Lava Creek Trail - Hiking near Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park
25 Cedar Terrace Avenue, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA,Mammoth Hot Springs,Wyoming
44.97550587201798, -110.69263522796632
Address: 25 Cedar Terrace Avenue, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA
GPS: 44°58'31.8"N 110°41'33.5"W
Maps | Directions
State: Wyoming
Trails/Routes: 4.0 mi

Streams Trails National Park Pet Friendly

Hike

Lava Creek Trail is a 4.2 mile hike where hikers can enjoy walking along the scenic Lava Creek. The trail passes Undine Falls and the Gardner River. Undine Falls is a beautiful 60 foot tiered waterfall and a great place to take a break and enjoy the scenery.

From several spots on Lava Creek Trail hikers have a distant view of Mammoth Hot Springs. The trail also winds through beautiful meadows and past Mount Everts. Elk and Bison are frequently spotted on the ridges in this area. Look closely and you might spot them too, but be careful to keep a safe distance from any wildlife. 

The Trailhead can be found on North Entrance Road, across from the Lava Creek Picnic Area or from Mammoth Campground. This trail begins and ends at different trailheads so hikers should arrange for a vehicle to be at the other end of the trail or should plan on hiking 8.4 miles out and back.

This is one of few trails in Yellowstone that can be hiked in any season. Lava Creek Trail makes for a scenic winter hike for those brave enough to weather the cold.

Lava Creek Trail is beautiful path to enjoy the wonders of Yellowstone on. 

Updated June 27, 2026
4.2K Written by tasiawhicker

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=9zpxis0diin

Lava Creek - Hike 734

Lava Creek – 4.7mi / 7.5km This one-way trip follows Lava Creek and the Gardner River to Mammoth Campground and requires arranging a car shuttle. The trail starts in the open sagebrush meadows along Lava Creek. A short distance in, you come to the beautiful, tiered, Undine Falls. From here, the trail leaves the edge of the […]

https://hike734.com/hikingyellowstone/lava-creek/
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Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.

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  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel & camp on durable surfaces
  3. Dispose of waste properly
  4. Leave what you find
  5. Minimize campfire impacts
  6. Respect wildlife
  7. Be considerate of other visitors

Directions

From Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park

  1. Head northeast on US-89 N toward Stable St
    Toll road
    (0.1 mi)
  2. Turn right to stay on US-89 N
    Toll road
    (0.8 mi)
  3. Turn right onto Cedar Terrace Ave
    Restricted usage road
    Destination will be on the left
    (62 ft)
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Lava Creek Trail courtesy of Jacob W. Frank Lava Creek Trail courtesy of Jacob W. Frank↗
Lava Creek Trail 2 courtesy of Jacob W. Frank Lava Creek Trail 2 courtesy of Jacob W. Frank↗ RescueCreek Trail and Lava Creek Trail by hike734 Lava Creek Canyon - Yellowstone National Park by One at a Time
4.2K

Added by tasiawhicker

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