Specimen Ridge Trail (2K4)
Buffalo Ford, Wyoming
| Address: | Specimen Ridge, Wyoming 82190, USA |
| GPS: |
44°54'44.1"N 110°23'14.7"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Wyoming |
| Trails/Routes: | 16.9 mi |
Rivers Trails National Park Pet Friendly
Hike
Specimen Ridge Trail is a challenging hike that requires navigational and technical skills to complete. This 17 mile hike is remote, and though it is marked by carins and blazes, it is often overgrown and difficult to see.
Hikers should also be aware that the hike ends with crossing a river ford, that is sometimes not passable making hikers have to turn around, turning a 17 mile hike into a 35 mile hike. Though this can be an exciting challenge and unique feature of this hike, hikers need to be skilled and ask ahead for information about the ford's current conditions.
The hike begins at the Specimen Ridge Trailhead, on North East Entrance Road. There is parking available at the trailhead. This hike passes through rocky and heavily forested terrain, providing shade for hikers. The trail ascends 3,000 feet over the next several miles to Amethyst Mountain. The elevation gain and rocky terrain make this trail an advanced challenge for avid hikers. After reaching the peak of Amethyst Mountain and enjoying the views hikers will descend several miles into Lamar Valley, before finally reaching and crossing the Lamar River, and ending at the Lamar River Trailhead.
This hike is meant to be a day hike, with no established campgrounds for overnight stay. Hikers should be prepared with enough food and water for this hike, as well as have readily accessible bear spray with them.
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=9zpxis0diinSpecimen Ridge Trailhead (2K4) (U.S. National Park Service)
From this trailhead located just east of the Yellowstone River Picnic Area, you can access the following trails:
https://www.nps.gov/places/000/specimen-ridge-trailhead-2k4.htmBe 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 Buffalo Ford, Wyoming
- Head west on US-212 W toward Specimen Rdg TrlToll roadDestination will be on the left(0.5 mi)
Added by tasiawhicker
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