My absolute favorite part of our trip was hiking Bunsen Peak Trail Yellowstone. It was incredible. The views were just so cool. If you are visiting Yellowstone, and like to hike, this hike is a must! The trail is just south of Mammoth Falls and really easy to find.
There is some great info in this article about the trail.
Trail Info
Each turn is a new view and all are amazing. You get sweeping views of the park, of course, but also the Gallatin Mountains in the distance. The trail is 4.4 miles long, in and out. It is rated moderate, so not too bad. Just keep in mind though, if you aren't used to the altitude, it might be a challenge.
The peak is about 8500 feet, but the elevation gain is only about 1300 feet.
A family who hikes together, stays together
Here was a rare moment my hubby and oldest son were together on the hike. The hubs hikes a little slower and my oldest is a really fast hiker.
Snow in higher altitudes
We visited the first week in June, and there was still snow up top. it made it kind of fun though and the change was cool.
Hiking pole suggestions
If you aren't a really strong hiker, or just need a little help, I definitely recommend hiking poles. The hubs uses them on our more challenging hikes, and really loves them. I cannot find the ones we used online anymore, but here is a site with some great suggestions for good poles
Here is my hiking buddy on the trip. I just love my little nephew and we chatted the whole way up the trail. I know a lot of people love solo hiking, but I prefer hiking with other people!
In this area of the photos above and below we saw a fox. I only have a wide angle on, so I didn't get a decent shot. Aside from the fox, the only other wildlife was birds and some really cute chipmunks.
Let me just put this out there- my husband is 63 and still going strong. I love that although a lot of the hikes he goes on with us are really challenging, he still plugs through. He is awesome!
I loved the changing terrain throughout the hike. The bottom is so different from the midsection and the top. They were all so cool though.
Here we are getting close to the top. In case you are wondering, here are the hiking boots I use. I have had them for over a year now and love them.
The switchbacks make the trail much easier. It is a steady incline, but not terrible.
Bunsen Peak
We made it! They have a cute cabin and radio station up top. Don't forget to log in to the hiker's book at the cabin.
Once you get to the peak, you have beautiful 360 degree views that are just spectacular! It was really windy up top, so bring something to layer. All of us threw on our jackets.
Snacking is really important on good trails like this. Our favorites are beef jerky, dried fruits and fig bars. My husband is giving an example here with his beef jerky :). Water is a necessity as well. The day we hiked was cool. but there is very little shade, so if you are hiking on a hot day, you will want plenty of water!
So, that's it. Hiking up Bunsen Peak should make on your list of hikes to make for sure! It is beautiful, it is accessible and it is so worth it!
For more info on our 2 day Trip To Yellowstone, check this out! We certainly recommend this beautiful National Park to anyone!