Mount Washburn via Chittenden Road
The shortest broad-track approach to Mount Washburn's lookout and panoramic summit views.
Route overview
Climb the closed service road to the shelter below the Mount Washburn fire lookout and return.
Chittenden Road provides a wide, steadily climbing route to Mount Washburn. Alpine wildflowers, bighorn sheep habitat and the summit shelter are major attractions. The route is fully exposed to lightning above treeline, has no water and is frequented by grizzly bears in autumn.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho
- Distance
- 9.3 km round trip
- Typical duration
- 3–5 hours
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation gain
- Sustained gradual ascent; exact total not published on source page
- Best season
- Summer to early autumn, before significant snow
- 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, no water, altitude, fall grizzly activity and fragile alpine vegetation
Highlights
Mount Washburn, fire lookout, alpine flowers, bighorn sheep, panoramic views
Why find a buddy
Strong buddy value for lightning decisions, altitude monitoring and maintaining a cohesive bear-aware group.
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.