HAND-VERIFIED TRAIL · YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

Old Faithful & Geyser Hill Loop

1.6 midistance
60 ftelevation gain
35mmoving time
38 ft/miaverage climb

Old Faithful & Geyser Hill Loop is a 1.6 mi trail with 60 ft of climbing — about 35m of moving time before you stop for anything. Dogs are not allowed, and it takes a stroller. About 5% of it is shaded, and there is water on the route to refill from.

CAN WE ALL GO?

Who this trail suits

🐕 No dogs 🧒 Comfortable from age 0 👶 Stroller OK 🚻 Restrooms at the trailhead 💧 Water on the route ☀️ 5% shaded

Underfoot & overhead boardwalk, thermal

WHAT THIS CLIMB COSTS YOU

Old Faithful & Geyser Hill Loop charges in hours, not miles.

1.6 mi and 60 ft of climbing work out to 35m of moving time — before you stop for anything. There is water on the route to refill from. Informational only, not medical advice.

Get the summer refuel plan →

NAISMITH · CDC · ACSM · how these numbers are worked out

35mmoving time, no breaks
0.3–0.6 Lwater, cool day → hot
20–30 gcarbs across that climb
HOW HARD IT FEELS

Steepness and shade

38 ft per mile 4th steepest of the 6 trails we've measured in Yellowstone National Park
5% shaded Open ground — the hour you start decides the day

In July, Yellowstone National Park runs around 78°F at the main visitor elevation, and this route gives you almost nothing to hide under.

TODAY AT THE PARK

Before you leave the car

Tonight

42°F · Patchy Smoke · wind 2 mph

NOAA forecast for Yellowstone National Park — not for this trailhead specifically
⚠️ Vehicle Entrance Reservation Not Needed

Although an entrance pass is required to enter Yellowstone National Park, vehicle reservations are not needed. You are encouraged to purchase an entrance pass before arriving, but you may also purchase passes at any...

Live NPS alert for Yellowstone National Park · source
⚠️ Osprey Falls Trail Temporary Closure

The Osprey Falls Trail, located south of Mammoth Hot Springs near Bunsen Peak, will be temporarily closed for critical trail repair work July 28–Aug. 4 from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. On July 30–31, the trail will be closed all...

Live NPS alert for Yellowstone National Park · source
NOT THIS ONE?

Other trails in Yellowstone National Park

QUICK ANSWERS

Frequently asked

How long does Old Faithful & Geyser Hill Loop take?

About 35m of moving time for 1.6 mi and 60 ft of climbing — that is Naismith's planning rule, so it counts walking only, with nothing for photos, lunch or the queue at the top.

How much water should I carry on Old Faithful & Geyser Hill Loop?

Planning figures for that much moving time are 0.3–0.6 L, cool day to hot. There is water on the route, so you can refill. Informational only, not medical advice.

Can I take a dog on Old Faithful & Geyser Hill Loop?

No — Old Faithful & Geyser Hill Loop is closed to dogs. Our Yellowstone National Park dog guide lists the trails where they are welcome, plus boarding and the nearest 24/7 vet.

Is Old Faithful & Geyser Hill Loop good for kids?

We rate it comfortable from age 0. It takes a stroller. That rating is our own hand-check of length, footing and exposure, not an official NPS grade.

When is the best time of day to hike Old Faithful & Geyser Hill Loop?

About 5% of the route is shaded, and Yellowstone National Park peaks around 78°F in its hottest month. The less shade a route has, the more of it you want behind you before midday.