Yellowstone Vacations courtesy of Flying Pig Adv's - The friendliest, most professional travel planning company you'll experience for families seeking adventure in the region. We work with the best outfitters, lodging organizations, guides and information resources to help you enjoy your trip to Yellowstone. Online booking or by phone, come see us!
Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone Madison Area Day Hikes

Madison Area Day Hikes

map button weather yellow pages print

Purple Mountain

This trail ascends through intermittent burned lodgepole pine forest and ends with a nice view of the Firehole Valley and lower Gibbon Valley; some views of the Madison Junction area are also visible. Close to Madison Campground.

Trailhead: 1/4 mile north of Madison Junction on the Madison-Norris road, limited parking
Distance: 6 miles (10 km) roundtrip
Level of Difficulty: Moderate with steady climb of 1,500 feet

Harlequin Lake

This is a gentle ascent through burned lodgepole pines to a small, marshy lake popular with mosquitos and waterfowl (but not harlequin ducks). Nice quick hike to escape the road for a little bit.

Trailhead: 1.5 miles west of Madison Campground on the West Entrance road
Distance: 1 mile (1 km) roundtrip
Level of Difficulty: Easy

Two Ribbons Trail

This is a completely boardwalked trail that winds through burned lodgepole pine and sagebrush communities next to the Madison River. Good examples of fire recovery and regrowth as well as buffalo wallows. There are no interpretive signs or brochures other than the wayside exhibits at the trailheads.

Trailhead: Approximately 5 miles east of the West Entrance, no marked trailhead, look for wayside exhibits next to boardwalk in large pull-outs
Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles (2 km) roundtrip
Level of Difficulty: Easy, mostly accessible

YD Flies - 20% Below Wholesale, Top Quality - 20% below wholesale everyday! These first quality hand-tied flies are the best deal on the 'web. It just so happened that a very well-known fly distributor bought too many that sat around unsold. Brand names like Skykomish and Rene Harrop are among our unique mix of dries, nymphs, wets & streamers.

Yellowstone National Park, WY Weather