YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK  by Yellowstone Net

 Hiking in Yellowstone
 Old Faithful Area

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Yellowstone National Park Hiking Index


 

 


OLD FAITHFUL AREA

The following is a brief rundown of some of the main day hiking trails in the Lake area. More complete descriptions of individual trails are available from the Yellowstone National Park Hiking Index.

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! More information.

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. More information

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. More information.

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. More information.

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.

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.

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.

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. More information.

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.  More information.

Backcountry Hiking Information

Park Regulations

 

 

 

 

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Copyright 1997-2005 by Bruce Gourley.