Yellowstone Hiking

My wife and I are arriving in Yellowstone on September 11 through September 16. How about some good day hikes of no more than 5-6 miles per day. I%26#39;ve heard the hike to Lone Star Geyser is good.

Any suggestions

Georgia Peach

Yellowstone Hiking

We took one last week that was 5.1 miles. It%26#39;s Beaver Ponds and starts right by the Mammoth Hot Springs terraces and loops around and ends on the other side of Mammoth, bringing you down right by the cabins and the other side of the hotel-park in the middle if you drive but it%26#39;s only a few additional minutes to walk back to where you started. The first mile is alot of uphill but then evens out with just a little uphill at the end. The only wildlife we saw was an owl but the book we picked it out of said there is a chance to see deer, elk and even bears. However, the scenery was beautiful-fields, woods, ponds and great views. Our group ranged from 8 years old to 60 and it took us around 3 hours to hike. For any hikes I%26#39;d recommend bug spray-that is the only part of our trip where I noticed any mosquitoes. Check out a book from your local library (sorry, I AM librarychick!)-we had one called ';Hiking in Yellowstone'; that detailed most trails as far as difficulty, length, elevation and broke them down by location. These books are also available in and around the park for purchase.

Yellowstone Hiking

I also recommend Beaver Ponds hike near the Mammoth Springs Hotel area. Its a moderate hike into the moutains - you%26#39;ll travel through some lush canyons with a nice stream running through it, and the views once on top of the mountain are very good.

I also strongly suggest the North and South Rim of the Yellowstone River hikes. Go early in the morning before the tour bus and car traffic. The trail follows the river and it is very easy for the most part. Truly beautiful scenery in every direction. If you are in good shape, Uncle Tom%26#39;s Trail is also another great hike for an incredible view of the falls. I%26#39;ve posted some tips on my blog at http://www.atomicode.com. Enjoy.

There are a variety of hiking guides available in every visitor center in the park. I would recommend picking one up when you get there.

The first thing you should know is that although the boardwalks at the major attractions are not considered hikes, many of them offer at least a half mile walk. If you were to walk around all of Norris geyser basin, you would log over two miles. This could be something to consider if you are not physically fit.

That said, there are many great hikes in the park. The landscape is distinctly different from the north to the south of the park. I%26#39;ve not yet done the Lone Star trail, but that area is covered in pine forest. It is beautiful and peaceful, but sweeping vistas are few and far between. On the other hand, just driving from Tower to Canyon (if the road is open) will give you amazing views.

Mystic Falls is a nice short hike from Buiscuit Basin. Monument Geyser basin offers some thermal features off the beaten path. The trail starts about 8 miles north of Madison Junction near the bridge over the Gibbon River. The trail follows the river then heads uphill to the geyser basin. Round trip about 3 mi. No spectacular geysers or pools, but no boardwalks either--you can imagine what the whole park looked like before it was developed. Grizzly Lake is another 3 mi. round trip. The trail starts about 6 miles north of Norris, crosses the grassy meadow, then switchbacks up the hill. It then goes through small meadows, pine trees, and a section of deadfall from the big fires before dropping down into the lake. Fairy Falls is supposed to be a great hike, too--I just haven%26#39;t made it there yet. I could go on and on; there are years of trails in this park.

It%26#39;s always good to check with the rangers before you go into the backcountry and ask about wildlife sightings in the area. Also, trails can sometimes be closed due to bear activity. Good luck, I hope this was of some help. -D

Shoshone Lake via the DeLacy Creek Trail is awesome!! Six easy miles round trip. Travels through meadows, forest, and finally the sandy shores of this incredible lake! Moose along the way-likely!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We hiked Grand Tetons and Yellowstone last Sept and loved it so much we are p[lanning to return this Sept to hike more trails. We found the book, Top Trails Yellowstone and Grand Tetons by Andrew Nystrom to be invaluable. Our favorite hikes were Mt. Washburn, Fairy Falls, Mystic Falls and South Rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone (continue past the touristy Artist Rim to Point Sublime) If you are in the area you should really think about spending a few days hiking the Tetons. Sept is more beautiful there than yellowstone with all the aspens gold with color. Our favorite hikes there were Cascade Canyon (we walked around Jenny Lake instead of taking the ferry and walked back which made a nice 12 mike hike round trip after going into the canyon past inspiration point), and String Lake and Leigh Lake.

We averaged about 8-12 miles a day hiking, eating breakfast and lunch from the cooler. We are in our 50%26#39;s and decent shape, not gun hoe hikers, and found these trails to be wonderful.

get the book, enjoy, and maybe we%26#39;ll run into you in Sept!!!! Just be bear and bison aware!!!!

Floridazoo,

Your information is valueable and all input is always welcome on the forum. However this original question and the associated responses were posted back in 2005!!! I doubt that you will see the ';Georgia Peach'; in September of this year!

But here%26#39;s hoping that you do enjoy YOUR trp! ;-)

But the timing was perfect for me although we won%26#39;t be traveling until 2010.

Thanks.

Barbara