The top hikes in Yellowstone feature luscious meadows, shooting geysers, mountain peaks and lake overlooks.
- Observation Point – Close to Old Faithful, this trail ascends 200 feet and highlights views of the Upper Geyser Basin.
- Two Ribbons Trail – Boardwalk trails meander through lodge-pole pine forests that are currently recovering from the 1988 fires.
- The Beaver Ponds Loop Trail – Located near Mammoth Hot Springs, this trail goes towards Clematis Gulch, which leads to ponds and highlights spectacular views of the park.
- Mallard Lake – This Trailhead is located on the southeast side of the Old Faithful Lodge cabins, close to the Firehole River. Visitors can take the first right as they enter the Lodge area and continue straight to find the road to the trailhead. The trail crosses the Firehole River, passes by the Pipeline Hot Springs and climbs over several rolling hills of lodge pole pines and open, rocky areas.
- Artist Paint Pots – These colorful, artistic hot springs and mud pots are simply spectacular and inspiring and nothing short of mesmerizing.
- Canyon Road – This area features several trails that are perfect for either short or extended hikes into Yellowstone’s backcountry. Visitors can explore high mountain peaks or survey the outstanding views of Yellowstone’s vast wilderness. The trail passes by Cascade Lake.
- Purple Mountain – This six-mile trail passes through burned lodge pole pine forests and climaxes with a superb view of the lower Gibbon Valley and the Firehole Valley.
- Natural Bridge – This natural bridge is 51 feet of rhyolite rock that cuts through Bridge Creek. The trail jogs through the forest for one-fourth mile and continues to the Natural Bridge.
- Yellowstone Lake Overlook – Beginning at the West Thumb Geyser Basin, this trail extends to high mountain meadows for spectacular views of the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake and the Absaroka Mountains.
- Lonestar Geyser Basin – This background basin features a five-mile roundtrip that begins just south of Old Faithful. The Lone Star Geyser erupts approximately every three hours.
- Sepulcher Mountain Trail – Near Mammoth, this 11-mile loop follows Beaver Ponds Trail to Sepulcher Mountain Trail junction. The trail increases to more than 3,400 feet and climbs to meadows at elevations of more than 9.652 feet.
For visitors to Yellowstone, there are less expensive alternatives than staying overnight within the park. Yellowstone Holiday is located a mere 15 minutes from the West Yellowstone entrance. On the shores of breathtaking Hebgen Lake, visitors can choose to rent Hebgen Lake Cabins or select Yellowstone RV camping.
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