Thing to Do

Observation Peak Trail

Hikers along a tan, bare ground trail through an alpine meadow.

Hike to a high mountain peak for an outstanding view of the Yellowstone wilderness. Trail passes through open meadows to Cascade Lake where wildflowers abound and wildlife is often seen. Beyond the lake, the trail climbs 1,400 feet in 2.6 miles through whitebark pine forest.

Safety notes: The trail can be wet and snowy through July. Observation Peak trail is not recommended for persons with heart and/or respiratory problems. Past Cascade Lake, no water is available.

Trailheads: Cascade Lake trailhead 1-¼ miles (2 km) north of Canyon Junction on the Grand Loop Road.

Details
This is a 9.6-mile (15.4-kilometer) there-and-back trail that begins and ends at the same trailhead.
Strenuous hike
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
This trail is in the central part of the park, with the trailhead about 1-mile north of the Canyon Village road intersection. There is a parking lot dedicated to the hiking trail, as well as a parking lot at the picnic area north of the trailhead.

Yellowstone National Park

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Hikers along a bare ground trail that meanders through an alpine meadow.
Hikers along Observation Peak Trail.

NPS/Jim Peaco

More on Day Hikes in Yellowstone

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

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Last updated: August 12, 2019