If you love unique Yellowstone National Park history, walking next to stunning thermal areas, and are hoping to also see a few of the park’s best hiking destinations all in one tour, this trail adventure is for you!
Starting at the end of Fountain Flats Drive, this 12 mile hiking trek will retrace an old road, take you to the stunning overlook of Grand Prismatic, then out to Fairy Falls and remote thermal areas. While the main destinations of Fairy Falls and the Grand Prismatic Overlook will be heartily trafficked, after taking in the splendor at these areas, the hiking tour leads away from the crowds, taking you remote thermal spots full of stunning sights. You’ll even have a chance to see the oldest man-made structure in Yellowstone and learn about the history of the building.
Wildlife wise, we will have a potential to see bison, numerous bird species, coyotes, foxes, and even a bear sighing (which is rare here).
Distance: ~12 Miles
Elevation Gain: ~650ft
Overview
Booking this thermal area tour gives you cool history and highlights of the park, including the oldest building in any national park, a myriad of thermal features, a scenic (albeit popular) waterfall, and the ever impressive Grand Prismatic Overlook. This 11.6 mile adventure is mostly flat, gaining roughly 600 feet in total. Wildlife will be minimal on this trail, but you’ll definitely get both the standard tour experience on the popular trails, while also seeing some spots that few ever experience.
Highlights
- Thermal Areas, Grand Prismatic Overlook, Fairy Falls, Park History, Wildlife