Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [408]
MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS AREA
Forces of the Northern Range Self-Guiding Trail
.8 mile RT. Easy. Access: Tower Rd., 8 miles east of Mammoth Hot Springs.
This level, easy stroll along a boardwalk presents an excellent opportunity to learn about the effects of fire on the environment.
Bunsen Peak Trail
4.2 miles RT. Moderate. Access: Across road from Glen Creek trailhead, 5 miles south of Mammoth on Mammoth-Norris Rd.
This trail leads to a short but steep 2.1-mile trip to the 8,564-foot summit, with a 1,300-foot gain in elevation. Park rangers say this is a favorite for watching the sunrise behind Electric Peak, off to the northwest, which glows with a golden hue. At the top of the peak, you will be 3,000 feet above the valley.
Lower Terrace Interpretive Trail
1.5 miles RT. Easy. Access: South of the village on the road to Norris.
This interpretive trail is one of the best ways to see the Mammoth area. The trail starts at 6,280 feet and climbs another 300 feet (an easy excursion) along marginally steep grades through a bare, rocky, thermal region to a flat alpine area and observation deck at the top.
GRAND CANYON OF THE YELLOWSTONE RIVER AREA
Mount Washburn Trail
6 miles RT. Moderate. Access: End of Old Chittenden Rd. and at Dunraven Pass.
The Mount Washburn Trail falls into the "If you can only do one hike, do this one" category. The 1,400-foot elevation gain is fairly gradual, and the rises are interspersed with long, fairly level stretches. At this elevation, the best method of attacking the mountain is to pace yourself, which has its own rewards: You have time to appreciate the views to the east of the Absaroka Mountains, south to Yellowstone Lake, and west to the Gallatin Mountains. You may see bighorn sheep—this is a popular summer grazing area—as well as yellow-bellied marmots and red foxes. The hike to the summit is an easy 90-minute walk at a steady pace, or 2 hours with breaks. At this elevation, where weather changes quickly, it's always a good idea to bring several layers of clothing. Fortunately, there's a warming hut in the base of the ranger lookout, as well as viewing telescopes and restrooms (but, alas, no hot-chocolate machine).
North Rim Trail
2 miles one-way. Easy. Access: Inspiration Point.
This trail, which is described more fully in the Canyon Village section above, offers better views and less bustle than you'll find at the paved overlooks.
South Rim Trail
3.2 miles one-way. Easy. Access: Parking lot just beyond South Rim Dr. Bridge.
Like the North Rim Trail, this trail gives you more and better views of the canyon and river than you can see from a vehicle, and takes you away from the crowds.
Uncle Tom's Trail
500 ft. one-way. Moderate. Access: South Rim parking lot.
The short trip is down 328 stairs and paved inclines that lead to an incredible perspective on Lower Falls. The staircase (shackled to the canyon's wall) is rather steep but can be negotiated in an hour, though it will be challenging for inexperienced hikers.
YELLOWSTONE LAKE AREA
Elephant Back Loop Trail
4 miles RT. Easy. Access: Just before turnoff for Lake Yellowstone Hotel.
The hike is to an overlook that provides photographers with panoramic views of Yellowstone Lake and its islands, the Absaroka Range, and Pelican Valley.
Storm Point Trail
2 miles RT. Easy. Access: Directly across from Pelican Valley trailhead (on lake side of road), 3½ miles east of Fishing Bridge.
The Storm Point Trail follows a level path that terminates at a point jutting into the lake, with panoramic views. In the spring, this is a popular spot with grizzlies, so the trail may be closed; even when it's open, check with rangers regarding bear activity.
OLD FAITHFUL AREA
Fairy Falls Trail
7.6 miles RT. Moderate. Access: Imperial Meadows in Biscuit Basin.
Though considerably longer than the Mystic Falls Trail (see below), the Fairy