Lava Creek Trail
This pleasant trail begins in a flat, wildflower filled meadow before descending to the Gardner River.
Plan Around Lava Creek Trail
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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Lava Creek Trail Details
This pleasant trail begins in a flat, wildflower filled meadow before beginning the continual descents to the Gardner River. Following Lava Creek, a pretty, fast-moving stream, the trail runs almost entirely downhill through a constantly steepening, narrow canyon. Passing the 60-foot Undine Falls, it meets the junction of Lava Creek and the Gardner River, where it crosses the turbulent river on a unique metal suspension bridge. The trail, which is popular with birders looking for eagles, osprey, and other birds of prey, runs parallel to the road leading to Mammoth, and provides good isolation from some of the more active park areas. Trailhead: Across the road from the Lava Creek picnic area on Mammoth-Tower Road
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
4.5 miles
Estimated time
2 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Lava Creek Trail
Compare nearby parks around Lava Creek Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Lava Creek Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Lava Creek Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.1 mi away
Mt. Everts
The 7,831-foot Mount Everts was named after an early European explorer of Yellowstone.
0.5 mi away
Fort Yellowstone
Established in 1891 to literally protect the park.
0.5 mi away
Mammoth Campground
Open all year, the Mammoth Campground is located 5 miles from the North Entrance.
0.5 mi away
Albright Visitor Center
Once the bachelor officer's quarters for the U.S. Cavalry.
0.5 mi away
Albright Visitor Center
Flush toilets are available near the Visitor Center.
