Old Faithful Geyser of California

Description

Geysers put Calistoga on the map. At Old Faithful Geyser, you can witness one showing off its geothermal splendor, and it won't keep you waiting. Not for long, at least. You can count on it giving a repeat performance every 10-60 minutes. It's one of the few predictable geysers in the world, akin to its more famous cousin in Yellowstone National Park. Put any waiting time to good use by taking in displays about geothermal research on the geyser's earthquake-predicting powers -- something Olga Kolbek, owner of the property, can attest to. She's been monitoring changes in the geyser's schedule for years and usually has a bit of warning before a temblor, including the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. There are also animal displays and a snack bar to appease impatient kids. The show is worth the short wait. What begins as a gentle burbling amid some stones in a small, rather unremarkable-looking pond becomes a powerful column of steaming water shooting at least 30-60 feet straight into the air. The eruption lasts from about one to 15 minutes. Located at 1299 Tubbs Lane in Calistoga.