If this is closed due to bear activity, as it was for us, Bunsen Peak is a very nice backup plan if you're in pretty good shape--great views of the park for many miles around.

This hike offers lots of wildlife, sweeping views, and a variety of habitats. We saw two badgers plus elk that were very close to the trail.

Moderate hike with some beautiful views. We didn't see any other people until halfway through, so pretty secluded experience. There had been recent sightings of a grizzly with a cub and we left hoping we might see her, but once you're out there with one can of bear spray you start to have your misgivings. We saw some bear scat, but no bears. The trail can be hard to follow so be sure to watch for trail markers and use GPS if you've got it. Overall, a good experience and way to escape the crowds around mammoth.

After spending the morning and early afternoon on Sunday at Mammoth Hot Springs geysers, we asked the rangers for some day hikes, and did this loop. It was great. We went clockwise. You ascend fairly steeply, then follow a ridge, then descend to beaver ponds and lakes. We liked this hike so much and it was so convenient that we did it again on Tuesday, this time counter-clockwise for a different experience. Definitely carry bear spray as this is prime grizzly and black bear country. We didn't see any of those bears but we passed some people who did, both days. The overall elevation change either way is about 750 feet because you go up, down and up; I think the net change is about 375 feet.

Beautiful wildflowers along the trail. Saw some new birds at one of the ponds. We enjoyed this hike!