Trail

Lone Star Geyser Bike Trail

Trail
Steam and water erupt from the tan cone of Lone Star Geyser. A rainbow appears in the mist.

Pedal 4.8 miles on level dirt and intermittent pavement to Lone Star Geyser, which erupts 30-45 feet every 3 hours. The terrain is forgiving—this isn't a climb—but bears and bison own this path. Federal rules: 100 yards from bears, 25 yards from bison. Bring water, make noise, and stay alert. The payoff is worth it.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
4.8
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Easy to Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet
240

Trail profile

Distance Miles
4.8
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Easy to Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet
240
Estimated Time
2-4 hours depending on fitness level and geyser-watching time
Trail Surface
Dirt trail with intermittent patchy pavement
Trail Features
  • Lone Star Geyser
  • Firehole River
  • Level terrain
  • Thermal features
  • Intermittent pavement
Trail Highlights
Lone Star Geyser erupts 30-45 feet high approximately every 3 hours. Catch an eruption and you've witnessed a thermal display that rewards the entire ride.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
East of Kepler Cascades pull-out, 3.5 miles southeast of Old Faithful overpass on Grand Loop Road
Parking Fill Time
Fills by mid-morning in summer; full by 8:30 AM on peak days
Shuttle Required
0
Shuttle Details
Not required

Permits & conditions

Permit Details
None required for day-use biking
Fees
$35 entrance fee (private vehicle); $20 per person on foot or bicycle. No additional trail fees.
Trail Status
Open (seasonal access)
Seasonal Closures
Winter closure. Most park roads open mid-April through early November. Exact dates vary by road segment and snowfall.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
0
Water Sources
Trail follows the Firehole River but no potable water sources available along the trail. Carry all water you need (2L minimum).
Accessibility
Mostly level with intermittent patchy pavement. Elevation gain/loss 240 feet spread over 4.8 miles. Accessible by hand-cycle with mountain bike tires. Trail ends 300 feet from the geyser; geyser is visible from the barrier.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Bears
  • Bison
  • Full-sun exposure
  • Dehydration risk
  • Wildlife encounter protocols
Hazard Details
Federal regulations: stay 100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from bison and all other wildlife. Bears and bison frequently use this area. Full sun exposure over 4.8 miles—dehydration is real. Return descent on brakes can punish hands and knees if you're not prepared.
Cell Service
Unreliable. Bring a fully charged phone and offline maps. Cell coverage is spotty; don't rely on it for emergencies.
Crowd Level
Moderate. Popular with cyclists, especially in summer, but less crowded than Old Faithful basin trails.
Peak Crowd Times
Summer weekends, mid-morning through late afternoon (9:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
Best Season
Summer and Fall
Best Time To Visit
Summer and Fall (June through October). Arrive before 8:00 AM to secure parking and beat crowd heat. Weather is stable—predictable sun and minimal storms. Evening light at the geyser is golden if crowds clear by late afternoon.
Tips Advice
  • Carry 2L water minimum—4.8 miles in full sun with no potable sources along the trail. Hydration is survival.
  • Make constant noise (talk, ring a bell, clap). Bears and bison will avoid you if they hear you coming.
  • Mountain bike required. Road bikes slip on dirt and fail on intermittent pavement. No shortcuts here.
  • Check geyser eruption times at Old Faithful Visitor Education Center before departing. Saves wasted waiting.
  • Bring trekking poles for the return descent. 240 feet downhill on brakes can shred your hands and knees.
  • Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat mandatory. Zero shade, full exposure.

More details

Park Area
Old Faithful Area
Trail Markers
Trail is well-worn and easy to follow. Clear path with level terrain minimizes navigation risk.
Dogs Allowed
No. Pets not permitted. Service dogs allowed with warnings: their presence may increase risk of confrontations with bears, wolves, and other wildlife.
Biking Allowed
Yes. Mountain bikes required. Biking not permitted beyond the barrier located approximately 300 feet from the geyser.
Shade Level
Full sun and exposed. Wear sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat. No tree cover for relief.
Emergency Contacts
Old Faithful Ranger Station (nearby). In emergencies, hike back to trailhead or use a satellite communicator if available. Signal unreliable.
Map Recommended
1
Snow Dates
Typically snow-free June through October. Winter closure November through April due to road conditions.
Mud Season
Limited mud. Spring and early summer may have wet patches from snowmelt, especially near the river.
Fall Colors Peak
Late September through October
Bug Season
Mosquito season peaks July-August, especially near the Firehole River. Bring insect repellent.
Insider Tips
  • Report geyser eruption times at the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center—they log observations to refine eruption predictions.
  • The flat terrain from Mile 0-2 is a trap. Don't relax. Wildlife awareness stays high.
  • Bison often rest on the trail in early morning. Scout ahead and give them space.
  • The return descent (240 ft) is faster but punishes brakes. Glove-up and control your speed.
  • Catch the light at sunset near the geyser basin—thermal features glow. Consider a late-afternoon start if crowds clear.
Recent Updates
None specified in official data
Family Friendly Notes
Level terrain is family-friendly, but wildlife is real and rules are enforced. Keep children close and teach bear protocols before you go. A 4.8-mile round trip depends on child fitness and pace; plan for the long end of the estimate.
Nearby Facilities
Old Faithful Visitor Education Center is 3.5 miles away (via vehicle). Limited services. Bring all supplies you need: water, food, sunscreen, bug spray, first aid.
Review Summary
Cyclists praise the level terrain and geyser payoff but emphasize one truth: this is prime bear and bison country. The ride is easy, but vigilance is non-negotiable. Those who respect wildlife and carry water report it as one of Yellowstone's best short-distance bike rewards.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need a mountain bike?

Yes. Road bikes slip on dirt and fail on intermittent pavement. Mountain bike tires grip and handle the terrain without damage to your rig or wrists.

Will I see the geyser erupt?

Not guaranteed. Lone Star erupts every 3 hours on average, but timing is unpredictable. Check the schedule at Old Faithful Visitor Education Center and plan accordingly. Bring a book if you want to wait.

Are bears really a threat on this trail?

Yes. Stay 100 yards away, make constant noise, and carry bear spray if you're trained to use it. Attacks are rare, but this is bear country and you must behave accordingly.

How fit do I need to be?

Moderately fit. The terrain is mostly level, and 240 feet of gain spread over 4.8 miles is forgiving. Recreational cyclists finish in 2-3 hours. Fitness matters less than hydration and wildlife awareness.

Is there water along the trail?

No potable water. The Firehole River is nearby, but you cannot rely on it. Carry 2+ liters and manage consumption like a desert expedition. Dehydration will end your day.

Do I need a permit?

No permit required for day-use biking. Just pay the park entrance fee ($35 per vehicle, $20 per person on foot or bike) and you're legal.

Can I bike beyond the barrier near the geyser?

No. Biking is not permitted beyond the barrier, which is 300 feet from the geyser. You'll hike the final stretch on foot to view the thermal features up close.

Brink of Lower Falls

0.7 miles out-and-back. Steep climb back. The brink of Lower Falls rewards the grit.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated June 2026. Report an issue.