Bunsen Peak
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 8.0 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
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 WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
Palette Spring via Mammoth Terraces Trail
Yellowstone National Park
Lava Creek Canyon Trail to Undine Falls
Yellowstone National Park
Clagett Butte and Snow Pass Circuit
Yellowstone National Park
Bunsen Peak Loop
Yellowstone National Park
Terrace Mountain Trail
Yellowstone National Park
Osprey Falls Via Old Bunsen Peak Road
Yellowstone National Park
Osprey Falls Trail
Yellowstone National Park
Sheepeater Cliff Trail
Yellowstone National Park
Beaver Ponds Loop
Yellowstone National Park
Sepulcher Mountain Trail
Yellowstone National Park
The Hoodoos Trail
Yellowstone National Park
Mammoth Terraces and Upper Terrace Loop
Yellowstone National Park