Forces of the Northern Range Self-guided Trail

The Forces of the Northern Range Self-guided Trail is an easy half-mile loop on a boardwalk, 8.3 miles east of Mammoth Hot Springs. Its 11 exhibit stops cross open grassland with very little climbing. Give it 30 to 60 minutes if you want to stop at the exhibits; it is a good short walk and a change of pace from the road, not a hike for distance or elevation.

The northern range is the grassland north of the Yellowstone and Lamar Rivers, and it supports one of the world's largest and most diverse communities of free-roaming large animals. The boardwalk passes a huge rounded boulder, rocky outcrops, and aspens. The open setting is the point: look across the grassland as you go, but keep a safe distance from any animal you see.

This began as the Children's Fire Trail, developed after Yellowstone's 1988 fires to explain fire's role in the park. It opened in 1991 with support from children interested in the fires. Today the National Park Service lists 11 exhibits along the boardwalk. The full walkway is listed as accessible, though it is bumpy and uneven, and gaps between boards may exceed half an inch. There is no designated accessible parking, no restroom at the trail, and dogs are not allowed; the nearest accessible toilet is at Blacktail Creek pullout. No reservation or separate activity fee is listed; park entrance fees may apply.