Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Back at the junction you can return the way you came. Alternatively, continue on the
main trail as it curves east, past a pond, across a bridge, over a small rise and then along
the edge of Imperial Meadows, beside an open plain favored by bison. After 20 minutes
you'll see the orange arrow pointing across the boggy plain. Ignore this and continue
straight (east) along the forest edge until you see a cliff-like butte straight ahead. As the
trail peters out, continue straight (east) across the plain towards the right side of the hill.
Take a minute to investigate
Boulder Spring
, a perpetual spouter that looks as if it's
coming straight out of the hill. Several creekside pools offer potential soaking sites here.
Cross the makeshift bridge to the right and head straight under the telephone poles to
rejoin the Fountain Freight Rd. The trailhead is a five-minute walk to the left and the
parking lot is 10 minutes further. If you fancy some more exploration, check out the off-
trail geysers of
Pocket Basin
(
Click here
)
, accessed from two unmarked trails on either
side of the Firehole Bridge.
Lone Star Geyser
Duration
1½-2½ hours
Distance
4.8-mile round-trip
Difficulty
Easy
Elevation Change
Negligible
Start/Finish
Lone Star Trailhead (OK1;
Click here
&
Click here
)
Nearest Town/Junction
Old Faithful
Summary
An easy level stroll along a former service road to one of the park's largest
backcountry geysers. This is also a good biking trail.
This paved and pine-lined hike is popular with both day hikers and cyclists, yet is quite a
contrast to the chaotic scene around Old Faithful. Isolated Lone Star erupts every three
hours for between two and 30 minutes and reaches 30ft to 45ft in height, and it's defin-
itely worth timing your visit with an eruption. Check with Old Faithful Visitor Center for
predicted eruption times and bring a book or a packed lunch for the wait. If the parking lot
at Lone Star Trailhead is full, park at the neighboring Kepler Cascades turnout.
From Lone Star Trailhead, above
Kepler Cascades
(where the Firehole River speeds
through a spectacular gorge), take the old paved road (closed to cars) past a tiny weir that
diverts water to Old Faithful village.
