Yellowstone - Fun Can-do Hikes for the Unfit
Yellowstone National Park - the Perfect Place to Hike to Fitness
Mar 16, 2009
Yellowstone is the USA's first national park, designated as such in 1872. Today, nearly three million people visit each year to view spectacular geothermal activity and abundant wildlife. The park offers an opportunity to hike on numerous trails, from easy beginner to advanced mountain scrambler.
Southeast Region - Fishing Bridge / Lake Village
Elephant Back Trail. Roundtrip: 3.6 miles.
Time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
Why this hike? It provides a breathtakingly panoramic view of Lake Yellowstone, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, Stevenson Island and Pelican Valley.
Getting There: From Lake Lodge Cabins, a short walk through a field across the main road reveals the trailhead. If driving, there is a parking area on either side of the road one-half mile north of Lake Village.
The hike begins as a gradual incline. The trail climbs approximately 800 feet during the 1.5-mile ascent and slices through a thick Lodgepole Pine forest. After one mile, the trail splits into a loop. Taking the left trail offers the shortest, but steepest climb to the overlook. The right trail is a more gradual climb and is recommended.
The reward at the top of Elephant Back Mountain (elevation 8,600 ft.) is a view so breathtaking, take some time to enjoy. The descent is steeper than the climb and you can always choose to backtrack.
Southeast Region - Fishing Bridge / Lake Village
Riddle Lake. Roundtrip: 4.6 miles.
Time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
Why this hike? The 274-acre lake and the surrounding area are home to elk, moose, waterfowl and cutthroat trout. It is also a designated Bear Management Area and is closed until July 15 each year. The Red Mountains in the distance behind the lake provide a picturesque photo opportunity.
Getting There: Access the trailhead via a parking area south of West Thumb.
The two-mile hike to the lake traverses two alpine meadows and is completely flat. No loop means the hike in is the same as the hike out. Once at the lake, continue along the northern shore where the trail ends at a small beach. Scan the far shores for moose and elk. Fish for cutthroat trout that migrate from Solution Lake through Yellowstone Lake to Riddle Lake. Return via the same trail.
Southwest Region - Old Faithful Area / Geyser Country
Mystic Falls. Roundtrip: 4.0 miles.
Time: 2 hours
Why this hike? Mystic Falls is a cascading, 70-foot waterfall; at the top of the trail, enjoy a sweeping view of the Old Faithful area, which features the most concentrated number of active geysers in the park.
Getting There: Two miles northwest of the Old Faithful Interchange, or 14 miles south of Madison Junction.
From the parking area, cross the Firehole River and follow the Biscuit Basin boardwalk to the right. At the Little Firehole Meadows Trail, watch for the trail heading west and go past the junction to Summit Lake.
At the fork, take the left trail to the falls and then the longer, more scenic view on the return. The falls are 1.1 miles from this junction. The views are unobstructed as most of this area was burned during the fires of 1988.
Past the falls, the climb continues another couple of hundred feet for a total gain of 540 feet. At the junction with Fairy Creek, stop and turn around to view the Old Faithful Area. If timing is right, see Old Faithful going off in the distance.
Turn right at the Fairy Creek junction and at about the ¼-mile mark, reach the fenced in viewing area. As the descent begins, the trail becomes increasingly steep, requiring care to maneuver around the hairpin turns. The views of the Firehole River and the surrounding area are magnificent. Back at Mystic Falls Trail junction, retrace your steps.
The dynamics that make up Yellowstone change daily. Every visit provides new hikes, new highlights and new reasons to return to renew mind, body and spirit. Best times to visit are September and October when fewer people are in the park and the weather can still be in the mid-70s.
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