Some good ones I can vouch for...Fairy Falls and Mystic Falls in the Old Faithful Area, and Osprey Falls in the Mammoth Area. Fairy Falls and Mystic aren't terribly difficult hikes, but you'll have decent solitude even though you're close to the Old Faithful area. Osprey is a bit more daunting...you hike down into Sheepeater Canyon (about 500 vertical foot drop), and that's after hiking in about 2 miles from the main road. However, you'll have few others on the trail, and the falls are quite spectacular at the head of the canyon.

Not really off the beaten path but drive the Lamar Valley early morning or evening. Good chance to see a Griz or even a wolf. A spotting scope will help. We were lucky enough to see 9 bears between Roosevelt Junction and the Pebble Creek CG last year. If you are willing to dry camp the NF CG (Soda Butte) three miles east of Cooke City is good for the night if you are planning to do the Bear Tooth or Chief Joseph Highway.

My favorite is the hike to Lone Star Geyser, which erupts about every 3 hours in two stages. (Don't leave after the first spurt cycle.)

The walk is beautiful as it follows the upper Firehole River, which is crystal clear, and in general passes through unburned areas.

Take your lunch, find a soft spot on the pine needles, and veg out until the geyser erupts. Usually enough people are there to see it to wake you up if you fall asleep.

You can also wade in the Firehole and walk even more if you so desire. The trail is suitable for bicycles as far as the geyser.

utahtea,

So glad to be able to return the favor and give you advice for a change, you've helped us so much. (Just got back from our trip. Fantastic! Plan to begin posting our trip report this weekend. Thanks again.)

Anyway, I second sweetsailings comments about the Clear Lake hike although we did it in reverse. Started at Uncle Tom's and walked the rim trail to Artist Point, then past the lakes, mud pots, meadow, back to the Uncle Tom parking lot. Great hike. Saw no one else once we left Artist Point and this was in August.

Also, if you can, get to Norris Geyser Basin before sunrise. Again, we had the whole place to ourselves. As you know, the basin is below the trailhead so the cool morning air and the hot geysers add up to a basin all but invisible from above. You sit there in the still and listen to the geysers. Whirlygig is easily identified. It's just very surreal. Then you head down the trail and things clear a bit, but the mist still swirls, sometimes thin, other times almost impossible to see through at all. Gives a whole different feel to the area. And be sure to wait around for Echinas to erupt. We enjoyed it so much we went back another day and waited for the pool to do it's thing.

I know you'll have a great trip. Our dream is go in the winter sometime.

Fran

floridafran,
So glad to hear you had a great trip! Looking forward to your trip report. We are also headed to Yellowstone this fall - any tips are greatly appreciated. Sharon

Bob already gave you the best advice about Lone Star Geyser - don't leave after the first "eruption" - many people do and miss the show. This hike is a MUST in my book. Go early, and you'll be there all by yourself.

Another must - the Fairy Falls trail. The falls are spectacular and, again, if you go at the right time you'll have them all to yourself. Some interesting thermal activity along the trail just past the falls as well.

Both of these hikes are very easy.

I made a website after our trip, which has pictures of places I just mentioned:
http://members.aol.com/john127pics/index.html

John

I've printed out everyone's suggestions. Thanks you all so much! Even though this is our 8th visit...I'm so EXCITED! \/

John,

Fantastic pictures...thanks for sharing.

Utahtea

John127,
Thanks for the great pictures! Please pass along all your tips on hikes. I really appreciate it - we're always looking for places off the beaten path.