Yes on the paved asphalt section. You must dismount and walk the final few hundred feet. Bikes and crowds mix poorly; consider the popularity before committing.

Lone Star Geyser Trail - 4.8mi Easy Hike

Q: Is this trail safe to hike alone?

Yes, in daylight. It's well-marked, well-trafficked, and stays near the river. Avoid solo night hikes—the service road is exposed and unmarked after dark.

Q: Will I definitely see a geyser eruption?

Lone Star erupts roughly every 3 hours, but it's not on a clock. You might wait 2-4 hours. Check predicted times at the visitor center before starting. If timing fails, the walk is still scenic.

Q: Do I need special gear for thermal hazards?

No special gear needed. Just stay on the marked trail, obey barriers, and don't touch thermal features. The hazards are obvious and fenced.

Q: How much water should I bring?

Minimum 2 liters. Full sun, high altitude, and minimal shade mean aggressive dehydration. Treat river water with filter or purifier if you need to refill.

Q: Is this good for kids?

Yes, for kids who can walk 4.8 miles and stay on trail without bolting toward steam vents. The flat terrain is kid-friendly; thermal hazards demand constant parental attention.

Distance

4.8 mi

Est. Time

2-3 hours if you're fit, 3-4 if you stop for geyser eruptions and photos

Route Type

Out-and-back

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

Spring through fall (mid-April through early November). Summer offers warmest, driest conditions.

Overview

About This Trail

Lone Star Geyser is your easiest geyser ticket in Yellowstone. This 4.8-mile out-and-back follows an old service road beside the Firehole River to a cone that erupts predictably every three hours. Mostly paved, almost entirely flat—but thermal hazards demand constant trail discipline. High-altitude sun means water discipline is mandatory.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Easy

Trail Highlights

Lone Star Geyser eruptions (up to 45 feet, roughly every 3 hours) and the scenic Firehole River valley.

Insider Tips

• Time your hike to catch a geyser eruption—check predicted times at visitor center or online. • The gravel section isn't the end; hike to the cone for the full experience. • Bring a headlamp if hiking late—the service road is exposed after dark. • Spring is muddy but offers fewer crowds. • The Firehole River is scenic—take 10 minutes at Mile 2 for photos.

Best Season to Hike

Spring through fall (mid-April through early November). Summer offers warmest, driest conditions.

Hiking Tips

Carry 2L water minimum—full sun on asphalt, zero shade.
Geyser erupts roughly every 3 hours; check times at visitor center to time your arrival.
Paved section is wheelchair-accessible; final section becomes gravel.
Watch for cyclists on the asphalt portion.
Stay behind barriers at thermal features—boiling water and toxic gases kill fast.

Family Info

Flat and easy enough for families with young children. Thermal hazards require constant supervision—children must stay on trail at all times. Geyser eruption viewing is exciting for kids; timing helps.

What Hikers Say

Hikers call this the accessible geyser experience—it delivers Yellowstone drama without technical climbing. The paved section feels gentle, but thermal hazards are real and demand constant respect. Crowds can be heavy in summer; early morning or shoulder season (May-June, September) offers better conditions.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 4.8 miles

Duration: 2-3 hours if you're fit, 3-4 if you stop for geyser eruptions and photos

Difficulty: Easy

Route Type: Out-and-back

Surface: Partially paved asphalt service road transitioning to gravel for the final section

Getting There

Trailhead: 3.5 miles south of Old Faithful Overpass, just beyond Kepler Cascades Parking Lot

Parking: Kepler Cascades Parking Lot—capacity unknown; secondary lot away from Old Faithful central facilities

Fills Up: Summer season fills during peak hours; arrive by 7 AM for reliable parking

Requirements

Permit Required

Not required.

Fees: $35 entrance fee for private vehicle (valid 7 days); $20 per person on foot/bicycle. No additional trail fee.

Shuttle Available

Not required. Trailhead is accessible via personal vehicle from Old Faithful area.

Trail Rules

Dogs: No. Pets are not permitted on this trail.

Biking: Yes, on asphalt section only. Cyclists must dismount and walk the final few hundred feet.

Trail Markers: Well marked and obvious—paved service road is hard to lose.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Firehole River runs alongside trail—water must be filtered or treated before drinking. No potable water at trailhead.

Shade: Full sun on asphalt service road with minimal tree cover. Wear a hat, apply sunscreen, plan for exposure.

Cell Service: Unreliable to absent. Service depends on location within the basin.

Hazards:

Lone Star Geyser cone and thermal runoff areas are extremely hot and dangerous—barriers exist for a reason. Geyser eruption spray can reach 45 feet. Hydrogen sulfide gas and other toxins are present; stay on marked trail. River crossings may be swift during snowmelt. Full sun on unshaded asphalt creates heat stress risk.

Emergency: Call 911 (cell service permitting). Ranger support available at Old Faithful area (3.5 miles north).

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Moderate to high during peak season (July-August); lighter crowds in spring and fall.

Peak Times: July-August, midday 10 AM-4 PM. Early morning (before 8 AM) offers better solitude.

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Wheelchair and mobility device accessible on paved service road portion. Final few hundred feet transition to gravel—accessibility limited.

Family Notes:

Nearby Facilities

Old Faithful area (3.5 miles north) has visitor center, lodging, dining, shops, and gas. Nearest restroom: Old Faithful complex.

What Hikers Say

FAQs

Can I do this trail if I'm not in great shape?

Absolutely. It's flat and mostly paved. The challenge is sun exposure and hydration management, not fitness. An average person can do this at any pace.

Is this trail safe to hike alone?

Will I definitely see a geyser eruption?

Do I need special gear for thermal hazards?

How much water should I bring?

Is this good for kids?

Can I bike this?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

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