Trail
Morning Glory Pool
Morning Glory Pool Trail is an easy, paved out-and-back starting at Biscuit Basin. It stays close to geothermal sights with minimal elevation, taking about 60–90 minutes if you pause to view the pools and nearby geysers. Expect crowds, but the geothermal sights reward a patient pace. Stay on boardwalks; hydrothermal ground is dangerous.
This dramatic, multi-colored hot spring in Yellowstone National Park is a popular site.
Quick facts
- Distance Miles
- 2.8
- Route Type
- Out-and-back
- Difficulty
- easy
- Difficulty Level
- Easy Stroll
Trail profile
- Distance Miles
- 2.8
- Route Type
- Out-and-back
- Difficulty
- easy
- Difficulty Level
- Easy Stroll
- Elevation Gain Feet
- 79
- Estimated Time
- 60-90 minutes
- Trail Surface
- Primarily paved, with sections of boardwalk
- Trail Features
- Morning Glory Pool
- Castle Geyser
- Grotto Geyser
- Riverside Geyser
- Artemisia Geyser
- Trail Highlights
- The payoff is Morning Glory Pool itself and a string of geysers along the Biscuit Basin corridor.
Trailhead & access
- Trailhead Location
- Biscuit Basin Trailhead (recommended for shorter access) or near Old Faithful Visitor Education Center
- Parking Lot Size
- Small Biscuit Basin lot; Old Faithful has a large, busy lot
- Parking Fill Time
- Biscuit Basin fills very early in summer; Old Faithful is crowded; overflow parking along Grand Loop Road may be required
- Shuttle Required
- 0
- Shuttle Details
- No shuttle required for this trail.
Permits & conditions
- Permit Details
- Park entrance fees apply
- Fees
- Park entrance is charged per vehicle at the gate; a standard private-vehicle pass is valid for 7 days.
- Trail Status
- Open
- Seasonal Closures
- Snow can close portions in late spring; mud season not a major concern on paved/boardwalk
Facilities & rules
- Restrooms At Trailhead
- 1
- Water Sources
- No natural water sources along the trail; carry all water
- Accessibility
- Mostly accessible; paved or boardwalk; kid-friendly with close supervision around thermal features
Safety & strategy
- Hazards
- Hydrothermal hazards
- Wildlife (bears, bison)
- Crowds
- Hazard Details
- Stay on boardwalks; fragile ground; keep 100 yards from bears/wolves and 25 yards from bison; be mindful of sun and heat
- Cell Service
- Limited
- Crowd Level
- High
- Peak Crowd Times
- Peak season mornings and mid-day; start early or visit shoulder seasons
- Best Season
- Summer and Fall
- Best Time To Visit
- Summer and Fall. Start early to beat crowds; access when park roads are open (mid-April to mid-November).
- Tips Advice
- Carry at least 3 liters of water per person; no excuses.
- Start early to beat crowds and midday sun.
- Stay on boardwalks; be mindful of hydrothermal hazards and wildlife; wear sunscreen and a hat.
More details
- Park Area
- Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
- Trail Markers
- Well-marked boardwalk and trail signage
- Dogs Allowed
- Not allowed on the trail
- Biking Allowed
- Not allowed on the trail
- Shade Level
- Largely exposed; limited shade
- Emergency Contacts
- Call 911 in an emergency; otherwise contact Yellowstone National Park rangers
- Map Recommended
- 1
- Alltrails Link
- www.alltrails.com
- Snow Dates
- Snow can linger into late spring
- Mud Season
- Not significant on paved/boardwalk sections
- Bug Season
- Mosquitoes can be present near water
- Insider Tips
- Start at dawn or dusk to avoid crowds and heat.
- The Biscuit Basin alternative route shortens the hike.
- Check eruption predictions for nearby geysers to potentially pair sightings.
- Family Friendly Notes
- Very safe for children due to paved paths; supervise closely around thermal features
- Nearby Facilities
- Restrooms at Old Faithful and Biscuit Basin; parking at Biscuit Basin and Old Faithful
- Review Summary
- Hikers praise the easy pace and proximity to geothermal sights, though crowds and parking remain common complaints. It's a family-friendly option on a paved path, but plan for traffic and busy conditions. The close-up glimpses of Morning Glory Pool and the linked geysers are a consistent draw.
Location
Photos
Frequently asked questions
Are dogs allowed on the Morning Glory Pool hike?
Not on the trail. Dogs must stay in vehicles or in designated areas away from trails and thermal features.
Is it safe for kids?
Yes, the paved boardwalks are kid-friendly, but keep children close and supervise around thermal areas at all times.
Do I need a permit to hike Morning Glory Pool?
No permit is required for day use; Yellowstone entrance fees apply at the park entrance.
What should I bring for hydration and sun protection?
Carry at least 3 liters of water per person and wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses; expect exposure on open boardwalks.
When is the best time to visit to avoid crowds?
Early summer or shoulder seasons are best; mornings are typically less crowded than afternoons.
More at Yellowstone National Park
Avalanche Peak Trailhead 5N2
4.5-mile out-and-back; 2,100 ft gain. Relentless climb with a true summit payoff.
Purple Mountain Trailhead
6–6.6 miles out-and-back, 1,500–1,590 ft gain. High reward for the effort.
Wraith Falls Trailhead
Easy stroll to Wraith Falls. 0.8–1 mile round-trip. Carry water.
West Thumb Overlook Trail
1.7–2 miles; 200–400 ft gain. Loop with big payoff at the overlook.
Brink of Lower Falls
0.7 miles out-and-back. Steep climb back. The brink of Lower Falls rewards the grit.
Yellowstone Lake Overlook Trail
1.7-mile loop. Modest climb. Lake overlook rewards the early arrival.
Recommended gear for Yellowstone National Park
Sources
- noahlangphotography.com
- freeroaminghiker.com
- plaidshirtyogapants.com
- nps.gov
- themountaingoat.net
- outdooractive.com
- youtube.com
- flyingdawnmarie.com
- nrtapplication.org
- quora.com
- alltrails.com
- thecooldown.com
- reddit.com
- yellowstone.co
- National Park Service
- Google Reviews
- YourNPGuide Editorial
Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works.
Last updated January 2026. Report an issue.