Thing to Do

Bunsen Peak Trail

View of a valley covered in sagebrush-steppe from a tan, rocky trail near the top of a mountain.

Climb 1,300 feet through forest and meadow to the summit of Bunsen Peak, named for German chemist Robert Bunsen who studied geysers and invented the Bunsen Burner. The summit offers panoramic views of the Blacktail Deer Plateau, Swan Lake Flat, Gallatin Mountain Range, and the Yellowstone River Valley. Return by the same route.

Safety notes: Grizzly bears frequent this area. You’ll also see communications equipment, which supplies Mammoth and nearby communities.

Trailhead: 5 miles (8 km) south of Mammoth on the Grand Loop Road. Park in the gravel lot just south of Golden Gate, across from the Glen Creek trailhead.

Details
This is a 4.6-mile (7.4-kilometer) there-and-back trail that begins and ends at the same trailhead.
Moderately strenuous
Pets Allowed
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
This trail iis located in the northern part of the park, with the trailhead just south of Golden Gate and Rustic Falls. The parking area is unpaved and relatively small, and can be full during the summer.
Reservations
No
Season
Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Any Time

Yellowstone National Park

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Tan, rocky tail leads down the mountain, with views of the sagebrush-steppe valley below.
View of Mammoth Hot Springs and the vicinity from near the top of Bunsen Peak.

NPS/Dave Krueger

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Last updated: June 6, 2018