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Hikes/United States/Wyoming/Yellowstone National Park
Views from the Bunsen Peak Hike in Yellowstone National Park

Bunsen Peak Route Guide

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
475 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
7.1 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
2.5-3.5h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
9.6 (13 reviews)
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Physical DIFF
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical DIFF
Directions to Trailhead
Google Maps
Apple Maps
See Map
Measurement:

Table of contents

Rising above the grassy planes and the herds of buffalo, the hike up Bunsen Peak will give you a new perspective on where you have been travelling. The short climb on a well-maintained trail is well worth the plentiful views of Yellowstone!

Route Description for Bunsen Peak

Shortly after starting up the trail you will come to a junction, take the left path leading up to Bunsen Peak. This trail switchbacks mildly up the entire mountain – a fantastic introduction to gaining some elevation in a hike.

As you hike and from the top you will able to look north down the Golden Gate Canyon toward Mammoth. The most visible views will be of Electric Peak and the Gallatin Range to the west. Beautiful – albeit dead – standing trees line the entire climb, as does the ever-expanding view of the Swan Lake Flats.

Two thirds of the way up the hike you will get a view of the impressive rock feature called Cathedral Rock. From here the scenes of Mammoth Hot Springs and Mount Everts are the best.

Bunsen Peak hike in 2024

Bunsen Peak remains a notable hiking destination in Yellowstone National Park and is expected to be busy in 2024. Like other hikes in Yellowstone National Park, if you chose to hike Bunsen Peak it is advisable to start your hike early, as the parking at the trailhead has very limited parking spots.

Insider Hints for Bunsen Peak

  • To extend the hike continue down the west side of Bunsen Peak (a looser trail), then loop back along the flat Bunsen Peak Road.

Getting to the Bunsen Peak Trailhead

Drive south of Mammoth towards Norris Junction for 8 km and turn off at the Bunsen Peak parking lot. The turnoff is just as you leave the Golden Gate Canyon. This miniscule parking lot fills up nearly instantaneously, so get there early.

Route Information for Bunsen Peak

  • When to do:

    May through October

  • Backcountry Campsites:

    No

  • Toilets:

    At Parking Lot

  • Family friendly:

    No

  • Route Signage:

    Average

  • Crowd Levels:

    Moderate

  • Route Type:

    Out and back

Bunsen Peak Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

Check Area Weather

Reviews for Bunsen Peak

9.6
13 reviews
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jamaiecaAugust 2020

Excellent hike! I think I left my heart somewhere...along the grassy planes.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
MamaBearAugust 2020

The view when you reach the top is spectacular.

Overall Rating
9
Trip Length
03:00
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
JellybeanJuly 2020

It’s a simple climb with moderate effort and a nice view waiting for you at the top. Make sure to sign the guest book at the top!

Overall Rating
10
Trip Length
02:30
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Stewart GrahamJuly 2020

The amazing views at the top are well worth the effort.

Overall Rating
9
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
footfallJuly 2020

Great path going to the top. Moderately challenging

Overall Rating
9
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Matty E.July 2020

Good hike. The temperature was great also. Views from the top were impressive enough.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Tati MaxJuly 2020

There are tremendous views at the top. Wonderful short climb.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
MissGigglesJune 2020

Moderate hike that wasn't easy to get to the top. The views are beautiful and the path to the top is well maintained

Overall Rating
10
Trip Length
02:30
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Carmilla ShzmAugust 2019

Lovely trip. Love the view of Mount Everts. Bunden Peak is fine.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
WildmindJuly 2019

A charming hike in Yellowstone. It's definitely a great spot to take photos during golden hour.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.

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Last Updated: August 17, 2026

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