Bunsen (Burner) Peak
Anyone who has spent time in a Laboratory has enjoyed the experience of using a Bunsen Burner. This common piece of lab equipment was invented by Robert Bunsen. A lesser known fact about Dr Bunsen was that he was an avid Geologist. Due to his high standing in the scientific community, especially in regards to his work on Volcanic Geysers, Bunsen Peak was named in his honor.
On our recent trip to Yellowstone National Park-Esterlinkage, Yo Yo Ma and Splasher had planned to take a horseback ride. Recognizing the potential to perhaps bag a peak and enjoy a tasty Cheeseburger, I began to scheme about potential peaks. Knowing that the horseback ride was only supposed to take an hour I realized that my Cheeseburger/Peak Bagging window was very short. Thinking ahead, I had armed myself with a Cheeseburger from the Mammoth Terrace Grill. What I had not been able to do was to figure out an appropriate peak. After dropping off the trio of intrepid Cowgirls and Cowboys
I leaped back into Old Bessie (my truck) and raced towards the Mammoth Springs Visitor Center to gain advice about potential ascents. After driving a good 100 yards....I was caught up in the infamous Yellowstone summer traffic. Inching along at a leisurely 5 MPH, it gave me the chance to admire the scenery. After 15 minutes of bumper to bumper traffice I arrived at the Visitor Center, leaped out of Old Bessie, raced up the steps and......got in line to speak with the Ranger at the Information Booth. After 5 minutes in line, I was able to gain the information that Bunsen Peak was 4.2 Miles round trip and about 1300 feet in elevation gain. It sounded perfect! Racing out of the Visitor Center, I leaped back into Old Bessie and... immediately got caught behind a large RV and series of crammed Minivans. After another 20 minutes of backtracking my earlier route I ended up at the Trailhead for Bunsen Peak. The trail meandered through picturesque meadows before beginning a switchbacked ascent to the peak. Along the way I was treated to encounters with Marmots, Chipmunks and a Turkey Grouse. The summit of Bunsen Peak is dotted witha shed, telephone poles and wires, plus some sort of Antenna.
The summit showed much evidence of lightning strikes and also provided phenomenal views of the surrounding park and mountain ranges.
After quickly enjoying my tasty Cheeseburger, I admired the great views before descending back to the Trailhead.
Gaining the Trailhead, I ran to Old Bessie, leaped in and......got caught in another traffic jam of RVs, MiniVans etc. After 15 minutes of inching along, I had reached Mammoth Springs Visitor Center where I was able to meet up with the intrepid trio of equestrians.
