Purple Mountain Trail

The Yellowstone Supervolcano is one of the most active geothermal areas on earth with more hot springs than anywhere else on the planet. The walls of the massive caldera of often hidden under snow and forest, but in places like Firehole Canyon you can see the Firehole River cut through massive lava flows. The Falls themselves can be found along Firehole Canyon Road about 16 miles east of West Y...

The Firehole River Swimming Hole is on the southern portion of Firehole Canyon Rd inside the park, near the West Entrance to Yellowstone. The road is a one way loop from north to south. There are restrooms at the parking area, which can become quite crowded on a warm day. Parking is immediately above the swimming hole. The main pool is large and mostly shallow. The water is quite warm, in the ...

The Firehole River is one of the most unique trout-fishing rivers in the world, behaving in a manner unlike any other river in the Rockies due to the unique geothermal features found all along the length of the river. It is not known as a big-fish river but they are plentiful, with sizes averaging 8" to 12" and Brown and Rainbow Trout in good numbers, and Brook Trout in the headwaters. Cutthroa...

Gibbon Falls is a stunning, 84-foot waterfall in Yellowstone National Park. The falls are located just off the side of the Yellowstone Grand Loop Road, between Madison Junction and Norris Junction, making it a great place to stop and stretch your legs. There is a pullout with easy parking and information boards, as well as a short walkway along the canyon rim.  Most people crowd around the sto...

This hike starts on a long, straight, wide and flat path due south from the trailhead.  After about a half a mile, you will come to the "Ojo Caliente" spring and a bridge crossing the Firehole River.  If you go down below either side of the bridge, you'll see dozens of bird's nests.  Right after the bridge, take a right, and follow this mostly flat trail around a few hills and into spacious vie...

Beryl Spring, so named for its aquamarine-like color, is one of the hottest springs in all of Yellowstone and is an easy stop off the Grand Loop Road about 17 miles west of Canyon Village. There is a large parking area and a elevated walkway providing viewing access. Under no circumstances should you touch the water which is extreme hot and dangerous. An excellent time to visit is on those occa...