit Old Faithful Geyser of California
Old Faithful Geyser of California is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- May: 26°C (79°F) highs, about 2 rainy days, busy crowds.
- June: 29°C (84°F) highs, about 1 rainy days, busy crowds.
- July: 31°C (88°F) highs, almost no rainy days, busy crowds.
When to visit Napa Valley has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Napa Valley itinerary visits Old Faithful Geyser of California on day 3, together with Castello di Amorosa and Schramsberg Vineyards.
- No. 13 of the 18 sights in our Napa Valley things-to-do list.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Napa Valley.
- A family favourite in Napa Valley with kids.
Near Old Faithful Geyser of California
Also in Calistoga, so you can walk between them:
- Calistoga mud baths and hot springs — 1.5–2 hours, expensive
- Schramsberg Vineyards — 1.5 hours, expensive
- Chateau Montelena — 1.5 hours, expensive
If you like Old Faithful Geyser of California
- Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park — St Helena, 1 hour
- Napa Valley Vine Trail — Downtown Napa, 2–4 hours
Staying near Old Faithful Geyser of California
Stay in Calistoga ($$$) to walk here: laid-back hot-springs town at the top of the valley. All areas to stay in Napa Valley.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Old Faithful Geyser of California?
Plan 1 hour. With Calistoga mud baths and hot springs nearby, it fits a half-day in Calistoga.
+Is Old Faithful Geyser of California free?
No, it is low cost. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Old Faithful Geyser of California?
May–July for the most comfortable weather. Ask at the entrance about the expected time of the next eruption so you do not miss it.
+Do I need to book Old Faithful Geyser of California in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Old Faithful Geyser of California good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Napa Valley. Napa Valley is adult-focused, but families can enjoy the geyser, a castle winery, bike rides on the Vine Trail, hot-spring pools and the food hall.