Beaver Ponds Trail
Mammoth, Yellowstone National Park
| Address: | Beaver Ponds Trail, Wyoming, USA |
| GPS: |
44°58'24.4"N 110°42'14.2"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Wyoming |
| Trails/Routes: | 5.3 mi |
Restrooms Picnic Tables Trails Ponds Fall Colors Fishing National Park
Hike
Beaver Ponds Trail is a wonderful short hike accessible from Mammoth Hot Springs. The trail forms a loop between the two trailheads available at Mammoth Hot Springs. The loop is just over 5 miles with a 650-foot elevation gain and can be completed in 2 to 5 hours.
Hiking Beaver Ponds Trail provides the hikers with some spectacular views, including a unique, distant perspective of Mammoth Hot Springs. This trail is famous for the four ponds that are visible to hikers. These ponds vary in sizes. The largest pond, Beaver Pond, is at the hook of the loop. The smaller ponds are surrounded with reeds and coated with algae in the summer months.
There is abundant wildlife to be seen on Beaver Ponds Trail. Elk and Beavers frequent the area surrounding the trail. Wildflowers and birds can also be seen from the trail. Black bears and grizzly bears are occasionally in the area. Be cautious and safe by keeping your distance around the wildlife.
The trail is easy to follow and great for hikers of all levels. Hiking Beaver Ponds Trail is a wonderful addition to any Yellowstone or Mammoth Hot Springs visit. This short hike is great to take in the morning or evening.
More Information
Yellowstone National Park Itinerary
This Yellowstone National Park Itinerary will help you get started as you plan your vacation to Yellowstone National Park.
https://www.justgotravelstudios.com/collections/national-park-itineraries/products/yellowstone-national-park-itinerary?ref=9zpxis0diinBeaver Ponds Trail (U.S. National Park Service)
The trail gains over 350 feet in elevation and rambles through sagebrush meadows and stands of trees. The beaver ponds are approximately half-way around the loop. You might see beavers or their sign, but you are more likely to see muskrats and water birds. Along the way, look for bears, elk, mule deer, pronghorn, and moose.
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http://p3nlhclust404.shr.prod.phx3.secureserver.net/SharedContent/redirect_0.htmlBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read MoreDirections
From Mammoth, Yellowstone National Park
- Head northeast on US-89 NToll road(184 ft)
- Sharp left onto US-89 SPartial toll road(0.4 mi)
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