Avalanche Peak Trail
A steep alpine ascent over talus to a narrow summit ridge above Yellowstone Lake.
Route overview
Climb steeply from the East Entrance Road through forest and talus to the summit ridge, then return the same way.
Avalanche Peak gains roughly 2,100 feet in only 2.1 miles. The trail climbs forest, a broad bowl and large talus slopes before reaching a narrow ridgeline that must be crossed with extreme caution. Snow commonly persists until early July, lightning is a major hazard and fall grizzly activity makes September and October inadvisable.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho
- Distance
- approximately 6.6 km round trip
- Typical duration
- 3–4 hours
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- approximately 640 m
- Best season
- July through August; NPS does not recommend the route in September or October
- Trail type
- Out and back
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No
Safety context
Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Lightning, snow, narrow ridge, loose talus, falling burned trees, altitude and fall grizzlies
Highlights
Avalanche Peak, Yellowstone Lake views, Absaroka peaks, alpine ridge
Why find a buddy
Requires closely matched exposure tolerance, alpine pace and immediate agreement to descend when clouds, wind or footing deteriorate.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.