Bunsen Peak

BOU AVENUE
Bunsen Peak

Kicking off a two-week road trip, Zosia Zgolak and I headed to Wyoming's Yellowstone National Park on 8 October 2016 for some sightseeing and a short hike. We first stopped at Mammoth Hot Springs to mingle with other tourists on the well-constructed boardwalks which provide safe and easy access to numerous travertine formations in the area. After enjoying a picnic lunch, we drove south along the highway for a short distance to hike up lowly Bunsen Peak. A good trail runs all the way up to two equally high summits, and we had no issues whatsoever going up and coming down. We then drove further south to visit Norris Geyser Basin where we were entertained by various geysers and bubbling pools as the sun set in the west. A moonlight dinner on the shores of Yellowstone Lake capped off our visit before we drove out of the park to find a place to camp for the night.

	Zosia checks out one of the travertine terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs.
	Because the trailhead parking lot is full, Zosia begins the hike up Bunsen Peak from a pullout further up the highway.
	The trail climbs gently through light forest.
	At a switchback in the trail, a break in the trees grants this view overlooking Mammoth Hot Springs. At distant left is Sheep Mountain.
	Zosia directs attention to the elevation sign at the hut on the west summit.
	The equally high east summit is a short distance away.

Sonny and Zosia stand atop the east summit (2609 metres) of Bunsen Peak.

	Swan Lake is visible to the southwest along with peaks on the horizon including Trilobite Point, Mount Holmes, Dome Mountain, and Antler Peak.
	Electric Peak dominates the view to the northwest.
	Zosia attempts to dive into one of the hot pools at Norris Geyser Basin.
	A beautiful day comes to an end at Yellowstone National Park.
	Total Distance: 7.3 kilometres Round-Trip Time: 2 hours 12 minutes Net Elevation Gain: 390 metres GPX Data