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.

Lone Star Geyser Bike Trail - 4.8mi Easy

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Distance

4.8 mi

Elevation Gain

240 ft

Est. Time

2-4 hours depending on fitness level and geyser-watching time

Route Type

Out-and-back

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

Summer and Fall

Overview

About This Trail

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.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Easy to Moderate

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.

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.

Best Season to Hike

Summer and Fall

Hiking Tips

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.

Family Info

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.

What Hikers Say

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.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 4.8 miles

Elevation Gain: 240 ft

Duration: 2-4 hours depending on fitness level and geyser-watching time

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Route Type: Out-and-back

Surface: Dirt trail with intermittent patchy pavement

Getting There

Trailhead: East of Kepler Cascades pull-out, 3.5 miles southeast of Old Faithful overpass on Grand Loop Road

Fills Up: Fills by mid-morning in summer; full by 8:30 AM on peak days

Requirements

Permit Required

None required for day-use biking

Fees: $35 entrance fee (private vehicle); $20 per person on foot or bicycle. No additional trail fees.

Shuttle Available

Not required

Trail Rules

Dogs: No. Pets not permitted. Service dogs allowed with warnings: their presence may increase risk of confrontations with bears, wolves, and other wildlife.

Biking: Yes. Mountain bikes required. Biking not permitted beyond the barrier located approximately 300 feet from the geyser.

Trail Markers: Trail is well-worn and easy to follow. Clear path with level terrain minimizes navigation risk.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Trail follows the Firehole River but no potable water sources available along the trail. Carry all water you need (2L minimum).

Shade: Full sun and exposed. Wear sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat. No tree cover for relief.

Cell Service: Unreliable. Bring a fully charged phone and offline maps. Cell coverage is spotty; don't rely on it for emergencies.

Hazards:

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.

Emergency: Old Faithful Ranger Station (nearby). In emergencies, hike back to trailhead or use a satellite communicator if available. Signal unreliable.

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Moderate. Popular with cyclists, especially in summer, but less crowded than Old Faithful basin trails.

Peak Times: Summer weekends, mid-morning through late afternoon (9:00 AM to 4:00 PM)

Accessibility & Family

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.

Family Notes:

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.

What Hikers Say

FAQs

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?

Are bears really a threat on this trail?

How fit do I need to be?

Is there water along the trail?

Do I need a permit?

Can I bike beyond the barrier near the geyser?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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

Visit Website