Bunsen Peak
A prominent peak due south of Mammoth Hot Springs.
Plan Around Bunsen Peak
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Bunsen Peak Details
Bunsen Peak is a prominent peak due south of Mammoth Hot Springs. The peak lies on the east flank of Kingman Pass on the Mammoth to Norris section of the Grand Loop Road. The peak was first ascended by Ferdinand V. Hayden and Captain John W. Barlow in 1871; Bunsen Peak was not named until 1872 during the second Hayden Geologic Survey, however. E. S. Topping named the peak Observation Mountain in 1872 as well, but that name did not stick. The Bunsen Peak Trail with its trailhead just south of Mammoth is a steep 2.1 miles to the summit Bunsen Peak was named for the German chemist Robert Bunsen, the inventor of the Bunsen Burner and responsible for early work on volcanic geyser theories. Bunsen Peak is a roughly circular body of intrusive igneous rock, is the eroded remnant of either the "neck" of an Absaroka volcano or a small stock that solidified directly beneath a volcano. The peak rises approximately 1,200 feet above Gardiner's Hole that is covered by flows of younger basalt. The Yellowstone Tuff, formed by volcanic ash and dust exploded from the central Yellowstone region to the south, underlies the basalt. When erupting, the volcanic debris (as well as the basalt lava) flowed around the high-standing peak (USGS). There are several radio system antennae and repeaters located at the summit of Bunsen Peak. It used to be the primary relay point from Mammoth to points south, though much of that capability has been transferred to Mount Washburn.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
Region
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Nearby Parks Around Bunsen Peak
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Nearby Points of Interest Around Bunsen Peak
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Bunsen Peak while the map context is still fresh.
0.8 mi away
Kingman Pass
A mountain pass between Terrace Mountain and Bunsen Peak just south of Mammoth Hot Springs.
0.8 mi away
Golden Gate Canyon
The canyon located below Rustic Falls approximately five miles south of Mammoth Hot Springs.
0.9 mi away
Golden Gate
Plunges more than 1,400 feet in less than three miles.
1.0 mi away
Bunsen Peak Trail
One of the best short, scenic day hikes in the park.
