Yellowstone itself is a volcano, and one of its most spectacular eruptions occurred 640,000 years ago. During the eruption, the land collapsed and left a large depression in the earth—the Yellowstone Caldera. This caldera filled with lava flows over hundreds and thousands of years creating the volcanic plateau that comprises much of the central part of the park.
Here at Mud Volcano you are close to one of the resurgent domes. The hills you see east of here comprise Sour Creek Dome. Resurgent domes are areas of active ground deformation, where the land moves up or down with the fluctuation of the magma chamber below. Scientists monitor these domes closely for information about ongoing volcanic activity.
Not surprisingly, many of the park’s geysers, hot springs, mudpots, and fumaroles are also found near or within the caldera.
Details
Duration
1-2 Hours
This is a 0.6-mile (1 km) loop trail of boardwalks and pavement that begins and ends at the same parking lot, though at different trailheads.
Activity
Hiking
Easy, though there are a couple of steep sections.
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Mud Volcano
This trail is located 6 miles (10 km) north of Fishing Bridge.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
This area is accessible during the spring, summer, and fall when the main park road is open. In the winter, snowcoach tours may be able to taking tours to this area, though the trails will be covered in snow and ice.
Time of Day
Any Time
Accessibility Information
The southern part of the trail is paved, but it does have a steep grade to the top of the hill. The northern end of the loop has stairs going partway up the hillside. The smaller loop around Mud Volcano and Dragon's Mouth Spring meets federal guidelines for wheelchair accessibility, though there are stairs leading up to a viewing platform at Dragon's Mouth Spring.
NPS/Diane Renkin
Makings of a Mudpot
The fascinating and mysterious mud features found here are some of the most acidic in the park. This acidity plays a part in making them different from most hot springs and geysers. Hydrogen sulfide gas is present deep in the earth at Mud Volcano. Some microorganisms use this gas as an energy source. They help convert the gas to sulfuric acid, which breaks down rock to clay. Hydrogen sulfide, steam, carbon dioxide, and other gases explode through the layers of mud in dramatic or delightful ways.
In contrast, the more alkaline waters in most of Yellowstone’s geyser basins react with underground rock to line subsurface cracks with silica, creating the natural “plumbing” systems of geysers and hot springs.
Sights, Smells, and Sounds
Listen to the sounds, notice the smell, and observe the colors of the Mud Volcano area. Much of what you sense comes from sulfur. It is present in many forms: hydrogen sulfide creates the area’s infamous aroma, microbes convert the hydrogen sulfide into an acid that dissolves rocks and soil, and sulfur minerals paint the features in hues of yellow and shades of gray.
Hydrothermal Area Wildlife
As you walk from feature to feature, look for wildlife. You may see marmots, Clark’s nutcrackers, mule deer, and elk. In the spring, grizzly bears feed on winter-killed animals.
Be especially alert for bison. Bison and their young frequent this area in large groups and will travel on the walkways if they choose. If you encounter a bison, be sure to stay 25 yards or more away from them, even if that means you must return the way you came. These magnificent animals appear tame and slow but are actually wild and quick.
During any time of year, do not approach—and never feed—bison, coyotes, birds, or other animals. Wild animals are dangerous and unpredictable.
Yellowstone Backcountry Situation Report
Current conditions for Yellowstone National Park trails and campsites.
Safety in Yellowstone
Prepare yourself to safely enjoy wildlife, hydrothermal areas, and other features of Yellowstone National Park.
Bear Spray
Read about this highly effective bear deterrent.
Yellowstone Day Hikes
Lace up your boots and explore some of the over 1,000 miles of trails in Yellowstone National Park.
Lake Area Day Hikes
Explore trails that traverse a variety of Yellowstone ecosystems and provide stunning views of Yellowstone Lake.
Last updated: September 5, 2019