SUBSCRIBE | NEWSLETTERS | MAPS | VIDEOS | BLOGS | MARKETPLACE | CONTESTS
TRY BACKPACKER FREE!
SUBSCRIBE NOW and get
2 Free Issues and 3 Free Gifts!
Full Name:
Address 1:
Address 2:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Email: (required)
If I like it and decide to continue, I'll pay just $12.00, and receive a full one-year subscription (9 issues in all), a 73% savings off the newsstand price! If for any reason I decide not to continue, I'll write "cancel" on the invoice and owe nothing.
Your subscription includes 3 FREE downloadable booklets.
Or click here to pay now and get 2 extra issues
Offer valid in US only.
CLICK HERE TO LAUNCH FULL SCREEN MAP

Yellowstone National Park: Elephant Back Trail

wy

Star Star Star Star Star

Distance: 3.9 miles


This 3.9-mile lollipop loop in Yellowstone National Park climbs to a plateau top with unrivaled views of Yellowstone Lake and the Absaroka Mountains.

You don't have to travel far to find some of the best views of Yellowstone Lake. Set aside a couple of hours for this 3.9-mile loop that leads to a primo overlook above the park's largest body of water. From the Elephant Back Trailhead, follow the wide trail that climbs steadily through lodgepole pine forest. As you switchback up the mountain, look for pieces of obsidian (volcanic glass) in the rock, signs of past volcanic activity in the area.

The trail crests a plateau after a mile and a half, and then heads southwest to the overlook. Grab a seat on the bench and soak up the five-star views of Yellowstone Lake and the Absaroka Mountain Range. When you're ready, continue following the trail along the top of the plateau before tackling the steep descent back to the trailhead.

PLAN IT
GUIDEBOOK AND MAP:
Yellowstone Treasures, by Janet Chapple ($24, yellowstonetreasures.com). Plan other trips in the park using BACKPACKER’s Yellowstone National Park page.

CONDITIONS: For current conditions and updates, go to nps.gov/yell/conditions.htm.

PERMIT: Overnight camping in Yellowstone National Park requires a backcountry permit. Check out the latest fees and more details at nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/backcountryhiking.htm.

MORE PARK INFO: Yellowstone National Park, (307) 344-7381; nps.gov/yell/

GPS DATA:
Download tracks and waypoints, print or order custom topos, from the menu on the left.

-Mapped by Jeff Chow

Post a comment

Discussion for this story has been closed.

Get 2 FREE Trial Issues and 3 FREE GIFTS
Survival Skills 101 • Eat Better
The Best Trails in America
YES! Please send me my FREE trial issues of Backpacker
and my 3 FREE downloadable booklets.
Full Name:
City:
Address 1:
Zip Code:
State:
Address 2:
Email (required):
Free trial offer valid for US subscribers only. Canadian subscriptions | International subscriptions