Mammoth Area Day Hikes
Mammoth Hot Springs
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Beaver Ponds Loop Trail
The trail follows the creek up Clematis Gulch, climbing 350 feet through Douglas-fir trees. The beaver ponds are reached after hiking 2.5 miles through open meadows of sagebrush and stands of aspen. Elk, mule deer, pronghorn, moose, beaver dams and lodges, and the occasional beaver and black bear may be sighted in the area. There are spectacular views as you wind your way back to Mammoth.
Trailhead: Clematis Gulch between Liberty Cap and the stone house (Judge's house)
Distance: 5 mile (8 km) loop
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Bunsen Peak Trail
This gradual 1,300 foot climb to the summit of Bunsen Peak provides a panoramic view of the Blacktail Plateau, Swan Lake Flats, Gallatin Mountain Range, and the Yellowstone River Valley. Return by the same route or take the trail down the back side to Osprey Falls trailhead (about 2 miles) and return via the Old Bunsen Peak Road Trail. Or visit Osprey Falls (an additional 2.8 miles, see below). Please plan for the additional mileage.
Trailhead: Entrance of the Old Bunsen Peak Road, five miles south of Mammoth toward Norris
Distance: 10 miles (16.1 km) roundtrip depending on side trips, 2 miles to the summit.
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Osprey Falls Trail
The trail follows the old roadbed for 2.5 miles through grassland and burnt forest. The Osprey Falls trail veers off the old road and follows the rim of Sheepeater Canyon before descending in a series of switchbacks to the bottom of Sheepeater Canyon. The Gardner River plunges over a 150-foot drop, forming Osprey Falls. Vertical cliffs rise 500 feet above you, making it one of the deepest canyons in Yellowstone.
Trailhead: 5 miles south of Mammoth on the Old Bunsen Peak Road Trail
Distance: 8 miles (12.9 km) roundtrip
Level of Difficulty: Difficult
Lava Creek Trail
This trail follows Lava Creek downstream past Undine Falls (50 feet), descending gradually. Lava Creek meets the Gardner River farther downstream. The trail crosses a foot bridge on the Gardner River, and there is one final ascent to a pullout on the North Entrance Road just north of the Mammoth Campground.
Mammoth Hot Springs
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Trailhead: The bridge at Lava Creek picnic area on the Mammoth-Tower Road
Distance: 3.5 miles (5.6 km) one way; 7 miles (11.3 km) roundtrip
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Rescue Creek Trail
This trail follows the Blacktail Deer Creek trail for the first 3/4 mile until meeting Rescue Creek trail. The trail climbs gradually through aspens and open meadows before beginning a 1,400 foot descent to the Gardner River. The trail crosses a foot bridge over the river and ends one mile south of the North Entrance Station.
Trailhead: Blacktail Trailhead on the Mammoth-Tower Road, seven miles east of Mammoth
Distance: 8 miles (12.9 km) on way; 16 miles (25.7 km) roundtrip
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Sepulcher Mountain Trail
This trail follows the Beaver Ponds Trail to the Sepulcher Mountain Trail junction. This trail rises 3,400 feet through pine trees and open meadows until the 9,652 foot summit of Sepulcher is reached. To complete the loop, continue along the opposite side of the mountain through a broad open slope to the junction of the Snow Pass Trail. Continue down until you reach the junction with the Howard Eaton Trail. This will lead you west of the Mammoth Terraces and back to your original trailhead.
Trailhead: Clematis Gulch between Liberty Cap and the stone house
Distance: 11 mile (17.7 km) loop trail
Level of Difficulty: Strenuous
Wraith Falls
This short, easy hike through open sagebrush and Douglas-fir forest to the foot of Wraith Falls cascade on Lupine Creek.
Trailhead: Pullout ΒΌ mile east of Lava Creek Picnic area on the Mammoth-Tower Road
Distance: 1 mile (1 km) round trip
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Blacktail Deer Creek-Yellowstone River Trail
This trail follows Blacktail Deer Creek as it descends 1,100 feet through rolling, grassy hills and Douglas-fir where it reaches the Yellowstone River. The trail continues across the Yellowstone River on a steel suspension bridge and joins the Yellowstone River Trail. The trail continues downriver, passing Knowles Falls and into arid terrain until it ends in Gardiner, Montana.
Trailhead: Blacktail Trailhead on the Mammoth-Tower Road, seven miles east of Mammoth
Distance: 12.5 miles (21 km) one way
Level of Difficulty: Moderate due to length
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