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Intermittent Spring, Wyoming
The Intermittent Spring (also known as the Periodic Spring) is the largest rhythmic spring in the world. It is found in Swift Creek Canyon in the Star Valley, near Afton, Wyoming. The spring’s discovery is credited to the great-great-grandfather of Olympic wrestler Rulon Gardner, who “went and stopped” while logging, noticing the water’s unusual flow.
Intermittent Spring in Wyoming is a rare “rhythmic” spring near Afton that periodically gushes water for about 12-18 minutes before going still for a similar duration, creating a unique “breathing” effect. Located in Swift Creek Canyon, this is the world’s largest rhythmic spring and is explained by a geological siphon process where an underground cavern fills and then empties. The spring is accessible via a one-mile hike from the trailhead.
What is the reason behind this Phenomenon?
The phenomenon is best explained by the natural siphon theory. This process begins with groundwater continuously flowing into an underground cavern. When the water level is high enough, it is drawn up a narrow tube, initiating a siphon that rapidly pulls water from the cavern, resulting in the spring’s forceful gush.
The flow stops when air rushes in and breaks the siphon, and the rhythmic cycle resumes once the cavern refills. It’s also observed that melting snow in the spring may increase the water supply enough to override the siphon effect, leading to a more constant flow.
Hydrologist Kip Solomon of the University of Utah noted that they currently have no alternative explanation. Further studies conducted by the university found that the spring water’s gas content indicates underground air exposure, which strongly supports this siphon theory.
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World’s Largest Intermittent Spring
Intermittent Spring is a large, rhythmic spring also known as “The Spring that Breathes,” among local Americans. It holds the title of the largest rhythmic spring globally, a finding confirmed by University of Utah researchers.
Intermittent Spring Trail
The Intermittent Spring Trail leads to the World’s Largest Intermittent Spring, a natural wonder. The trail is about 1.5 miles round trip, is considered mild to moderate with a steep, rocky final climb, and offers spectacular scenery. Visitors should wear good hiking shoes and can bring a picnic to enjoy at the tables near the spring.
The trail to the spring is approximately 1.5 miles round trip and is considered mild to moderate in difficulty, featuring a steeper, rocky section near the end. Visitors will enjoy beautiful views of the mountains and the Swift Creek canyon. The spring itself is famous for “breathing,” as its flow turns on and off on a regular schedule, typically every 20 minutes. However, during the spring season, increased snowmelt often causes the flow to become constant, sometimes peaking at 285 gallons per second.
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How to Reach Intermittent Spring
To reach the Intermittent Spring in Afton, Wyoming, drive east on East 2nd Avenue from downtown, following it for about 5 miles into the Bridger-Teton National Forest until the road ends at the trailhead parking area. From the parking lot, it is a relatively easy three-quarter-mile hike along a mostly flat, well-groomed trail to the spring itself.
