Lava Creek Trail

Yellowstone National Park

strenuous

Length: 4.19 mi

Est. time: 1h 42m

Gain: 370 ft

Loss: 986 ft

Max elev: 6,598 ft

NetworkTrail class 1Earthhike

Elevation profile

+370 ft gain · −986 ft loss — an estimate from a DEM.

Trailhead & logistics

Trailhead parking (Place)

Mammoth Campground (Campground)

Build a loop

Connects to:

1A3 Campsite Spur Trail Blacktail Ponds Spur Trail

Connect the dots

Learn:

A Bear's Menu Atomic Elements and Archeology: Tracing Ancient Resource Access and Trade Routes Using XRF Dueling Mandates: Preservation and Use of National Parks Hard Core Rock How Geysers Erupt Imaginary Yellowstone Road Trip

Journeys:

Thomas Moran Horace M. Albright Philetus W. Norris William Henry Jackson Ferdinand Hayden

Plan smart, verify on site

Length, elevation, and difficulty are estimates derived from open data (NPS Public Trails GIS, high confidence) — not a safety guarantee. Conditions change; check current closures, weather, and water, and carry the essentials. Always defer to NPS.gov and park rangers.

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