Real important to park at the Fairy Falls trail. The trail is relatively flat until you see the sign to the overlook. It does get a little steeper but it is manageable. I am telling you this as I had experience using crutches when I broke my foot in China. I "hiked" many trails including Yellow Mountain which has over 50,000- 60,000 steps. Granted, I was 49 years old and was in good shape. One person recommended going early but there is one disadvantage. If you go early, you will see only steam due to the combination of cold air and hot water. If you can get to the viewpoint around noontime, you will see the grandeur of the multi-colors around the spring. On the other hand, finding a parking spot will be tough. Good Luck and have fun!

The park should be open barring heavy snowfall. I have only visited in the summer and once in Oct on our honeymoon and as I remember one of the entrances to the park was closed by snow. You have to go up a boardwalk incline in the summer to see the spring. There may be snowmobiles to rent if you need to. The buffalo get there somehow--you can see their droppings. I'd call the visitor center for info. The spring is beautiful. Hope you get to see it.

The Prismatic Spring is on the way to Old Faithful from West Yellowstone. It is right on the river. They may not be stopping there because it is on the south side of the river from the road, which is on the north side of the river. See if they let you snowshoe to destinations on the way to Old Faithful.

There is a short uphill part of the trail but people of all ages were hiking the trail. It is not long at all, less than I mike I would guess. There are a couple of geysers along the way too so it feels like a short trip. For sure go to the top the view is amazing! but yes if it is cold (morning time) there will be fog and not much of a view. I went around 12!

Yes it will definitely be snow that time of the year . Best thing you could do is to call the park and ask for information about the roads. Yes most of the hiking trails will be close specially the prismatic area . hope this info help. Try to contact them through their FB page they respond soon

Hello, September can be very unpredictable (weather) so hopefully you will luck out and get a clear day to enjoy the Grand Prismatic Spring! We visited in mid September and one day it was clear and warm (high 60's) and the next day there was snow and some roads in the park were closed. If you get to the Springs early in the morning you may have to deal with the mist and unless you are elevated you will not see much of the Spring. However, if you are taking an air tour as you suggest, on a clear day you will get the best views. It is truly a beautiful site if you can enjoy all of the colors. Good luck!

Oversnow machine travel ends for the season the next day, I believe, 15 March. What you need is a snowmobile tour to Old Faithful from the south or the west gate that will agree to let you walk in the Midway Geyser Basin trail alone or with one of their guides while the rest of the tour visits fountain paint pots, 3 km closer to west yellowstone. The overlook from the fairy falls trailhead would be a longer ski in or a snowshoe hike. My experience is that enough people walk on the snow covered boardwalk that you’ll not need snowshoes unless it has stormed recently. The reason you don’t hear about it in the winter is the temperature difference is so great you generally see just a big gray cloud of vapor. If it’s a clear blue sky day, you’ll see a huge pale blue cloud. The broad mineral terraces and bacteria mats are fascinating at any time. But the amazingly colorful photos you see are taken in the summertime when the air is much warmer. If no snowmobile or snowcoach tour company will help you, then you need to be staying two nights at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge. From there a Xanterra snow coach may be chartered to drop you off and you can ski back or you may rent skis and ski in 10 km from old faithful, 1 km around the loop then return 10 km on your own. Best wishes.

this part is not handicap accessible.. so it will be hard for them to go. The uphill is about 1/2 mile but little hard for young and older people ! Hope this helps

We went over Christmas in a Snow vehicle, but some of the drivers don't go that far up past Old Faithful.

It is hard to time- it was pretty steamy between 8 and 9 am when we were there, but by 11-12 the lots were full and crowds difficult. Mid week, off season, around 10-11 am would probably be perfect :)