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
