Old Bunsen Peak Road to Osprey Falls - Hiking

This classic Yellowstone hike spends most of its time sauntering along through a mix of sage flats and lodgepole forest. It then dives headlong into a series of switchbacks deep into Sheepeater Canyon, ending with spectacular views of powerful Osprey Falls.

The trail starts for 3.2 miles along the Bunsen Peak Road from the southern Glen Creek TH. This portion of the road is pretty much flat, with a few minor grades going up and down. Right before the junction with the Bunsen Peak & Osprey Falls trails, there is a bit of a downward switch-back - an indication to come both if you were to continue along the Bunsen Peak Road and for when you turn down the Osprey Falls Trail. This portion of the trail is mostly in open sage flats, with views up to the top of Bunsen peak and out towards the Mammoth-Norris Road to the Gallatin Range further west. After 1.9 miles youll get one good look down into Sheepeater Canyon, after getting some well-enjoyed shade in the lodgepole forest.

Once you turn down the Osprey Falls trail, you may be momentarily confused. The first bit of trail is flat, and without any views. But you'll soon pop out onto the canyon rim, where massive views downwards will show you the way - alot of switchbacks. The trail has been re-routed recently, extending it and making it much safer. What used to be a .6 miles goat-trail descent is now a still steep, but much more reliable 1.5 miles to Osprey Falls.

The viewing area at the front of the falls is not very large, and in full sun. But, that is about all that can be afforded, as the dirt terrace is not large and trying to erode away into the river.

STATISTICS - Bunsen Peak Road to Osprey Falls
Distance - 4.7 miles
Elevation - Drop 750 feet, last third of hike
Time - 2hr15min in, 3hr out

RATINGS
Accessibility - 5 Stars
Difficulty - 3.5 Stars
Enjoyment - 3.5 Stars

Chapters
0:00 Intro
3:13 Bunsen Peak Road
10:00 Dusky Grouse
16:21 Bunsen Peak Road
18:58 Hiking Down
24:52 Osprey Falls
27:14 Climbing Out
30:12 Outro

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