Observation Peak Trail - Hike near Canyon Village, Yellowstone National Park
Grand Loop Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA,Canyon Village,Wyoming
44.75223730188876, -110.4864276413864
Address: Grand Loop Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA
GPS: 44°45'8.1"N 110°29'11.1"W
Maps | Directions
State: Wyoming
Trails/Routes: 7.6 mi

Lakes Trails Rocks National Park

Hike

Observation Peak Trail is one of the most famous hikes in Yellowstone National Park. The hike is an almost 10 miles there and back hike that starts and ends at the same trailhead.

Observation Peak Trail starts out at the same trailhead as Cascade Lake Trail. There is parking available at the trailhead.

Hikers on this trail can expect to enjoy forests, meadow and a beautiful view of Cascade Lake. The trail to Cascade Lake is about two miles. This is the easy part of the trail. It is well paved and has very little elevation change. At the end of this part of the hike, hikers can rest next to the beautiful Cascade Lake.

 From Cascade Lake the trail splits off onto Observation Peak Trail. From the lake the trail is 2.6 miles long and ascends 1,400 feet. This is the more difficult part of the trail but ends with an incredible view from the peak of the mountain.

The trail is only open during the summer and fall, due to heavy snow in the winter and spring. During these warmer months hikers can enjoy the forests, meadows and wildflowers along the trail.

Observation Peak Trail is an incredible hike for people in Yellowstone wanting to connect with nature and see Yellowstone from above the park.

947 Edited by jamiegarrard
4.2K Edited by tasiawhicker

Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.

Read More
  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel & camp on durable surfaces
  3. Dispose of waste properly
  4. Leave what you find
  5. Minimize campfire impacts
  6. Respect wildlife
  7. Be considerate of other visitors

Directions

From Canyon Village, Yellowstone National Park

  1. Head northeast (0.1 mi)
  2. Turn left at the 2nd cross street at N Rim Dr (0.2 mi)
  3. Turn right onto Grand Loop Rd
    Toll road
    May be closed at certain times or days
    (1.3 mi)
  4. Turn left (66 ft)
  5. Turn right (377 ft)
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Observation Peak Hike by lifeofluke
Cascade Lake/Observation Peak (Yellowstone Nationa by MrArtudtoo Observation Peak by hike734

Trails

Distance ?

7.6 miles Round Trip

Elevation Gain ?

1,380 feet

Real Ascent ?

1,477 feet

Real Descent ?

97 feet

Avg Grade (4°)

7%

Grade (-6° to 16°)

-10% to 29%

Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.

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