Mallard Lake Trail

A lake surrounded by rolling hills and forests.

This 7-mile moderately easy day hike combines hydrothermal features with genuine alpine scenery. You'll cross the Firehole River, pass Pipeline Hot Springs, and trek rolling hills of partially-burned lodgepole pine to reach Mallard Lake. The final payoff is an alpine lake surrounded by open rocky terrain—earned through steady climbing and constant vigilance for bears. It's accessible to most fit hikers, but sun exposure and distance demand genuine respect.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 7
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Moderately easy, but 7 miles demands fitness and hydration discipline.
Elevation Gain Feet: 500

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 7
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Moderately easy, but 7 miles demands fitness and hydration discipline.
Elevation Gain Feet: 500
Estimated Time: 3–4 hours if fit and moving steadily; 5–6 hours with breaks, thermal feature stops, and photography.
Trail Surface: Mixed dirt, exposed rock, and rooted sections throughout. Loose scree on exposed rocky areas. Descent is steeper and rockier than the approach.
Trail Features: Mallard Lake
Pipeline Hot Springs
Firehole River crossing
Partially burned lodgepole forest
Open rocky alpine terrain
Trail Highlights: Mallard Lake itself is the payoff—an alpine lake surrounded by open rocky terrain. The journey includes thermal features (Pipeline Hot Springs) and a river crossing that test your footing and bear awareness.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Old Faithful area: From the southeast side of Old Faithful Lodge cabins, take the first right turn and continue 0.2 miles across the Firehole River to the trailhead.
Parking Lot Size: Moderate to large—shared Old Faithful area parking with multiple attractions.
Parking Fill Time: Full by 8–9 AM in peak season (July–August). Arrive by 7 AM for guaranteed parking.
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: No shuttle required for this trail. Standard parking at Old Faithful. Summer shuttle services available if main lot is full.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permits required.
Fees: $35 per private vehicle for 7-day park entrance pass
Trail Status: Open mid-April through early November (weather-dependent).
Seasonal Closures: Closed December through mid-April due to heavy snow.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 1
Water Sources: Firehole River early on (bring a filter); Mallard Lake at the destination (treat before drinking). Carry 2–3L from trailhead for mid-trail sections.
Accessibility: Rooty and rocky with steep pitches. First 2 miles easier; final push steeper and increasingly exposed.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Bear activity (grizzly and black bears)
Unstable thermal features (Pipeline Hot Springs)
Slippery river crossing
Sun exposure on open rocky terrain
Steep descent with loose footing
Hazard Details: Bear activity is real in this region—constant noise-making is mandatory. Firehole River crossing has slippery rocks; test your footing carefully. Pipeline Hot Springs: thermal features are unstable and can cause severe burns; stay on trail absolutely. Open rocky sections offer zero shade and reflect intense heat. Descent is steep, rocky, and harder on knees than the climb—loose footing is a serious twisted-ankle risk.
Cell Service: No cell service in backcountry. Satellite communicator recommended for solo hikes.
Crowd Level: Moderate to busy in summer—less crowded than Old Faithful geyser attractions, but this is still popular bear-country foot traffic.
Peak Crowd Times: 10 AM–4 PM, particularly mid-July through mid-August.
Best Season: Late June through September; most reliable weather and full service. Road access guaranteed mid-April through early November per park conditions.
Best Time To Visit: July through early September for stable weather and snow-free conditions. Start by 7 AM to beat midday heat and crowds. September offers fewer hikers but shorter daylight—manage your turnaround time.
Tips Advice: Make continuous noise—this is active grizzly and black bear country. Talk, clap, or carry a bear bell.
Bring 2–3L water minimum; no reliable sources until Mallard Lake. Filter or purify any backcountry water.
Tighten your boots before the descent—loose footing on rocky final miles is a twisted ankle waiting to happen.
Respect thermal features: Pipeline Hot Springs can cause severe burns; stay on trail, don't deviate.
Bring a map and compass even if the trail is marked—the burned forest can disorient you.
Use trekking poles for the Firehole River crossing; slippery rocks are no joke.

More details

Park Area: Upper Geyser Basin / Old Faithful Area
Trail Markers: Well-marked for first 3 miles; trail integrity deteriorates near Mallard Lake. Blazes may be faded or obscured by burned forest and new growth.
Dogs Allowed: No. Pets not permitted in Yellowstone backcountry.
Biking Allowed: No. Hiking only.
Shade Level: Mixed—lodgepole cover for first 2 miles, then increasingly exposed rocky terrain. Final miles: full sun with minimal shade. Wear a hat and sunscreen on exposed sections.
Emergency Contacts: Yellowstone Ranger Station (Old Faithful): +1-307-344-2263. For backcountry emergencies, use satellite device or hike back to trailhead for ranger assistance.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Typically snow-covered December through March; impassable in winter.
Mud Season: April–May: expect muddy, boggy conditions from snowmelt.
Wildflower Peak: July–August (limited variety in burned forest areas; some thermal-dependent blooms).
Fall Colors Peak: Late August–September (minimal color change for conifers; some aspen in lower elevations).
Bug Season: July–August peak for mosquitoes, especially after snowmelt. Bring repellent.
Insider Tips: The 'false summit' at Mile 5 will trick you—the lake is another 0.5 miles. Keep your grit.
Elk congregate at dawn and dusk in meadows; this is prime bear attractant country.
The Pipeline Hot Springs area is thermally unstable—never leave the trail.
The descent is faster but brutal on knees; take your time and use poles.
Sunrise hikes beat crowds and brutal midday heat.
The burned forest sections are disorienting; carry a map and use it.
Start early and commit to a turnaround time—don't chase daylight into dusk.
Recent Updates: No recent closures or trail changes reported.
Family Friendly Notes: Older children (10+) can manage the distance with proper breaks and hydration. River crossing requires careful footing; younger kids need adult support. Full sun on rocky final miles is tough for small children. Grizzly/black bear risk requires mature judgment and discipline about making noise.
Nearby Facilities: Old Faithful area (0.2 miles): lodging, restaurants, visitor center, first aid, ranger station, gas station, general store.
Review Summary: Most hikers report this as a solid moderately easy day hike with genuine payoff at the lake. Common feedback: sun exposure on final miles is real, 7 miles demands fitness discipline, and bear activity requires serious noise discipline. Crowds are lighter than Old Faithful main attractions, but July–August mornings fill the trailhead early.

Frequently asked questions

Are there bears on this trail?

Yes. Active grizzly and black bear country. Make continuous noise (talk, clap, carry a bear bell). Hiking solo increases risk. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. If you see a bear, back away slowly—never run.

Can I do this in 3 hours?

Only if you're very fit and move without stopping. Most hikers take 4–5 hours. Account for river crossing care, thermal feature viewing, and the mental toll of sun exposure on final miles.

Is it safe to hike alone?

Hiking alone in bear country is riskier. If you go solo, carry bear spray, tell someone your itinerary, bring a satellite communicator, and make continuous noise. Pairs and groups are safer options.

What gear do I actually need?

Trekking poles (river crossing and descent). Sturdy boots with ankle support (rocky descent). Hat and sunscreen (exposed terrain is brutal). 2–3L water capacity minimum. Map and compass. Bear spray. Sun protection.

When is it least crowded?

Early morning (before 9 AM) or late afternoon (after 3 PM). September is quieter than July–August. Weekdays beat weekends. Trade-off: early morning means cold starts; late afternoon means managing descent in fading light.

Can I drink from the Firehole River or lake?

Both are untreated—giardia risk is real. Carry a filter or purification tablets. Or bring all water from the trailhead (recommended for a 7-mile day). Never drink directly from backcountry sources.