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Photo by Jay Mantri on Unsplash
Easy⛰️ 2 ft

Purple Mountain Trail

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming · Teton County · lwn · NPS

You climb 1,500 feet (0.47 km) in 3 miles (4.8 km) to a panoramic view of the Gibbon and Madison rivers.

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44.65413, -110.85520
Open in OpenStreetMap
5-Day Forecast

Weather at Purple Mountain Trail

Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.

Avg High84°F
Avg Low50°F
Peak Rain Chance15%
Humidity37%
UV (avg)8
Air Quality49 · Good
Today
☁️
Overcast
83°/51°
🌬 19mph
6:05 AM8:53 PM
Wed
🌦
Light Drizzle
79°/50°
💧 15%🌬 20mph
6:06 AM8:52 PM
Thu
☁️
Overcast
84°/48°
💧 1%🌬 14mph
6:08 AM8:51 PM
Fri
☀️
Clear
86°/50°
🌬 9mph
6:09 AM8:50 PM
Sat
☀️
Clear
89°/52°
🌬 13mph
6:10 AM8:49 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About Purple Mountain Trail

You climb 1,500 feet (0.47 km) in 3 miles (4.8 km) to a panoramic view of the Gibbon and Madison rivers.

What “Easy” Means

Gentle terrain, well-marked. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.

What to Pack & Wear

Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Moisture-wicking T-shirt
    Light color, breathable.
  • 🩳
    Lightweight shorts or pants
    Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
  • 🧢
    Brimmed sun hat
    Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners
    Breathable mesh uppers.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection (UV 8)
    SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Trail Safety in Wyoming

Trail conditions in Wyoming change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:

  • Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
  • Tell someone your plan and expected return time
  • Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
  • Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is Purple Mountain Trail?

Purple Mountain Trail is rated Easy. Suitable for most hikers including families.

When is the best time to hike Purple Mountain Trail?

Wyoming has trail conditions that vary by season. Spring and fall usually offer the best mix of temperature and trail conditions. Check the 5-day forecast above for current outlook. Always verify trail status (closures, washouts, fire restrictions) with the local land manager before going.

Who manages Purple Mountain Trail?

Purple Mountain Trail is managed by NPS as part of the lwn network. Check the operator’s website for current permits, fees, and restrictions.