Hiking Trails in Yellowstone

• What is Lava Creek Trail?
  • Lava Creek Trail is an 8.4-mile both-ways trail in Yellowstone that is considered moderately difficult and is very popular among hikers.
• Should I expect crowds on Lava Creek Trail?
  • Yes, the trail is very popular, so expect to encounter other hikers, especially during peak seasons.
• When is Lava Creek Trail accessible?
  • The trail runs at a fairly low elevation and is mostly downhill, which makes it snow-free earlier than many other trails, making it a great early spring hike.
• What are some key highlights of Lava Creek Trail?
  • The trail follows the Gardner River and offers scenic views of:
    • The 60-foot Undine Falls
    • The magnificent Lava Creek Canyon
    • The Mammoth Hot Spring Terraces in the distance
• What kind of wildlife can be seen along the trail?
  • It is common to spot:
    • Buffalo
    • White-tailed deer
    • Black bears
    Hikers should always stay alert and practice wildlife safety.
• Is horseback riding allowed on Lava Creek Trail?
  • Yes, the trail is also used by horseback riders.
• Where is the Lava Creek Trailhead located?
  • The trailhead is located on the Mammoth to Tower Road at the Lava Creek Picnic Area.

• What is the Mount Washburn Trail?
  • Mount Washburn Trail is one of two main trails leading to the 10,243-foot summit of Mount Washburn. The two routes are the Chittenden Road Trail and the Mount Washburn South Trail.
• Which route is more popular?
  • The Mount Washburn Trail, which begins at Dunraven Pass, is more popular because it offers scenic twists and turns and fantastic views along the way.
• What is the elevation gain on the Mount Washburn Trail?
  • The trail gradually ascends 1,300 feet along an old road bed, making for a steady but manageable climb.
• What kind of scenery can hikers expect?
  • The trail mostly passes through open fields filled with wildflowers and offers breathtaking views of:
    • The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
    • Yellowstone Lake
    • Hayden Valley
• How difficult is the Mount Washburn Trail?
  • The trail is considered moderately difficult, making it a great option for hikers looking for a challenge without extreme difficulty.
• Is the trail usually crowded?
  • Unlike some of Yellowstone’s other popular trails, the Mount Washburn Trail is not too crowded, allowing hikers to enjoy some peace and privacy along the way.
• Where is the trailhead located?
  • The trailhead is located at the parking area at the end of the Grand Loop Road.

For Couples

• What is the Fairy Falls Trail?
  • Fairy Falls Trail is a 6.6-mile easy both-ways trail that runs along the scenic Grand Prismatic Spring, through a regenerating forest, and ends at a backcountry geyser.
• What notable landmarks does the trail pass?
  • The trail passes through:
    • The Grand Prismatic Spring – A massive, beautifully colored, 370-foot hot spring.
    • A regenerating forest – An area that burned down in 1988 but is now home to many species.
    • Fairy Falls – A stunning waterfall that plunges 197 feet from the Madison Plateau.
    • A backcountry geyser – A hidden gem at the end of the trail.
• How crowded is Fairy Falls Trail?
  • The trail is very popular and can get crowded, so hikers should not expect solitude.
• Where is the trailhead located?
  • The trailhead is located on the Old Faithful to Madison Road, about a mile from Midway Geyser Basin.
• How does the trail start?
  • The trail begins by crossing the Firehole River Bridge, then continues along the south bank of Midway Geyser Basin on the Fountain Freight Road before reaching the Grand Prismatic Spring.
• How far is Fairy Falls from the start of the trail?
  • Fairy Falls is reached after approximately 2.5 miles of hiking, where Fairy Creek cascades over the edge of the Madison Plateau.

• What is the Bunsen Peak Trail?
  • Bunsen Peak Trail is a 4.4-mile moderately difficult out-and-back trail that features steep switchbacks and a challenging climb.
• How difficult is the trail?
  • The trail is considered moderately difficult, with a total elevation gain of 1,282 feet. The upper section is rocky and steep, with plenty of scree.
• What kind of views can hikers expect?
  • The trail offers fantastic views throughout the hike, but the summit views are spectacular. From the top, you can see:
    • Gardners Hole
    • Electric Peak
    • The Gallatin Range
    • Swan Lake
    • Several smaller lakes
• What can hikers see along the trail in the summer?
  • In the summer, the trail is surrounded by wild raspberries and wildflowers, adding to the scenic beauty of the hike.
• Where is the Bunsen Peak Trailhead located?
  • The trailhead is located on US-89, about 4.8 miles in the direction towards Norris Junction, on the left side as you come out of Golden Gate Canyon.

• What is the Mystic Falls Trail?
  • Mystic Falls Trail is a 3.5-mile-long loop trail that follows the boardwalk and runs along the Little Firehole River before reaching the 70-foot Mystic Falls.
• What notable features does the trail pass?
  • The trail takes hikers past several beautiful geothermal features, including:
    • Black Opal Pool
    • A magnificent blue pool called Sapphire Pool
    • Jewel Geyser and many other hot springs and geysers
• Does the trail offer any scenic overlooks?
  • Yes! The trail leads to a spectacular overlook of the Upper Geyser Basin, providing a stunning panoramic view.
• Is this a good place to watch Old Faithful?
  • Yes, the overlook is one of the best and least crowded spots to watch Old Faithful. Bring good binoculars for the best experience.
• Is this trail family-friendly?
  • The first part of the trail is easy and fun for kids, making it a great option for families. However, there is a short but rough climb to the Madison Plateau later in the hike.
• Are there any hazards along the trail?
  • As you descend from the overlook, be cautious of small sliding rocks on the steep incline.
• What wildlife can be seen along the trail?
  • Hikers often spot cute yellow-bellied marmots along the trail.
• Where is the trailhead located?
  • The trailhead can be found at the Biscuit Basin parking area.

For Families with Kids

• What is the Elephant Back Loop?
  • Elephant Back Loop is a 3.6-mile-long loop trail that ascends the steep east slope of Elephant Back Mountain, leading to one of the most beautiful views of Yellowstone Lake.
• What kind of terrain does the trail cover?
  • Most of the trail passes through a forested area, but after about 1.5 miles, the trees clear out as hikers approach the edge of the plateau.
• What views can hikers expect?
  • Once hikers reach the plateau, they are rewarded with a spectacular view of Yellowstone Lake and the Absaroka Range.
• How difficult is the trail?
  • Most of the trail is fairly easy, except for the final 300-foot-long steep section just before reaching the wide plateau.
• Are there any wildlife concerns on this trail?
  • This area is favored by grizzly bears, and hikers will see caution notices at the start of the trail. Occasionally, the trail has been closed to prevent dangerous bear encounters.
• Where is the trailhead located?
  • The trailhead is located on the Yellowstone National Park main highway, between Lake Village and West Thumb.

• What is the Observation Point Trail?
  • Observation Point Trail is a 1.1-mile-long loop trail that is fairly unused but provides quick access to the park’s backcountry.
• What scenic views does the trail offer?
  • The trail features a fantastic viewpoint overlooking Old Faithful Village and Geyser Hill, making it a great spot to observe the famous Old Faithful eruption.
• What geothermal features can be seen along the trail?
  • Hikers will pass by the Solitary Geyser thermal area, adding a unique geothermal element to the trail experience.
• How difficult is the trail?
  • Most of the trail is fairly easy and level, except for a small steep portion just before reaching the Observation Point, which sits about 200 feet above the surrounding area.
• What kind of forest does the trail pass through?
  • The trail winds through old forest patches that survived the 1988 fire, but it is mostly composed of regrown pine forest.
• Where is the trailhead located?
  • The trailhead is at the parking lot at Old Faithful Village, north of Old Faithful.
• Is this a good spot to watch Old Faithful erupt?
  • Yes! The view of Old Faithful Village from the Observation Point is spectacular, making it an ideal place to wait for the eruption.

• What is the Bechler Falls Trail?
  • Bechler Falls Trail is a 1.3-mile short trail in the southwest part of Yellowstone, making it one of the few short hikes in an area dominated by multi-day backpacking routes.
• Is the Bechler Falls Trail less exciting because of its length?
  • No! Despite its short length, the trail offers an exciting hike with scenic river views, verdant woodlands, and a powerful cascade at Bechler Falls.
• What is Bechler Falls?
  • Bechler Falls is a small but powerful cascade on the Bechler River, creating a stunning natural attraction at the end of the hike.
• Where does the trail begin?
  • The trail begins at the much larger Cave Falls, providing an impressive starting point before leading to Bechler Falls.
• What natural features does the trail pass?
  • Along the way, hikers will pass the scenic confluence of the Fall and Bechler rivers, where the two rivers merge in a beautiful setting.
• What is the surrounding landscape like?
  • The trail winds gently through cool, verdant woodland, creating a peaceful hiking experience. In the summer, it is surrounded by fields of colorful wildflowers.
• Does the trail follow a river?
  • Yes! The trail stays alongside at least one of the rivers for most of the hike, offering continuous water views.
• Where is the trailhead located?
  • The trailhead can be found at the end of the unpaved Cave Falls Road.

• What is the Divide Lookout Trail?
  • Divide Lookout Trail is a 1.5-mile short, unmarked trail that steadily climbs a steep ravine to the 8,779-foot-high summit on the Continental Divide.
• What makes this trail unique?
  • The trail parallels the Continental Divide, making it a special hike for those interested in exploring this natural boundary.
• What type of forest does the trail pass through?
  • The trail winds through a dense lodgepole and fir forest, which blocks most views along the way.
• Where does the trail end?
  • The trail ends on a flat summit in a clearing surrounded by tall trees, which was once the site of the now-dismantled Divide Lookout fire watchtower.
• Are there any scenic views along the trail?
  • Although the dense forest limits visibility, occasional gaps in the trees provide lovely restricted views of Mount Sheridan and Shoshone Lake.
• Where is the trailhead located?
  • The trailhead is at the large pullout between Old Faithful and West Thumb.