Yellowstone National Park: Observation Peak
Trek through rolling meadows en route to a shimmering backcountry lake and the 360-degree panorama bliss of Observation Peak on this 10.5-mile dayhike in Yellowstone National Park.
What better place to snag sweet vistas of Yellowstone’s stunning topography than the aptly-named Observation Peak? Perfectly situated in Yellowstone’s rugged northwestern reaches, this 10.5-mile out-and-back packages unbeatable views of the park in a relatively short and easy dayhike.
Starting from the Cascade Creek Trailhead, wind through the tranquil Cascade Meadows while ducking in and out of patches of lodgepole forest. Cruise along the generally flat trail tracing the Cascade Creek until reaching the pristine Cascade Lake at mile 2.5. Dotted with a dazzling array of wildflowers in the summer, the lake provides a perfect resting spot before making the roughly 2.6-mile climb (gaining around 875 feet) to Observation Peak.
Along the way, pass through more wildflower-peppered meadows, gnarled sagebrush shrubs, and wind-toppled lodgepoles scarred from the wildfires of 1988. Panoramas become more picturesque with every step until you reach the best views at the top of the peak: Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon to the east, the Gallatin Range to the west, Mount Sheridan to the south, and miles of rolling foothills to the north. Return home by retracing your steps to the trailhead.
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/.
-Mapped by Jeff Chow
Trail Facts
- Distance: 16.9
Waypoints
OBS001
Location: 44.7352584, -110.5037016
From the Cascade Creek Trailhead on Norris Canyon Road, head north through Cascade Meadows toward a forested area.
OBS002
Location: 44.743796, -110.504694
Cross over a footbridge. Ahead, cut through regrowing vegetation around fire-scarred, toppled trees from 1988 wildfires. The trail parallels Cascade Creek on the right.
OBS003
Location: 44.755758, -110.506175
Duck in and out of meadows and forests, then cross a bridge over Cascade Creek. Bear left at the Y-junction, heading west toward Cascade Lake. The trail on the right leads to the Cascade Picnic Area.
OBS004
Location: 44.756127, -110.517492
Cut through a gently rolling meadow (emerald green in the summer, golden in the fall and winter) and pass campground 4E4 on the left. Next, cross another footbridge over Cascade Creek and continue along a flat and easy stretch.
OBS005
Location: 44.754203, -110.52345
Shoot through a wide open meadow as you approach the shores of the tranquil Cascade Lake. Gleaming with a dazzling display of wildflowers in the summer, this secluded lake is an ideal spot to stop before hiking Observation Peak. When you’re ready to start the climb, bear right at the Y-junction.
OBS006
Location: 44.755915, -110.524692
Pass another campground (4E3) as you begin climbing toward the peak. From here, you’ll gain nearly 900 feet in over 2.6 miles of moderate climbing.
OBS007
Location: 44.759813, -110.52574
The trail weaves through an open, wildflower-dotted hillside offering prime panoramas of Cascade Lake.
OBS008
Location: 44.7661455, -110.5330932
For serene eastern vistas of the valley, turn left and make a quick side trip to a ridgeline knoll (you’ll catch a glimpse of the gigantic Yellowstone Lake on clear days). Return to Waypoint 8 and turn left, heading west.
OBS009
Location: 44.766008, -110.533846
Gain superb views of the Washburn Range as you traverse a saddle along a northern-facing bowl.
OBS010
Location: 44.770547, -110.544628
Arizona ain’t got nothing on this canyon: Grab glorious views of Yellowstone’s own Grand Canyon from this high-country vantage point.
OBS011
Location: 44.7709213, -110.5451953
Even honest hikers sometimes fall for false peaks. Keep heading north to skirt this Observation Peak impostor and reach the true apex of the mountain, now just minutes away.
OBS012
Location: 44.7719534, -110.5477542
Crest the summit of 9,397-foot Observation Peak and, in the true spirit of the mountain, observe the magnificent natural splendor surrounding you: the majestic Mount Sheridan to the south, the commanding Mount Holmes and Gallatin Range to the west, and the earthy gash that is Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon to the east. When you’ve had your fill of stunning scenery, turn around and follow the same route back to the trailhead.
Observation Peak Hut
Location: 44.7719533, -110.5477981
Trail Sign
Location: 44.737447, -110.503252
Golden Meadow
Location: 44.753262, -110.501379
Trail Sign
Location: 44.755743, -110.506102
Trail
Location: 44.75668, -110.516304
Creek
Location: 44.755984, -110.517872
Animal Bones
Location: 44.754784, -110.521476
North of Cascade Lake
Location: 44.75476, -110.521557
Meadow near Cascade Lake
Location: 44.75458, -110.522207
Cascade Lake
Location: 44.754211, -110.52332
Observation Peak Sign
Location: 44.754211, -110.52332
Junction: Campground 4E3
Location: 44.755891, -110.524639
Campground 4E3
Location: 44.7561964, -110.5243385
Wildflowers
Location: 44.756704, -110.525576
Wildflowers
Location: 44.760675, -110.52474
Views of Cascade Lake
Location: 44.76083, -110.524741
Wildflowers
Location: 44.760979, -110.524965
Trail Views
Location: 44.76078, -110.525264
Gnarled Tree
Location: 44.761469, -110.525756
Cascade Lake
Location: 44.76787, -110.543618
Stormy Skies
Location: 44.77058, -110.544791
Summit Views
Location: 44.77194, -110.5478526
Observation Peak
Location: 44.77194, -110.5478526
More Hut Views
Location: 44.771962, -110.547753