Bunsen Peak Trail
A direct summit hike above Mammoth with wide views over Swan Lake Flat, the Gallatin Range and Yellowstone River Valley.
Route overview
Bunsen Peak Trail in Wyoming / Montana / Idaho.
Bunsen Peak Trail climbs approximately 1,300 ft / 396 m through forest and meadow to an exposed summit. The reward is a broad northern Yellowstone panorama, including Swan Lake Flat, the Blacktail Deer Plateau, Gallatin mountains and Yellowstone River Valley.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Wyoming / Montana / Idaho
- Distance
- 7.4 km
- Typical duration
- 2–3 hours
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- 396 m
- Best season
- Summer and fall
- Trail type
- Out-and-back
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No day-hike permit or reservation; park entrance pass required
Safety context
Grizzly bears frequent the area. The small gravel parking area fills in summer. Turn around for lightning, severe wind, smoke or worsening visibility. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Grizzly bears frequent the area. The small gravel parking area fills in summer. Turn around for lightning, severe wind, smoke or worsening visibility.
Highlights
Bunsen Peak summit; panoramic northern-range views; meadow and forest ascent
Why find a buddy
Good fitness-based buddy route with an obvious shared summit goal. Match partners by uphill pace and willingness to turn around for weather.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.