Thing to Do

Howard Eaton Trail (Canyon Area)

Calm, blue lake surrounded by a thick, green conifer forest.

Choose your destination on this trail that passes by four lakes, forest, meadow, and marsh: Cascade Lake (2.6 mi / 4.2 km), Grebe Lake (4.5 mi / 7.3 km), Wolf Lake (6.3 mi / 10.1 km), or Ice Lake (10.7 mi / 17.5 km).

Safety notes: The trail can be wet and muddy through July with many biting insects. All distances provided are one-way.

Trailheads: Pullout ¼-mile (0.4 km) west of Canyon Junction on the Norris–Canyon Road.

Details
This is a 10.7-mile (17.1-kilometer) one-way, through trail that begins and ends at different trailheads. Plan for a pick-up, leave a vehicle at the end, or be prepared to return back to your starting trailhead.
Pets Allowed
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
This trail is in the central part of the park, with the trailhead west of Canyon Village, though portions of the trail can be reached via numerous trailheads north and west of Canyon Village.
Reservations
No
Season
Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Any Time

Yellowstone National Park

Calm, blue lake surrounded by a thick, green conifer forest.
Ice Lake is one of many lakes seen along this part of the Howard Eaton Trail.

NPS/Robert G. Johnsson

More on Day Hikes in Yellowstone

Hikers standing on the rocky top of Avalanche Peak with Yellowstone Lake in the background.

Yellowstone Day Hikes

Lace up your boots and explore some of the over 1,000 miles of trails in Yellowstone National Park.

Waterfall drops down into the steep, yellow-wall lined canyon with conifer forests growing around.

Canyon Area Day Hikes

Explore lakes and mountaintops for a variety of experiences around the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.

Last updated: August 12, 2019