Trail Descriptions by Park Area

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Geyser Hill Loop Trail

This short loop trail gives visitors a good chance of seeing a variety of geysers, from the ever-entertaining Anemone with its short intervals of 5-10 minutes to the impressive Beehive with its unpredictable eruptions reaching 100-150 feet!.

Observation Point Loop Trail

This trail gains about 200 ft. in elevation to a prominent overlook providing a great view of the Upper Geyser Basin.

Lone Star Geyser Trail

This mostly level trail follows an old service road along the Firehole River through unburned forests of lodgepole pine. The geyser, which erupts approximately every 3 hours, puts on a delightful show.

Fairy Falls Trail

At 200 feet high, Fairy Falls is an impressive backcountry sight. Two different trailheads lead to Fairy Falls.  The eight mile hike makes for a good leisurely, half-day outing. 

Mallard Lake Trail

This trail climbs through lodgepole pine forest (some burned areas from the 1988 fires) and along meadows and rocky slopes before terminating at Mallard Lake.

Mystic Falls Trail

This trail follows a lovely creek through a lodgepole pine forest before reaching the 70- foot falls. By following a series of switchbacks, an overlook of the Upper Geyser Basin can be reached before looping back to join the main trail.

Midway Geyser Basin Trail

The boardwalk leads visitors by impressive features including Excelsior Geyser and Grand Prismatic Spring.  Located six miles north of Old Faithful, it is a major park feature marked by easily visible road signs.

Black Sand and Biscuit Basin Trails
Easily accessed by boardwalks less than a mile in length, Emerald Pool, Sunset Lake, Jewel Geyser, and Sapphire Pool are among the features found in these less visited basins. Both areas are included in the Old Faithful area trail guide. Located just north of the Old Faithful turnoff, with well-marked road signs.

Fountain Paint Pot Trail
Yellowstone's four types of thermal features can be seen in one short walk along this loop trail: geysers, hot springs, mudpots, and fumaroles. A trail guide is available for this area, which also includes the Firehole Lake Drive area. Located eight miles north of Old Faithful, it is a major park feature marked by easily visible road signs.South Rim Trails, Yellowstone National Park,

MAMMOTH AREA

Beaver Ponds Loop Trail
This moderate 5 mile loop trail is a favorite in the Mammoth area.  Wildlife and wildflowers are abundant early in the season, and the trail offers good views of the surrounding area. 

Bunsen Peak Trail
This gradual 1,300 foot climb to the summit of Bunsen Peak provides a panoramic view of the Blacktail Plateau, Swan Lake Flats, Gallatin Mountain Range, and the Yellowstone River Valley.

Osprey Falls Trail
The 8 miles round trip Osprey Falls trail veers off an old road bed and follows the rim of Sheepeater Canyon before descending in a series of switchbacks to the bottom of Sheepeater Canyon. The Gardner River plunges over a 150-foot drop, forming Osprey Falls. Vertical cliffs rise 500 feet above you, making it one of the deepest canyons in Yellowstone.

Wraith Falls
A short, easy hike through open sagebrush and Douglas-fir forest to the foot of Wraith Falls cascade on Lupine Creek

Lava Creek Trail
This 3.5 mile one way trail follows Lava Creek downstream past Undine Falls (50 feet), descending gradually. Lava Creek meets the Gardner River farther downstream. The trail crosses a foot bridge on the Gardner River, and there is one final ascent to a pullout on the North Entrance Road just north of the Mammoth Campground.  The trailhead is located at the bridge at Lava Creek picnic area on the Mammoth-Tower Road

Rescue Creek Trail
This 8 mile roundtrip trail follows the Blacktail Deer Creek trail for the first 3/4 mile until meeting Rescue Creek trail. The trail climbs gradually through aspens and open meadows before beginning a 1,400 foot descent to the Gardner River. The trail crosses a foot bridge over the river and ends one mile south of the North Entrance Station.  The trailhead is seven miles east of Mammoth.

Sepulcher Mountain Trail
This trail follows the Beaver Ponds Trail to the Sepulcher Mountain Trail junction. This trail rises 3,400 feet through pine trees and open meadows until the 9,652 foot summit of Sepulcher is reached. To complete the loop, continue along the opposite side of the mountain through a broad open slope to the junction of the Snow Pass Trail. Continue down until you reach the junction with the Howard Eaton Trail. This will lead you west of the Mammoth Terraces and back to your original trailhead.

Wraith Falls
A short, easy hike through open sagebrush and Douglas-fir forest to the foot of Wraith Falls cascade on Lupine Creek.

CANYON AREA

Canyon Rims
There are numerous trails and viewpoints of the canyon falls, both from the north and south rim.

Mary Mountain Trail
This 21 mile one-way trail traverses the heart of Yellowstone.  Whether hiking the entire trail or a portion thereof, this trail offers the opportunity to view lots of wildlife.

Washburn Trail
Located between Canyon and Tower, this hike is a favorite of Park visitors, and offers spectacular views of Yellowstone's eastern mountain ranges.

Cascade Lake Trail
This easy hike takes 2-3 hours and is an enjoyable walk through open meadows and over small creeks for those with limited time. Look for wildlife and wildflowers in season.

Observation Peak
Hike to Cascade Lake from either of its two trailheads. From the lake, this strenuous, 1,400 foot climb in 3 miles will take roughly 3 hours. The hike takes you to a high mountain peak for an outstanding view of the Yellowstone wilderness.

Grebe Lake Trail
This is an easy 3-4 hour hike. This trail follows an old fire road through meadows and forest, some of which burned during the fires of 1988.

Howard Eaton Trail
This trail runs east-west between Canyon and Norris, following a series of lakes.  It can be very marshy early in the season.  Hiking the entire length is a 12-mile endeavor one way.

Seven Mile Hole Trail
This strenuous hike takes 6-8 hours to complete. Following the Canyon Rim for the first 1.5 miles (2.4 km), you will be rewarded with views of Silver Cord Cascade. Continue north another 0.5 mile (0.8 km) to join the Washburn Spur Trail; at 3 miles (4.8 km), the trail drops off to Seven Mile Hole, a 1.5 mile (2.4 km), 1,400 foot (425 m) drop. Hike it carefully, watch your footing, and conserve your energy. Depending on your condition and the weather, it can be a long hike back out. Be especially careful where the trail passes both dormant and active hot springs. Off-trail travel is prohibited. 

LAKE VILLAGE AREA

Avalanche Peak Trail
This steep, 5 mile roundtrip trail offers fantastic, panoramic mountaintop views for those who are hardy enough to make it to the top. 

Natural Bridge Trail
The natural bridge is a 51 ft. high cliff of rhyolite rock that has been cut through by the erosional forces of Bridge Creek. This easy 3-mile round trip hike starts near the Bridge Bay Campground.

Storm Point Trail
An easy 2 mile loop trail just east of Fishing Bridge, this trail offers excellent views of Yellowstone Lake and the chance to see Yellowstone wildlife large and small.

Elephant Back Mountain Trail
This trail climbs 800 through lodgepole pines to offer a good view of northwest side of Yellowstone Lake. 

Pelican Creek Trail
This short but diverse trail passes through the forest to the lakeshore before looping back across the marsh along Pelican Creek to the trailhead.