Artist's Paintpots Trailhead, Yellowstone National Park

Q: Is the trail stroller or wheelchair accessible?

Not due to stairs and uneven surfaces; best for steady walking on multi-surface paths.

Q: Is water available on the trail?

No water sources along the route; bring enough hydration for the short hike.

Q: When is parking best?

Parking lot is small and fills quickly; plan to arrive before 10 AM or after 5 PM to improve chances.

Q: Is backcountry camping nearby accessible from this trail?

This trail is a day-use route; backcountry permits are required for overnight stays in Yellowstone.

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Overview

About This Trail

Mission Brief: Artist's Paintpots Trailhead offers a short, easy loop through Yellowstone's geothermal area with a brief stair climb and open exposure. Hydration, careful footing, and strict adherence to marked paths are mandatory. The payoff is close-up geothermal pools, steam vents, and a Mount Holmes overlook. This hike suits families and casual walkers who respect thermal areas.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Easy

Trail Highlights

Mud pots and steam vents with a distant view of Mount Holmes from the overlook

Insider Tips

• Clockwise or counter-clockwise loop; both yield good vantage points. • Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking. • Early morning offers dramatic steam; bring a light jacket for chilly temps.

Best Season to Hike

June–October

Hiking Tips

Carry at least 2 liters of water.
Wear sun protection (hat, sunscreen).
Bear spray recommended for all Yellowstone hikes.
Stay on marked trails and boardwalks; stairs can be uneven.
Trekking poles can help on the brief climb.

Family Info

Safe for children with supervision near thermal features; not stroller accessible

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 1.1 miles

Elevation Gain: 125 ft

Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour

Difficulty: Easy

Route Type: Lollipop Loop

Surface: Paved access road, packed dirt trail, boardwalks, stairs

Getting There

Trailhead: Off Grand Loop Road, between Norris and Madison Junctions

Parking: 40 vehicles

Fills Up: Fills quickly, often by mid-morning

Restrooms at trailhead

Requirements

Permit Required

Not applicable for day use

Fees: Yellowstone National Park entrance fee

Shuttle Available

Trailhead Direct offers seasonal weekend bus service from Seattle to Mount Si trailhead.

Trail Rules

Dogs: false

Biking: false

Trail Markers: Well-marked loop with signs guiding the path

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: None on trail; carry water

Shade: Limited shade; mostly full sun

Cell Service: Unknown

Hazards:

Stay on marked trails; keep kids away from thermal features; watch footing on stairs; protect yourself from sun exposure

Emergency: King County Search and Rescue Association tips for preparedness

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Busy mid-morning

Peak Times: Mid-morning

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Not stroller or wheelchair accessible due to stairs and uneven surfaces

Family Notes:

Safe for children with supervision near thermal features; not stroller accessible

Nearby Facilities

Vault toilet at trailhead; no water on trail

Reviews

★★★★☆

4.7 /5

Based on 369 Google reviews

Reviews from Google

This short hike is worth your time visiting one of the more unique places in Yellowstone. Located on the east side of the Grand Loop Road and a few miles south of the Norris Geyser Basin, this short one mile, loop trail takes only 30 -60 minutes to visit with a little over 100 feet elevation gain, which you must climb to view the two large mud pots. The lower area is accessible for wheelchair/mobility equipment or strollers. Beautiful view at the top of the entire area. The trailhead is located on the southeastern corner of the parking lot.

Fun hike back to see the Paintpots, STRONGLY recommend at the loop to go LEFT. The left takes you up stone steps to see everything and the you will go down the other side. The other side is a VERY steep hill, it was steep to walk down but most were really struggling to go up.

Big fan of the Paint Pots. Kids - and the young at heart like me - will be highly amused by the burping muddy pools. The hike here is quite gentle through an interesting stand of trees, past a mountain pond and out to Paintpots Hill. There are a variety of geothermal features here and the area look prehistoric. Then you do have a steep walk up a hill with steps just before you reach the Paintpots at the top.

Showing 3 of 369 reviews

FAQs

Are there bears on this trail?

Yellowstone bears may be present; stay on marked paths, make noise to avoid surprising wildlife, carry bear spray, and store food properly.

Is the trail stroller or wheelchair accessible?

Is water available on the trail?

When is parking best?

Is backcountry camping nearby accessible from this trail?

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Artist’s Paintpots Trailhead