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Trail Work Coming To Grand Prismatic Spring In Yellowstone National Park

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By NPT Staff - May 19th, 2016

Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park/NPS

Early next month Yellowstone National Park trail crews will begin constructing an official trail and overlook to replace the many existing social trails on the hills south of Grand Prismatic Spring.

During construction, three areas will be closed to the public:

* The hills immediately south of Grand Prismatic Spring

* The Fairy Falls Trailhead and parking lot (located one mile south of Midway Geyser Basin)

* The Fountain Freight Road between the parking lot and the Fairy Falls Trail junction

A map is available at https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/gpareaclosures.htm.

The trail work has been scheduled for some time and has nothing to do with an incident last weekend in which several individuals walked off the existing trail and out towards the spring, according to park officials.

During this closure, there is no access to the Fairy Falls parking lot and trailhead from the Fountain Freight Road. In addition, the area east of the Grand Loop Road around Midway Bluff is closed permanently due to resource damage from visitor use.

These closures will not affect access to the boardwalks around the Midway Geyser Basin. Hikers can access Fairy Falls using the Fountain Freight Road Trailhead located north of Midway Geyser Basin. Be prepared for a much longer hike: 8.8 miles round-trip rather than 5 miles round-trip.

Cyclists can ride from the Fountain Freight Road Trailhead as far as the Fairy Falls Trail Junction (6 miles round-trip), but there is no through traffic to the Fairy Falls Trailhead. Bicycles are not allowed on the Fairy Falls Trail: you must complete this section on foot (2.4 miles round trip).

During winter, skiers will be able to traverse the Fountain Freight Road to visit Fairy Falls and other destinations.

This is the first year of a two-year project. Once completed, a new trail and overlook will allow people to safely enjoy this popular destination that provides spectacular views of Grand Prismatic Spring and Excelsior Geyser.

Please note: Trails along the Fountain Freight Road and in the Fairy Falls area are closed until May 28 due to bear management restrictions.

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