Yellowstone - Easy Can-do Hikes for Everyone
Yellowstone National Park - Hike to Physical & Emotional Fitness
Take no offense at the title of this article! Two out of three Americans, or 60 percent of us, are overweight, according to Shape Up America. There is no better time than the present to create a fitness plan. Like the USA's plan for economic stability, use this national parks starter hikes guide as a personal stimulus package that can inspire a journey of mind-cleansing physical and emotional change.
Southwest Region - Old Faithful Area / Geyser Country
Fairy Falls. Roundtrip: 6 miles.
Time: 2.5 - 3.5 hours
Why this hike? Primarily because of Fairy Falls, dropping delicately 197 feet into a deep pool. In addition to the falls, there is colorful Grand Prismatic Spring, so named because bacteria thriving in the hot water display the colors of a prism, and lastly, the explosive Imperial Geyser.
Getting There: Access this trailhead approximately 4.5 miles north of the Old Faithful interchange. The parking area is .1 mile down a road over a steel bridge. Park and begin the hike at the bridge.
This is a flat hike. Grand Prismatic Spring comes into view on the right at the start. At 370 feet across, this is the second-largest hot spring in the world. Past that, enter an area completely burned by the 1988 fires and see chipmunks scampering, hear birds singing, and breathe in the fresh air. This area is also a Bear Management Area, so check with park rangers prior to beginning a hike.
Fairy Falls appears at the 2.5-mile mark. Stare straight up 197 feet to the top, where Fairy Creek connects with the Madison Plateau and creates this magnificent waterfall.
Continue another half-mile to Imperial Geyser, which experienced its greatest activity in the 1920s and then again from 1966 to 1984. It is still magical to view as it spouts water and steam 15 - 20 feet every two minutes.
Turn around and retrace your steps back past Fairy Falls, through the growing forest, past Grand Prismatic Spring and back to the parking lot.
Northwest Region - Mammoth Hot Springs Area
Upper and Lower Terraces
Time: 2.5 - 3.0 hours
Why this hike? Although it is made up completely of steps and boardwalks (no trails), the Mammoth Hot Springs Area is considered to be one of the most dynamic thermal areas in Yellowstone, making it worth every step.
Getting There: Via the main roads from either Norris or Tower. Six different parking areas provide ample parking.
Locate Liberty Cap, a rock formation standing 37 feet tall. A short distance from there is a board map that lays out the Terraces. Follow the boardwalks and wooden steps up, up and up!
On the way up the stairs, enjoy views of Cleopatra and Minerva Terraces. The overlook provides a magnificent view of the Lower Terraces. Walk out to the end of the boardwalk to Canary Spring and listen for the cascading water.
Take the return loop on the way down, past views of Mound and Jupiter Terraces.
The dynamics that make up Yellowstone change daily. Every visit provides new hikes, new highlights and new reasons to return to refresh and renew mind, body and spirit. Best times to visit are September and October when fewer people are in the park and the weather can still be in the mid-70s.
Buffalo Rule in Yellowstone
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