Black Sand Basin Trail: A Beautiful Yellowstone Boardwalk

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A trail I don’t hear much about in Yellowstone is the short Black Sand Basin boardwalk. That’s not to say no one talks about it or it’s not popular (they do and it is), but I think it’s just overshadowed by Old Faithful literally right next door.

Our ,ethod for this visit was basically just to pull into any trail parking and see if there was room. If there was, do it, if not, try again on our way past next time.

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We were in luck and found a spot here right away. We were here probably by mid-day/early afternoon so it’s not like we went super early or late. And, like I said, I think it’s just not quite AS popular as other trails.

This isn’t to say it wasn’t busy, because it was. It’s Yellowstone, after all. There were quite a few people here but it didn’t take away from any of the beauty and enjoyment.

It was also pretty hot by the time we got here, but it is what it is. This trail is really short and very straightforward. It’s a boardwalk so your options are limited.

From the parking area, you head straight out over the hot springs. If you’re just walking, you can do this pretty fast, but I think it’s worth taking it a little slower and enjoying all the details below you.

Apparently right at the beginning there is a small for and if you go to the right you can see Opalescent Pool but I don’t remember seeing that at all. We did not go that way, but if you’re there, you probably should.

About halfway down this part of the boardwalk you cross over Iron Spring Creek. And before you know it, you’re at the T and facing the biggest decision of the day: right or left first?

We went to the left first. It was extremely sunny so the lighting wasn’t super great but we were still able to enjoy the colors and textures in the water and sand below.

After enjoying the views here, we headed back to the T and off to the other end of it, which was just as beautiful. I don’t know which was which but some of the features along this trail are Emerald Pool, Sunset Lake, Jagged Spring, Green Spring, Sunlight, and White Sand Spring.

All of them are geysers except Emerald Pool which is a hot spring. I’m sure they’re labeled on the boardwalk, or at least some of them, but I never think to take note of that.

I really love this trail, it’s short and sweet, especially the creek. I love the one side is all hot springy and the other is grassy. I love seeing the grass among the thermal features all over the park.

While there isn’t a whole lot to say about this trail, I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it if you’re passing by and there’s room in the parking lot. Yellowstone problems, am I right?

Plus, it’s right by Old Faithful so you could easily stop here on your way to or from that area. And really, you could even walk here from the Old Faithful basin area.

There’s the Upper Geyser Basin trail system, which connects to the Continental Divide Scenic Bike Trail, which then connects to the Punchbowl Black Sand Basin Trail which finally takes you over to the Black Sand Basin.

It’s a much longer hike than just doing the Upper Geyser Basin, but could be fun to do if you have the time and want to see both anyway! I think that Punchbowl connecting trail is probably a lot less busy than the main trails.

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Where is the Black Sand Basin Trail in Yellowstone?

The Black Sand Basin is in the southwest corner of the park near Old Faithful. It’s about 1 hour 40 minutes from Gardiner, five minutes from Old Faithful, 1.5 hours from Colter Bay, 30 minutes from West Thumb Geyser Basin, and 2.5 hours from Jackson. All traffic and wildlife pending, of course.

How long is the Black Sand Basin Trail?

The Black Sand Basin boardwalk is a T shape, and is just .45 miles if you go to both ends of the top of the T.

Is the Black Sand Basin Trail hard?

Nope! This is a pretty flat boardwalk trail with no stairs. It has a whopping seven feet of elevation gain.

Is the Black Sand Basin Trail worth it?

Yes! I really liked this trail even though it’s pretty short. It was busy but I think less busy than other trails (I’m looking at you Grand Prismatic Spring). It’s a great short hike to help break up the long (relatively) drive through the park.