Thing to Do

Yellowstone Lake Overlook Trail

Rocky shoreline of Yellowstone Lake with conifer trees dotting the shoreline.

Hike to a high mountain meadow for a commanding view of the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake and the distant Absaroka Mountains.

The loop trail ascends steeply, passing backcountry thermal features, then gradually descends through meadows & forest.

Safety notes: Thermal activity along trail; stay on the designated trail and abide by detour signs at all times.

Trailheads: Southeast corner of West Thumb Geyser Basin Parking Area.

Details
This is a 1.7-mile (2.7-kilometer) lollipop loop trail that begins and ends at the same trailhead.
Moderate hike
Pets Allowed
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
This trail is located in the southern part of the park, with the trailhead in the West Thumb Geyser Basin parking lot.
Reservations
No
Season
Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Any Time

Yellowstone National Park

Tags

Rocky shoreline of Yellowstone Lake with conifer forests dotting the shoreline.
Shore of Yellowstone Lake near West Thumb Geyser Basin.

NPS/Janine Waller

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.

Visitors walking along the West Thumb Geyser Basin boardwalk.

West Thumb & Grant Day Hikes

Explore some of the major lakes of Yellowstone National Park along these trails.

Tags

Last updated: July 2, 2018