Riddle Lake Hike
Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park
| Address: | Yellowstone National Park, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA |
| GPS: |
44°21'30.6"N 110°34'54.3"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Wyoming |
| Trails/Routes: | 4.9 mi |
National Park
Hike
Riddle Lake hike is a 5 mile roundtrip hike. Riddle Lake is an alluring body of water with a sandy beach. The hiker gets the best of both worlds on this hike. Impressive pine and mountain views, meadows, and a lake with a mini beach area.The trail is an easy hike because elevation is hardly detectable, and allows the hiker to focus on the scenery.This hike takes you through a blanket of forest, then a dirt trail. You will pass several tree trunks covered in scratch marks, offering fresh evidence that bears frequent this area*. This hike is closed for a majority of the hiking season due to swans nesting in that area. To know if it is available to hike, contact a park ranger.
The history of Riddle lake dates back a few centuries. It was named by early explorers in the 1800's who were uncertain about which ocean the lake drained toward because it sits so close to the Continental Divide- it was believed flow toward both the east and west oceans and then later discovered that it actually flowed into Yellowstone Lake.
This area does attract a lot of wildlife such as Elk, Moose and Grizzly bears. Upon reaching the lake you can see the Red Mountains to the south. The trail then follows the shore and eventually ends at a black sand beach on the northeast side. Many people stop their hike when they approach the lake, but you can continue around the lake to enjoy the scenery.
This is considered an easy hike with little elevation difference.
*WARNING: To stay extra safe, it is smart to have bear spray with you on your hike and also to make noise while you are on your hike to keep wildlife away. When it comes to wildlife, if you see them on your hike, do not approach them, for your own safety. You can take pictures of wild life but do not approach to pet.
More Information
Yellowstone National Park Itinerary
This Yellowstone National Park Itinerary will help you get started as you plan your vacation to Yellowstone National Park.
https://www.justgotravelstudios.com/collections/national-park-itineraries/products/yellowstone-national-park-itinerary?ref=9zpxis0diinBackcountry Conditions - Yellowstone National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
This page provides a map and details conditions of trail status, closures, and known hazards.
https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/situationreport.htmOops! We ran into some problems. | Backcountry Post
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https://backcountrypost.com/trail-guides/riddle-lake.56/Yellowstone National Park: Riddle Lake
This easy-going hike winds past lodgepole forest and grassy stream beds to the black sand beaches of a backcountry lake in Yellowstone National Park.
https://www.backpacker.com/trips/yellowstone-national-park-riddle-lake/Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park
- Head north toward Rainbow Loop (105 ft)
- Turn left onto Rainbow Loop (315 ft)
- Turn left onto Grant Village Rd (1.0 mi)
- Turn left onto US-191 S/
US-287 S/ US-89 S Toll roadParts of this road may be closed at certain times or daysDestination will be on the left(2.3 mi)
To get to the trailhead: From Grant Village at the bottom of the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake, Drive 2.3 miles south on South Entrance Road (Routes 191 and 89) to the trailhead on the east side of the road. From the other direction, the trailhead is 17.2 miles north of the south entrance of Yellowstone National Park.
Trailhead address: South Entrance Road (Route 191 & 89), Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Trailhead coordinates: 44.358408, -110.582163 (44° 21′ 30.26″N 110° 34′ 55.78″W)
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