Artist’s Paintpots Trail

The Artist’s Paintpots is a collection of mud pots and hot springs in Yellowstone National Park. The boardwalk trail that tours these geothermal features can get busy, especially in the summertime. We suggest heading out on this trail early in the morning for the best views of these features. Although the Artist’s Paintpots Trail is well maintained, it is not wheelchair accessible or stroller-friendly.

With an incredible collection of geothermal features, the Artist’s Paintpots trail is a great sample of the otherworldly beauty of Yellowstone National Park. This trail is an easy hike and a great route for families with children.

To hike the Artist’s Paintpots Trail, begin at the Artist’s Paintpots Trailhead and follow the well-signed trail southeast. At the divide, take the path on your right to circle around the geothermal basin, going counterclockwise.

Look first for the milky blue pools pigmented by silica in the water along the basin circuit. Then, just past the pools, look for the bubbling mud pots that give this area its name. A short climb in elevation just past the mud pots will bring you to a scenic overlook with panoramic views of Mount Holmes. From the overlook, descend along the boardwalk back to the start of the circuit.

Once you’ve completed the circuit and find yourself back in familiar territory, simply retrace your steps back out to the Artist’s Paintpots Trailhead where you began.

Trail Highlights

The Artist’s Paintpots

The Artist’s Paintpots are a collection of colorful hot springs and mud pots in Yellowstone National Park. The bubbling of the mud pots in this area is caused by escaping gasses including hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide. These geothermal features are extremely hot and can send clumps of hot mud flying toward the trail. Always keep a safe distance from the geothermal activity in Yellowstone National Park and never venture off-trail.