Yellowstone National Park: Ribbon Lake and Silver Cord Cascade via Artist Point
Trace the rim of Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone on this 4.8-mile out-and-back that features a plummeting waterfall, a small wooded lake, and five-star, across-the-expanse views.
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Perfect as an easy overnighter or for families with young children, this short, 4.8-miler explores Yellowstone National Park’s incredible backcountry sights on easy, well-maintained trails. From the Artist Point parking area, follow the paved trail along the rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Numerous viewpoints dot the route, revealing the sheer, multi-colored walls of the canyon. At certain points, the sounds of the canyon-carving Yellowstone River can be heard in the distance.
Less than a mile in, the route veers south and enters the forest for a 0.3-mile stretch to another trail junction. Turn left and hike northeast through forest and meadows to the grassy banks of Ribbon Lake (several campsites are located around the lake). From here, continue hiking north to a side trail that leads to Silver Cord Cascade, a dizzying 1,200-foot waterfall and drops into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The hike finishes at a vantage point with more stunning views of the canyon. When you’re ready, turn around follow the same route back 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 Jason Kauffman
Trail Facts
- Distance: 7.7
Waypoints
GRA001
Location: 44.7201337, -110.4797548
Leave Artist Point and the paved parking lot behind and head northeast along the edge of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. In 250 feet, pass the Artist Point overlook on the left.
GRA002
Location: 44.7208382, -110.4786187
The paved trail turns to dirt. Continue paralleling the canyon’s edge.
GRA003
Location: 44.7206025, -110.4760534
Look downstream for incredible views of the sheer, multi-colored walls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
GRA004
Location: 44.7205739, -110.4735401
Take a break: Drop your pack and sit down to enjoy distant views into the more remote middle canyon. Ahead: Listen for the sounds of the canyon-carving Yellowstone River more than a thousand feet below.
GRA005
Location: 44.7203014, -110.4699004
Turn right @ 3-way junction, heading south. The trail enters rolling forests and leaves the canyon behind. Ahead, cross a short, wooden footbridge over a small inlet stream.
GRA006
Location: 44.7191541, -110.4696482
Keep a sharp eye out for moose (and mosquitoes) as you round an unnamed pond covered with lily pads.
GRA007
Location: 44.7168098, -110.4702705
Turn left @ Y-junction. Continue through the dense forest of lodgepole pine.
GRA008
Location: 44.7168657, -110.4667287
Briefly leave the forest behind as you pass through a small grassy meadow.
GRA009
Location: 44.7240749, -110.4515433
Formed from 2 small lakes, Ribbon Lake sits in a meadow rimmed by conifers and is a perfect overnight destination for families with young children (reservations required for campsites).
GRA010
Location: 44.7263731, -110.4498294
Turn left for a quick side trip to Silver Cord Cascade.
GRA011
Location: 44.7261006, -110.4502344
Peer out over sheer cliffs to catch a dizzying glimpse of Silver Cord Cascade. This striking waterfall plummets 1,200 feet into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and is thought to be the tallest waterfall in Wyoming. Return to Waypoint 10 and continue north.
GRA012
Location: 44.7270955, -110.4493069
Enjoy one last remarkable view of the massive Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Turn around and return to trailhead.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Location: 44.7208007, -110.4781616
A grand canyon indeed.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Location: 44.7205759, -110.4759514
More views into the heart of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Location: 44.7205435, -110.4734704
Enjoy the oranges, pinks, and reds of the canyon below the deep of green conifer forests above.
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
Location: 44.7201032, -110.4725021
Listen to Yellowstone River more than a thousand feet below.
Footbridge
Location: 44.7194933, -110.469836
A short footbridge over a small inlet stream.
Ribbon Lake
Location: 44.724052, -110.4514253
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Location: 44.7270934, -110.4492742
Enjoy views of the more seldom-visited portions of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
