Madison Area Day Hikes

Purple Mountain

This trail is easily accessible from the Madison Campground and ascends 1,500 feet to the summit of Purple Mountain. Enjoy views of the Firehole Valley and Gibbon River.

• Trailhead: .25 miles north of the Madison Junction on the way to Norris.
• Distance: 6 miles round-trip
• Difficulty: Moderate

Harlequin Lake

Great for a quick escape from the car, this short hike ends at a marshy lake.

• Trailhead: 1.5 miles west of Madison Junction on the way to the West Entrance
• Distance: 1 mile round-trip
• Difficulty: Easy

Two Ribbons Trail

This accessible trail is a great intro to the park if you are coming from the West Entrance. Entirely on boardwalk, stroll through burned lodgepole pine along the Madison River.

• Trailhead: 5 miles east of West Entrance. No signs, look for pull-out and boardwalk on North side of road.
• Distance: 1.5 miles round-trip
• Difficulty: Easy