Top Hiking Trails in Yellowstone National Park
Whether you’re looking to hike to see geysers or just enjoy the outdoors, there are some great trails to check out in Yellowstone. From the Mary Mountain Trail to the Bunsen Peak Loop, here are some of the best trails to try out on your next vacation.
Geyser Basin Loop
Visiting the Upper Geyser Basin is one of the most popular attractions in Yellowstone National Park. There are a lot of geysers to see, and many of them are situated closely together. The upper part of the geyser basin is also home to the famous Old Faithful geyser. The trail to the upper part of the geyser basin takes about two hours.
If you want to hike the Upper Geyser Basin, you can do so by starting from the Visitor’s Center. The visitor’s center provides you with information about the geysers and the time they are predicted to erupt.
There are several different trails to take to get to the various geysers in the Upper Geyser Basin. For example, there is the classic loop, which is a 5 mile loop. The loop is fairly flat and easy to hike, but does involve some elevation change.
Lone Star Geyser Trail
Located in the Firehole river drainage, Lone Star Geyser is a unique geyser in Yellowstone National Park. It is a 12-foot-high mound of geyserite that erupts periodically, usually in about 30 minutes. Its eruptions shoot water up to 45 feet into the air.
Lone Star Geyser is part of the Upper Geyser Basin. The geyser usually shows signs of activity before erupting all out. During a major eruption, the water shoots up to 40-50 feet into the air for about 20 to 30 minutes.
The trail to Lone Star Geyser is only about two and a half miles one way. It follows an old service road along the Firehole River. The path passes through a clearing that leads to the geyser. There are benches along the way.
Bechler River Trail
Located in the far southwest corner of Yellowstone Park, the Bechler River Trail is an ideal four-day hike for beginners. It is an off-beaten trail that passes through wild berry fields, marshy meadows, and thick lodgepole pine. Unlike many other areas, it is less crowded and offers a unique opportunity to see nature at work.
This remote and quiet part of the park is known to backpackers and nature lovers. Its wilderness and plentiful waterfalls provide plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities. It also offers excellent fishing and hot springs. The area is relatively undeveloped, which means it’s easier to find camping and fishing sites than other parts of the park.
Mary Mountain Trail
Grizzly bears are commonly seen in the Hayden Valley area of Yellowstone. This is the best spot in the park to see them. The trail can be approached as an out and back or as a point to point trail.
The central section of the Hayden Valley trail is heavily forested and leads past the ranger cabin. The west side skirts Nez Perce Creek and passes by Morning Mist Springs. The Nez Perce trailhead is located between Madison Junction and Old Faithful.
The Morning Glory Pool is an orange-yellow algae ring surrounded by a clear blue pool. This type of hot springs pool is similar to the one in the Upper Geyser Basin.
Storm Point Trail
Located on the east side of Yellowstone National Park, the Storm Point Trail is a short hike that offers a panoramic view of the lake. This out-and-back hike is also perfect for younger kids. It is a 2.3 mile trail with little elevation gain and plenty of scenic views.
The trail begins at the Indian Pond Pullout. The trail passes through a large meadow, then loops back through lodgepole pine forests. This is a great opportunity to see bald eagles, waterfowl, and buffalo.
The trail also passes a pond and hydrothermal features. It is also an excellent place to spot the marmot. This golden-brown rodent burrows into the ground and has a chirpy, whistle-like voice.
Bunsen Peak
Located in the Gallatin Mountains, Bunsen Peak is a beautiful mountain with three small summits. It is an excellent hiking destination in Yellowstone National Park.
The best time to visit Bunsen Peak is in June and September. These months are especially good for seeing the fall colors.
The views are incredible from the top of Bunsen Peak. You will get a sweeping view of the Mammoth area and the surrounding mountains. You will also get a look at the Washburn Mountains, Gallatin Mountains, and even the Blacktail Plateau. Bunsen Peak is a moderate hike that will take about 3 hours to complete. It is also a good way to see Mammoth Hot Springs.
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