TRIP IDEA

Day Hikes in the Madison Area

Yellowstone National Park

Dirt trail meanders through a conifer forest
Harlequin Lake Trail starts off heading through a dense forest.

NPS/Diane Renkin

The Firehole River and the Gibbon RIver join at Madison Junction to form the Madison River, which continues west through a majestic valley and out of the park.

Day hikes in this area lead through forests to a hidden lake or to sweeping views of the watershed.
Day Hikes in the Madison Area
  • Yellowstone National Park

    Harlequin Lake Trail
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Madison Junction
    • Duration: 30–60 Minutes
    • Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Any Time
    Bare ground trail leading through a pine forest.

    Follow the gentle, uphill trail to a small lake.

    View Details
  • Yellowstone National Park

    Purple Mountain Trail
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Madison Junction
    • Duration: 3–5 Hours
    • Season: Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Any Time
    Bare ground trail leading through a pine forest.

    Hike up Purple Mountain for panoramic views of the GIbbon and Madison Rivers.

    View Details

Last updated: June 28, 2018