Bunsen Peak Loop

Route Description for Bunsen Peak Loop

The Bunsen Peak Loop is a wonderful hiking trail. This route is long and moderately strenuous throughout. Proper hiking footwear is essential for this route, and we strongly recommend bringing along a set of hiking poles for some extra support. As with any hike in Yellowstone National Park, be sure that everyone in your hiking party is familiar with bear safety protocols. At least one member of your group should carry bear spray and know how to use it properly. If you do encounter wild animals, do not approach or feed them and be sure to admire them from a safe distance.

The Bunsen Peak Loop tours the incredible beauty of Yellowstone National Park with forest, mountain, and river scenery. The peak itself is actually named after German chemist Robert Bunsen who famously invented the Bunsen Burner. In the 1800s, Bunsen did early research on volcanic geysers such as those commonly found in Yellowstone National Park.

To hike the Bunsen Peak Loop, begin at the Bunsen Peak Trailhead and take the Bunsen Peak Trail on your left to hike the circuit clockwise. Make your way to the top of Bunsen Peak (2599m) and enjoy the views before descending all the way down to the Gardner River to check out Osprey Falls. Osprey Falls itself is a stunning, 150-foot tall waterfall along the Gardner River named for the abundance of osprey who live and hunt in the river canyon. After enjoying the falls, make your way back up the riverbank, then follow the Old Bunsen Peak Road all the way to the Bunsen Peak Trailhead, where you began.