Last updated: February 11, 2024
Thing to Do
Purple Mountain Trail
![Steam from geyser basins dot a forested landscape as viewed from a mountain summit.](/common/uploads/cropped_image/primary/07B6999F-FE3A-0A6F-88A6D01389F60EA1.jpg?width=1300&quality=90&mode=crop)
NPS / Addy Falgoust
You climb 1,500 feet (0.47 km) in 3 miles (4.8 km) to a panoramic view of the Gibbon and Madison rivers.
Safety notes: This strenuous trail is not recommended for persons with heart and/or respiratory problems.
Trailheads: Look for the trailhead at a turnout about ¼-mile (0.4 km) north of Madison Junction.
More on Day Hikes in Yellowstone
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Yellowstone Backcountry Situation Report
Current conditions for Yellowstone National Park trails & campsites.
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Safety in Yellowstone
Prepare yourself to safely enjoy wildlife, hydrothermal areas, and other features of Yellowstone National Park.
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Bear Spray
Read about this highly effective bear deterrent.
![Hikers standing on the rocky top of Avalanche Peak with Yellowstone Lake in the background.](/common/uploads/grid_builder/thingstodo/crop16_9/0038ED04-1DD8-B71B-0B466B2982A30A32.jpg?width=640&quality=90&mode=crop)
Lace up your boots and explore some of the over 1,000 miles of trails in Yellowstone National Park.
![Steam rises from a blue-, yellow- and orange-colored hot spring.](/common/uploads/grid_builder/thingstodo/crop16_9/6DDEB4BC-1DD8-B71B-0BC9A9E8FE6D704D.jpg?width=640&quality=90&mode=crop)
Discover the unique hikes around the largest concentration of hydrothermal features in the world.