Mallard Lake Trail

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Distance

7 mi

Elevation Gain

500 ft

Est. Time

3–4 hours if fit and moving steadily; 5–6 hours with breaks, thermal feature stops, and photography.

Route Type

Out-and-back

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

Late June through September; most reliable weather and full service. Road access guaranteed mid-April through early November per park conditions.

Overview

About This Trail

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.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Moderately easy, but 7 miles demands fitness and hydration discipline.

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.

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.

Best Season to Hike

Late June through September; most reliable weather and full service. Road access guaranteed mid-April through early November per park conditions.

Hiking Tips

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.

Family Info

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.

What Hikers Say

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.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 7 miles

Elevation Gain: 500 ft

Duration: 3–4 hours if fit and moving steadily; 5–6 hours with breaks, thermal feature stops, and photography.

Difficulty: Moderately easy, but 7 miles demands fitness and hydration discipline.

Route Type: Out-and-back

Surface: Mixed dirt, exposed rock, and rooted sections throughout. Loose scree on exposed rocky areas. Descent is steeper and rockier than the approach.

Getting There

Trailhead: 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: Moderate to large—shared Old Faithful area parking with multiple attractions.

Fills Up: Full by 8–9 AM in peak season (July–August). Arrive by 7 AM for guaranteed parking.

Restrooms at trailhead

Requirements

Permit Required

No permits required.

Fees: $35 per private vehicle for 7-day park entrance pass

Shuttle Available

No shuttle required for this trail. Standard parking at Old Faithful. Summer shuttle services available if main lot is full.

Trail Rules

Dogs: No. Pets not permitted in Yellowstone backcountry.

Biking: No. Hiking only.

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.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Firehole River early on (bring a filter); Mallard Lake at the destination (treat before drinking). Carry 2–3L from trailhead for mid-trail sections.

Shade: 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.

Cell Service: No cell service in backcountry. Satellite communicator recommended for solo hikes.

Hazards:

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.

Emergency: Yellowstone Ranger Station (Old Faithful): +1-307-344-2263. For backcountry emergencies, use satellite device or hike back to trailhead for ranger assistance.

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Moderate to busy in summer—less crowded than Old Faithful geyser attractions, but this is still popular bear-country foot traffic.

Peak Times: 10 AM–4 PM, particularly mid-July through mid-August.

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Rooty and rocky with steep pitches. First 2 miles easier; final push steeper and increasingly exposed.

Family Notes:

Nearby Facilities

Old Faithful area (0.2 miles): lodging, restaurants, visitor center, first aid, ranger station, gas station, general store.

What Hikers Say

FAQs

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?

Is it safe to hike alone?

What gear do I actually need?

When is it least crowded?

Can I drink from the Firehole River or lake?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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