Monument Geyser Trail

Hike Name: Monument Geyser Trail Location: northwest WY Length: 1 3/4 Submitted by: Mark Lee Date Submitted: 0/0/00 Rating:	more Wyoming trail reviews Wyoming national parks Wyoming state parks
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Description
When in Yellowstone, why look at the geysers from boardwalks while surrounded by tourists. The Monument Geyser Trail gets you away from the crowd and high into the mountains. You will be rewarded at the end of the trail by a thermal and geyser field, highlighted by Monument Geyser, all in a natural setting, without so much as bench to spoil the view and tranquility.

The trail begins on the west road between Madison and Norris. The trailhead is located on the north side of the road and like all trails, is cleary identified with a trailhead sign. The trail begins flat and easy, the only problem being many downed trees which can easily be surmounted. A roaring creek parallels the trail to the south for the first 1/4 mile. Soon the trail reverses to the west and begins an easy grade. Then the trail gets tough. You realize that the trail is going to switchback up the mountain and you may as well be advised that it does not end until you get to the top. For nearly 3/4 of a mile you traverse the path which takes you up. 600 feet up to be exact. The scenery is all scattered forest. There are a few downed trees to hop, but nothing major. Bear scat can be found, along with fur stuck to some branches. Although we did not see any bruins, you know they have been there.

Finally, you make it to the top and you say to yourself, this better be worth it. First you smell it. Then you continue about 1/10 of a mile northeast and there it is. And it was worth it. An enormous geyser and thermal area on the top of a mountain and absolutely no one around. Nothing to spoil the view and no evidence of unnatural features. The geyser basin contains the best features of Artist's Paint Pots and the other hot spots surrounded by boardwalks and annoying signs. But here, on top of the mountain, there is nothing but you and the natural setting. If you walk to close to an open vent and carelessly fall in, you can simply accept your fate because no one can hear you, see you or even get to you in time if you called for help on a phone. Yes, it is worth it.

Although the trail gains 600 feet in elevation after you leave the stream on the bottom, do not be dissuaded from hiking it. Initially, I found that the switchbacks were incredibly gradual. It was much easier than hiking up Hellroaring Creek Trail as an example. Furthermore, since the uphill is less than a mile, it is over with relatively quickly. It took us only 50 minutes to hike up the trail and 40 minutes to go back down. And the trees provide excellent shade while traversing the switchbacks. And again, the view is so natural and spectacular that this trail is simply a must for those hikers who love geysers but hate the boardwalks and crowds.

Directions to Hike
Yellowstone National Park, about 15 miles west of the west entrance on the main road between Norris and Madison.

Contact Information
Yellowstone National Park
PO Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 82190-0168
(307) 344-7381

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