If a bear charges, it may be a bluff charge. Would do it again in better weather. Pros: easy to moderate hike, great campsites, lots of wild life, s clouded The trail/stair case is visible from the opposite of the canyon, weaving its way down the canyon wall to a nice outlook at the base. Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. Experience Yellowstone's diversity with this epic loop hike.How to get there: Wapiti Lake Trailhead is located just south of Upper Falls of the Yellowstone. Make Noise: Avoid surprising a bear by calling out and clapping your hands at regular intervals to make your presence known. After that you went up steep switchbacks to the lake which was pretty but not as impressive as you would hope after 17 miles. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Clear Lake-Ribbon Lake Trail A 4-mile (6.4-km) there-and-back trail that travels from the junction with the Wapiti Lake Trail out to Ribbon Lake, a couple of backcountry campsites, and Surface Creek, which plunges down into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River as the Silver Cord Cascades. Clear Lake Artist's Point Loop via Wapiti Lake Trailhead Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Artist Point, thought to be named by park photographer F. J. Haynes as early as 1883, provides what is perhaps the most beautiful views of the entire Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and of Lower Yellowstone Falls some 308 feet high. Rock spires add to this surreal landscape while the Yellowstone River continues its whitewater fury. Contributions to WTA are tax deductible, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission. Campfires allowed only in designated campsites within established fire rings. Keep an eye out for wildlife. This developed area also has tent pads, a pit toilet, a fire ring and food cache. A reasonable goal would be to reach Wapiti Lake in day one. Get complete property information, maps, street view, schools, walk score and more. Wheeled Vehicles Restricted: No bicycles, strollers, or wheeled vehicles (except wheelchairs), except where specified. Turn right at the . Stay 25 yards (23 m) from all other animals. We extended the loop by doing the South Rim and adding on Ribbon Lake. Stay at least 100 yards (91 m) from bears. There are canoeing and kayaking opportunities at this park. A cookie set by YouTube to measure bandwidth that determines whether the user gets the new or old player interface. This cookie is set by Facebook to display advertisements when either on Facebook or on a digital platform powered by Facebook advertising, after visiting the website. One of my favorite hikes in the park! Clear Lake hike was surprisingly beautiful through Fields of wildflowers & through forest area. Easy hike thru a meadow, then thermal area to the canyon. Obtain service animal regulations at backcountry offices. Please explore responsibly! Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. The first 19 km of the trail to Wapiti Lake follows the north side of the Wapiti River and the shores of a few smaller lakes. At this point the trail descends 500 metres to Onion Lake . Ran into 4 buffalo on the trail so had to walk around them. Keep left at the first junction towards Clear Lake. At this point the trail descends 500 metres to Onion Lake. The trail continues on through the trees giving great, intermittent views of the canyon, the falls, and the crazy rock formations. Best Alpine Lake Grizzly Lake Distance: 3.6 miles roundtrip Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Should be advised that many of these photos are not photos of the Wapiti Lake Trail. Know your route, carry a map, and be able to navigate. All woods, no views, very little wildlife, clouds of skeeters. Snag a picture of Yellowstones largest waterfall and get back to the trail. Here is another overlook of Upper Falls. The first is at km 16.0 followed by another at km 17.5. This is a new adventure! Grizzly and black bears inhabit all of Yellowstone National Park. At the trailhead, there is a vault toilet. Do NOT feed bears or other animals. Seattle, WA 98104. Spray when the bear is 60 feet (18 m) away or closer. Be the first to leave a review! There is no charge and firewood is provided. YouTube sets this cookie to store the video preferences of the user using embedded YouTube video. If time and distance permits, Id recommend following the rim of the river to avoid the section of highway! More information at the Center Backcountry Office: (307) 344-2160. Extinguish campfires completely before leaving site. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Swimming in park rivers is not recommended. Join a supporting community of travelers and adventurers sharing their photos and local insights. The walk along the road is not difficult, and it creates a nice loop for the entire trail. We ended up cutting back over the hill to catch the section of Clear Lake trail back to the parking lot. A 4-mile (6.4-km) there-and-back trail that travels from the junction with the Wapiti Lake Trail out to Ribbon Lake, a couple of backcountry campsites, and Surface Creek, which plunges down into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River as the Silver Cord Cascades. Between 24 and 25 km there is a terrific view of both Wapiti Lake to the south and Onion Lake to the north. Stay on established trails; off-trail travel prohibited in thermal areas. If you enjoy swarms of mosquitoes, getting your feet soaked in swampland, and a lot of time hiking in forest then this hike is for you. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 44 min to complete. A 10.2-mile (16.4-km) there-and-back trail that crosses part of the Hayden Valley and requires fording Sour Creek. Do not leave food, trash, toiletries, backpacks, coolers, water bottles, or any potential attractant unattended. Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Trailhead. The two kilometre climb above Wapiti Lake has an elevation change of 1,000 metres. This trail has a great combination of open meadows, small lakes, wooded stretches, interesting thermal areas, wildlife, and breathtaking views of the canyon. This trailhead starts at the Chittenden Bridge Picnic Area. From Yellowstone Lake, head north on Grand Loop Road. At km 19.2 an area in which horses can be tied has been established. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Again, this is more of a pond but still scenic. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 200metres from the main trail and well worth a rest and photo op. 21 hrs. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. If the cabin is in use, please be prepared to camp outside. Wapiti Lake Trailhead is located just south of Upper Falls of the Yellowstone. A series of trails can be explored from this trailhead: This is a long, 30.6-mile (49.2-km) there-and-back trail that travels through forests and meadows, and past lakes and backcountry thermal basins, to a series of backcountry campsites near Wapiti Lake. Campfires allowed only in designated campsites within established fire rings. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets, due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears. After 7 kms. The Wisdom Tree, the only tree to survive the 2007 Barham fire and a source of inspiration thousands, sits atop Burbank Peak, the highest peak at the end of Griffith Park. Turn right on South Rim Dr. Just after crossing Chittenden Bridge turn right and park in the large parking lot.The Hike: The hike . It is a breathtaking place to photograph year round and at all times of the day, though in winter it can be closed. Surrounded by trees, this is a sheltered refuge perfect for an overnight in Indian Heaven.Find the junction for Lake Wapiki about 5.2 miles from the Lemei Lake trailhead. Family of four didn't do the full trail, but what people say below is true. We stopped here and hung out on one of the several large rocks just off the trail. Want to report conditions for this trail? Really nice 3/4 of this hike. Facebook sets this cookie to show relevant advertisements to users by tracking user behaviour across the web, on sites that have Facebook pixel or Facebook social plugin. Hunters going into Wapiti Lake Provincial Park should reference the BC Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis. Carry a minimum of 35 feet (11 m) of rope. Hike in Groups: Travel in groups of 3 or more is recommended. Could just do the clear lake trail from uncle toms but then you would miss a nice view of Hayden valley - really was amazing to see how vast it is! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Get the app Download GPX File Features Hiking Visitors to the area can snowshoe or ski in to the area. Wapiti is a beautiful lake nestled in the Rocky Mountains and there is a fantastic cabin in which to stay. To get there head towards Canyon Village on the Wapiti Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Fortunately we survived and there was a breeze on the way back which helped curb the mosquitoes a little bit. The Hike: The hike begins with a steady climb through and open meadow. Grizzly and black bears inhabit all of Yellowstone National Park. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. This is a mountainous wilderness area. Beginning at the Wapiti Lake Trailhead, follow the Wapiti Lake Trail east. The trail from Wapiti Lake to Onion Lake ascends steeply into the alpine. The trail starts at the southwest corner of this site. Reminder: ATVs are not permitted on the trails or within the park. you reach a viewpoint of Wapiti falls, approx. Thanks for the support of Western Washington Honda Dealers and our other corporate sponsors. The return shows coming back via south rim road but we stick to the rim trail. This trail requires fording creeks. Expect minimal or no contact with people. Antelope near by. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. You can call the Office for more information: (307) 344-2160. In an emergency, dial 9-1-1 or contact the nearest ranger station. Generally considered a challenging route. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Discover this 54.7-km out-and-back trail near West Yellowstone, Montana. Obtain service animal regulations at backcountry offices. Start from the Wolf Lake Trailhead located on Grand Loop Road between Norris Junction and Canyon Village. Park waters are swift and cold. July 2011 - a day hiker in a party of two was killed by an adult female grizzly bear with 2 cubs on the Wapiti Lake Trail in Hayden Valley. Felt soles prohibited. This trailhead starts at the eastern end of the Artist Point parking area. A viewpoint of Wapiti Falls can be accessed via a short 200 metre trail at km 7. Well worth going to Lily Pad Lake and clear lake. This is not a safe place to explore. Camping and fires are only allowed in designated campsites. This dirt trail runs along the canyon rim with the ever changing views of the canyon and the Yellowstone River far below. The trail continues in the trees. Saw bison in the meadow at the end and some really beautiful flowers. If you enjoy torture then this trail might be for you. I was surprised (20 feet away) by a massive female moose that came running out of the brush down to the lake. This is a moderate loop trail in Yellowstone National Park. It gives you a little bit of everything- fields, mud pots, lakes forest, and of course a great view of the canyon. Up into clear lake - its gorgeous! This trail also has a small spur trail up to the Artist PointPoint Sublime Trail. Rainy Saturday yet beautiful scenery. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Pair it with South Rim trail: start at the South Rim trailhead, take it to Artist's Point, then loop around using Wapiti Lake back to the South Rim trailhead. This trail can be used as a loop which is what all the waterfall pictures must be from but they dont accurately depict the 17 mile each way hike to the wapiti lake campsite. Get to know this 4.6-mile loop trail near West Yellowstone, Montana. To see Ribbon Lake, you have to follow the trail to the camping area. The falls were spectacular. August 2011 - a day hiker, hiking by himself, was killed by a grizzly bear on the Mary Mountain Trail in Hayden Valley. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Extinguish campfires completely before leaving site. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Once we saw the staircase we knew we had to do it. Stay 100 yards (91 m) from bears and wolves. Backpacking time to Wapiti Lake is variable and depending on your level of experience allow 6-9 hours for the one way trip to km 19. This 30 km trail is located on the East slope of the Rocky Mountains and is open for hiking and horseback riding. Instead, walk along the road back to the Wapiti Trailhead. Loved this hike! A Fishing and Boating Aquatic . Personally, I found the views to be equally as epic to the west. The views are spectacular regardless and a pretty easy trek with the hot pots still boiling and the amazing views of Yellowstone canyon. Know your route, carry a map, and be able to navigate. Did you know WTA has a mobile app? The best times to visit this trail are May through October. Easy hike. Canyon Rim South Trail to Artist Point is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Hiked from the trailhead to Ribbon Lake one day and from Artist point to Lily Pad, Clear Lake to the South rim back to Artist point. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. A view of Wapiti Falls can be achieved by following a short 200 metre trail off the main trail at kilometre 7. Hiking off-trail is not allowed in thermal areas for safety. Went in late August and got to the trailhead by 7am. The trail weaves its way along the forest, but never far from the river with great overlooks. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure. Firewood and a fire ring are provided at the designated camping area and backcountry cabin located on the northwest side of Wapiti Lake. Please be prepared for tenting in the event that the cabin is being used by other visitors. Virtual Tour of Wapiti Lake Trail. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We had to walk the road to get back to our vehicle that last little bit. Sleep 100 yards (91 m) from your food storage and cooking areas. JetPack installs this cookie to collect internal metrics for user activity and in turn improve user experience. Beyond this point, the crowds are smaller as the trail continues at the Ribbon Lake trailhead. Howard Eaton Trail: Fishing Bridge-Canyon. Also great to experience more mud pots and volcanic activity, plus, Clear Lake is beautiful. Continue hiking until you reach Uncle Toms Trail. Follow this road for 29kms. Do not leave food, trash, toiletries, backpacks, coolers, water bottles, or any potential attractant unattended. Surrounded by trees, this is a sheltered refuge perfect for an overnight in Indian Heaven. Its muddy out there but most of the mud is clay. If you want to play a trick on your adventurous friends and take them on one of the longest most boring possible hikes and watch their spirit and love of nature and the outdoors collapse in on themselves like a dying star, this is your jam! You made the day for this family.. Leave What You Find: Do not collect anything from the park. I hiked it alone (dumb) & was reminded why NOT to hike alone in Yellowstone country. To Canyon Rim South Trail to Artist Point is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. The largest of the hazards to portage around is Wapiti Falls. Did this one today. No Motorized Vehicles: No motorized vehicles on trails. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. It gave me a pleasant sense of freedom to stride past the long line of cars waiting for a parking place. Very enjoyable. Also one stretch became sandy and volcano rock notable along with active mud pots. During your journey through Wyomings Black to Yellow Region, discover geologic marvels, dense evergreen forests and sprawling prairielands. Beautiful hike through meadows and forest, past lakes, and then past the South Rim overlooking the canyon and then finally to Artist's Point. Bury human waste and toilet tissue in a 68 inch (1518 cm) deep cat hole at least 100 feet (30 m) from water and trails. Discover this 4.6-mile loop trail near West Yellowstone, Montana. Soon youll reach Lily Pad Lake junction. Don't. This trail is not even remotely worthwhile. These regulations apply to ALL backcountry users. Contrast from start to finish. Red Rock Point on the north side of the Yellowstone River gives amazing views up and down the canyon and is only a short .3 miles from the North Rim Road. It starts off beautiful going through meadows and some thermals but then it turned into 10 miles of swarms of mosquitoes that were relentless even though the group used ample bug spray. Follow LEAVE NO TRACE travel and camping techniques. Shortly after Lily Pad Lake youll reach South Rim Trail which follows along the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. You will need a Backcountry Regulations Permit for camping, fishing, boating, or riding in Yellowstone. The trail breaks away from the river, only to come back with a front row view of these fantastic falls. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Trail was a little muddy but doable with proper footwear. YSC cookie is set by Youtube and is used to track the views of embedded videos on Youtube pages. The out-and-back Cascade Lake Trail starts from the Cascade Creek Trailhead off of Norris Canyon Road in Yellowstone National Park. Experience Yellowstones diversity with this epic loop hike.How to get there: Wapiti Lake Trailhead is located just south of Upper Falls of the Yellowstone. We were hoping to see another grizzly on this trail as we have in the past but only bison this time. The cabin can accommodate four people comfortably. We found it to be totally still, peaceful, with loads of dragon flies and ducks sitting on lily pads. 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 30 mile day hike to spot wildlife on the Wapiti Lake trail. We saw only bison as well but he was following us up the trail so that made us move quicker at the beginning for sure! This 30 km trail is located on the East slope of the Rocky Mountains and is open for hiking and horseback riding. Its late May and the trail still has a bit of snow but no ice. 2020-06-01 21:35:13, Please subscribe in order to see this list, Copyright trailpeak.com & trailpeak.ca 2022. Permit required for fishing, boating, riding, and overnight camping. Turn right on South Rim Dr. Just after crossing Chittenden Bridge turn right and park in the large parking lot. More information at the Center Backcountry Office: (307) 344-2160. you reach a viewpoint of Wapiti falls, approx. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The Howard Eaton Trail via the Wapiti Lake Trailhead is a short and scenic subsection of the 21.6 km long Howard Eaton Hiking Route. Started great, but a mile of the hike is on busy road. Stand your ground and use your bear spray. After Uncle Toms Trail continue on South Rim Trail to the Upper Falls overlook. Stick to the trail on your right at the first two splits in the path then take a left to follow the Wrangler Lake Trail southeast to the shores of Wrangler Lake. A short traverse along a forested hill delivers you to the sapphire blue lake in Lemei Rock's old crater. Horseback riding is allowed in Wapiti Lake Provincial Park. Turn around here. From Yellowstone Lake, head north on Grand Loop Road. The Howard Eaton trail can be closed to protect wildlife, so it best to check before going. Stay at least 100 yards (91 m) from bears. If your in the Yellowstone National Park, this is a must do. Trailhead: Park at the signed parking lot for Wapiti Lake on the South Rim Drive, just east of Chittenden Bridge located south of Canyon Village. Be sure to bring your camera, as the scenic views are plentiful. The only negative is they have closed off the last section of the south rim trail about 1/4 mile from the bridge. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The guys sitting around the fire at camp, in our food prep area. Id rather try a tasting sampler of battery acid. This is bear country so use precaution. Gorgeous views of the canyon. Beautiful area, though. Winter camping is available to experienced backcountry recreationalists. You hike 17 miles one way, 12 of which are in the mosquito infested woods with the same view. If your in the Yellowstone National Park, this is a must do. Keep on the main trail towards Clear Lake. Finally youll reach the bridge. It wasnt too high though but the trek of over a mile through the marsh was pretty horrible with everyones feet getting soaked and muddy. Wapiti Lake Trail Hard 3.1 (10) Yellowstone National Park Photos (127) Directions Print/PDF map Length 34.0 miElevation gain 3,106 ftRoute type Out & back Get to know this 34.0-mile out-and-back trail near West Yellowstone, Montana. Get to the parking lot before noon for best experience and bring bug spray! Scenic views are plentiful, especially while along lakeshores. Just a half mile off the Lemei Lake Trail is a gorgeous blue lake nestled in an old volcanic crater. The first mile of the Wapiti Lake trail, crossing the north east end of Hayden Valley. A great little leg stretching loop when paired with the South Rim trail and Uncle Tom's trail (which was unfortunately closed when we visited in October 2020). We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.