Black Sand Basin Trail

The Black Sand Basin Trail is a short and sweet hike in Yellowstone. This trail does not have much shade, so be sure to layer on the sunscreen, wear a good sunhat, and bring a bottle of water for your hike. This route follows a boardwalk that gets icy and slippery in the late season. If you are visiting Yellowstone in October or later, we recommend bringing along a set of traction devices for extra grip. With incredible views of several thermal features, the Black Sand Basin Trail truly is a fantastic route in Yellowstone and well worth a stop.

Beginning at the trailhead, follow the boardwalk southwest over Iron Spring Creek to a divide, take the path on your right to go out-and-back up to the Rainbow Pool, then take the trail on the left to hike out-and-back to the Emerald Pool. After visiting both of these features, follow the boardwalk back to the Black Sand Basin Trailhead, where you began.

If you are looking for more to explore in the area after your hike, check out the Old Faithful Geyser Loop.