West Yellowstone to Madison

Artist Paint Pot Trail-- Free of heavy foot traffic, this interesting and easy 1/2-mile path winds through a lodgepole forest in Gibbon Meadows to the Amazonia Mud Pot atop a small hill. This thermal area contains some small geysers, hot pools, and steam vents, colored by hues of orange, bright red, and rust.

1 mile round-trip. Easy. Access: Trail head is 4 1/2 miles south of Norris Junction in Gibbon Meadow.

Harlequin Lake Trail -- You'll get a good look at the interior of a burned forest en route to a small lake that is populated by various types of waterfowl, although few of the harlequin ducks that inspired its name remain. Short and level, this hike is a good diversion for those who don't want to divert too much from the road. Be sure to bring your insect repellent.

1/2 mile round-trip. Easy. Access: Trail head is 1 1/2 miles west of the Madison Campground on West Entrance Rd.

Purple Mountain Trail -- This hike requires more physical exertion because it winds 3 miles through a burned forest to the top of what many consider only a tall hill with an elevation gain of 1,400 feet.

6 miles round-trip. Easy. Access: Trail head is 1/4 mile north of the Madison Junction on the Madison-Norris Rd.

Two Ribbons Trail -- This trail offers an opportunity to inspect the effects of the 1988 fire. Along the boardwalk, you'll see evidence of not only the blaze that ravaged the area but also the beginning of a new cycle of life in the dense green shag of lodgepole saplings. You'll also see some of the calling cards of bison in wallows, patches of rubbed-raw earth once used to scratch an itch.

1 1/2 miles round-trip. Easy. Access: Trail head is 5 miles east of the west entrance at an unmarked turnout on the north side of the road.