One of my favorite hikes in the park! Wait several minutes after the bear leaves before getting up and leaving the area. Great trail! Up into clear lake - its gorgeous! After Uncle Toms Trail continue on South Rim Trail to the Upper Falls overlook. Hike in groups of 3 or more; keep your group together. At the trailhead, there is a vault toilet. Hiking back up the stairs will most likely completely wear you out. Make sure to stay on the designated trail. Wapiti Lake Trailhead is located just south of Upper Falls of the Yellowstone. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. adventures and follow local regulations. If your in the Yellowstone National Park, this is a must do. Quietly detour or back away; stop if this seems to agitate the bear. The Howard Eaton Trail via the Wapiti Lake Trailhead is a great place to see wildlife, including elk, pronghorn, and bison. The views are spectacular regardless and a pretty easy trek with the hot pots still boiling and the amazing views of Yellowstone canyon. At Wapiti Lake visitors have the choice of tenting or using the backcountry cabin. Well maintained with gentle elevation changes, my 11-year-old granddaughter walked it without difficulty. This trail follows the south rim of the dramatic Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River giving amazing views of its colorful walls and powerful falls. It is hot, arid and buggy. Like the name implies, Wapiti Lake Trailhead provides access to the Wapiti Lake Trail, but it also is an endpoint to the Howard Eaton trail - the other endpoint is Howard Eaton Trailhead in the Fishing Bridge area. You go from meadow to mud pots, to lily pads and then river and waterfall. you reach a viewpoint of Wapiti falls, approx. Elevation Gain: 800ft / 240m Elevation Loss: 800ft / 240m, Click here for blogs and video on the South Rim Trail, <-Back to Day Hiking in Yellowstone National Park, GlacierGrand TetonOlympicRocky MountainYellowstoneYosemiteZion, Fees, Passes, Permits, and ReservationsBackcountry Permits of GlacierBackpacking DSLR SetupBackpacking with your DSLRGlaciers Visible from GTTSR RoadMaps for Trail Nerds, 2023Hike 734. This trail turns to a steep staircase descending 350ft/105m to a breathtaking, up close view of Lower Falls adding 0.4mi/0.6km extra to your trip. The tk_lr is a referral cookie set by the JetPack plugin on sites using WooCommerce, which analyzes referrer behaviour for Jetpack. The best times to visit this trail are July through September. This trail is not even remotely worthwhile. Such and awesome hike, a wide range of landscapes in a relatively short hike. Do NOT feed bears or other animals. Awesome trail! Turn right on South Rim Dr. Just after crossing Chittenden Bridge turn right and park in the large parking lot. Hunters going into Wapiti Lake Provincial Park should reference the BC Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis. Keep left at the first junction towards Clear Lake. Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) inspection required for all watercraft including boats, float tubes, and stand up paddle boards. Keep it immediately available, not inside your pack. From this point on, the park is located 13.8 km along the trail. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Wapiti Lake Trail - YouTube July 2011 - a day hiker in a party of two was killed by an adult female grizzly bear with 2 cubs on the Wapiti Lake Trail in Hayden Valley. Please explore responsibly! From Yellowstone Lake, head north on Grand Loop Road. Prior to paddling down river have detailed maps and an excellent knowledge of all water hazards. Turn left here towards Lily Pad Lake. Turn right on South Rim Dr. Just after crossing Chittenden Bridge turn right and park in the large parking lot.The Hike: The hike . No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Obtain service animal regulations at backcountry offices. Swimming in park rivers is not recommended. Surrounded by trees, this is a sheltered refuge perfect for an overnight in Indian Heaven. Great trail. There are no reported advisories for this park, BC Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis. There are fishing opportunities at this park. which can take you to Lake Estes and downtown in one direction or the National Park via the Homer Rouse Trail in the other. Felt soles prohibited. Get the app Download GPX File Features Hiking This trail was an excellent alternative to the more popular/crowded Uncle Toms trail. Be the first to share your experience. . Loved this hike! The trailpasses through open meadows as you hike to Cascade Lake where wildflowers abound and wildlife is often seen.You will need a wilderness permit to backpack and camp out here. Through the 1940's and 50's there were just a few homesteaders and trappers here. Winter camping is available to experienced backcountry recreationalists. Beautiful hike that shows off a lot of the different geography of Yellowstone. Permit required for fishing, boating, riding, and overnight camping. Lower Grand Canyon Falls is one of the gems of Yellowstone and is the one of the most photographed spots in the park. YSC cookie is set by Youtube and is used to track the views of embedded videos on Youtube pages. Thanks for the support of Western Washington Honda Dealers and our other corporate sponsors. Time: The trail follows along the Wapiti river and a few small lakes along the way. We had to walk the road to get back to our vehicle that last little bit. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Onion Lake The trail from Wapiti Lake to Onion Lake ascends steeply into the alpine. This trail features incredible views of the lower Yellowstone Falls and Yellowstone Canyon. Bury human waste and toilet tissue in a 68 inch (1518 cm) deep cat hole at least 100 feet (30 m) from water and trails. Beyond there you enter an area thats desolate & burned with small geyser & bubbling mud pits. 13 best hikes in Yellowstone National Park - Tripadvisor This 13.5-mile (21.7-km) one-way trail follows the Yellowstone River after it leaves Yellowstone Lake. 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Be Alert: Watch for signs of bear activity: scratches in trees, tracks, scat, or dig sites. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. During your journey through Wyomings Black to Yellow Region, discover geologic marvels, dense evergreen forests and sprawling prairielands. We started at South Rim, which starts at the bridge near Wapiti Trailhead parking lot, and saw no one until Artist's Point. Youll finish your hike along the raging Yellowstone River. The cabin can accommodate four people comfortably. 0 stars. If youre feeling tired at this point Id recommend skipping this optional trail. I've done this hike a few times and recommend the side trip to Ribbon Lake is worth the extra few miles; if you've seen Silver Cord Cascade (1,200' and Yellowstone's tallest falls) from the north side of the canyon, it actually comes directly from Ribbon Lake. Follow this road for 29kms. If you want to camp near by there is a forest service campsite 1 km past the 29km point. Also one stretch became sandy and volcano rock notable along with active mud pots. The trail breaks away from the river, only to come back with a front row view of these fantastic falls. The cabin can accommodate four visitors. Well worth going to Lily Pad Lake and clear lake. The South Rim Trail was closed between the Wapiti parking lot and Uncle Tom's Point. Continue on FR 24 for two miles, then turn right to stay on FR 24 for another five miles to the trailhead. Stay on established trails; off-trail travel prohibited in thermal areas. Surrounded by trees, this is a sheltered refuge perfect for an overnight in Indian Heaven. Keep on the main trail towards Clear Lake. The falls were spectacular. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure. We stopped here and hung out on one of the several large rocks just off the trail. Advise friends or relatives of your trip duration and destination. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The Wrangler Lake Hiking Trail: Adventure in Yellowstone | 10Adventures Also great to experience more mud pots and volcanic activity, plus, Clear Lake is beautiful. The 2 km climb above Wapiti Lake has an elevation change of 1000 metres. Sleep 100 yards (91 m) from your food storage and cooking areas. The Clear Lake and Artist's Point Loop via the Wapiti Lake Trailhead is an easy, scenic hiking circuit in Yellowstone. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Family of four didn't do the full trail, but what people say below is true. Scenic views are plentiful, especially while along lakeshores. Join a supporting community of travelers and adventurers sharing their photos and local insights. Experience Yellowstones diversity with this epic loop hike.How to get there: Wapiti Lake Trailhead is located just south of Upper Falls of the Yellowstone. This 2.6-mile (4.2-km) there-and-back trail travels from the majestic Artist Point overlook to the Point Sublime Overlook along the southern rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. 30 mile day hike to spot wildlife on the Wapiti Lake trail. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. Records the default button state of the corresponding category & the status of CCPA. area. Just a half mile off the Lemei Lake Trail is a gorgeous blue lake nestled in an old volcanic crater. Amazing trail that really features all of the different landscapes Yellowstone has to offer. | Download for iOS | Download for Android, Just a half mile off the Lemei Lake Trail is a gorgeous blue lake nestled in an old volcanic crater. Continue reading, 22 great trail! Make Noise: Avoid surprising a bear by calling out and clapping your hands at regular intervals to make your presence known. DO NOT make the same mistake! Rock spires add to this surreal landscape while the Yellowstone River continues its whitewater fury. Wapiti Lake Trail, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming - The Outbound This trail was an absolute joy! Head east from Tumbler Ridge for 50kms. Generally considered a challenging route. A Fishing and Boating Aquatic . Proof of negative Coggins test within last 12 months required. Camping and fires are only allowed in designated campsites. Be the first to leave a review! This route is 0.9mi/1.4km shorter. I was surprised (20 feet away) by a massive female moose that came running out of the brush down to the lake. The trail head begins from an old oilwell site, and is a well defind trail for the most part. The Wapiti Onion Trail crosses through the park. Stick to the trail on your right at the first two splits in the path then take a left to follow the Wrangler Lake Trail southeast to the shores of Wrangler Lake. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. If You Encounter a Bear: Stay calm, do not run. Stay 100 yards (91 m) from bears and wolves. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. Hiking Lake Wapiki Just a half mile off the Lemei Lake Trail is a gorgeous blue lake nestled in an old volcanic crater. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Here youll find another nice photo opportunity. Carry a minimum of 35 feet (11 m) of rope. Stay 25 yards (23 m) from all other animals. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Saw bison in the meadow at the end and some really beautiful flowers. Stay at least 100 yards (91 m) from bears. As someone used to hiking at altitude, I would rate this trail as easy. In an emergency, dial 9-1-1 or contact the nearest ranger station. Do not leave food, trash, toiletries, backpacks, coolers, water bottles, or any potential attractant unattended. 10/10 recommend.just make sure to not miss any turns! The return shows coming back via south rim road but we stick to the rim trail. This trail is great for backpacking, birding, and camping, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Seattle, WA 98104. Personally, I found the views to be equally as epic to the west. 200metres from the main trail and well worth a rest and photo op. Do not hike after dark. Snag a picture of Yellowstones largest waterfall and get back to the trail. Ground near thermal areas is fragile and the water can be scalding hot and acidic. Beautiful hike through meadows and forest, past lakes, and then past the South Rim overlooking the canyon and then finally to Artist's Point. Generally considered a challenging route. The trail starts at the southwest corner of this site. South Rim Trail - Hike 734 Thank you for the detailed description. Start from the Wolf Lake Trailhead located on Grand Loop Road between Norris Junction and Canyon Village. I thought the bad reviews might be from inexperienced hikers, but the negative reviews were all correct. Its late May and the trail still has a bit of snow but no ice. Lie face down and clasp your hands over the back of your neck; stay still and silent. Its muddy out there but most of the mud is clay. The hike is not super challenging if not for the distance, however, my question is why? This trail also has a small spur trail up to the Artist PointPoint Sublime Trail. Contributions to WTA are tax deductible, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission. Peaceful hike & not crowded later in the day. The Howard Eaton trail can be closed to protect wildlife, so it best to check before going. There are several ledges to explore and take in the scenery. The Howard Eaton trail can be closed to protect wildlife, so it best to check before going. The out-and-back Cascade Lake Trail starts from the Cascade Creek Trailhead off of Norris Canyon Road in Yellowstone National Park. This is not a safe place to explore. No Pets: No pets on trail. Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. Do NOT feed bears or other animals. 25% 0% 75% 0% 0% 0% Add a Photo. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. If you dont like your friends or family then you should take them on this trail. Wapiti is a beautiful lake nestled in the Rocky Mountains and there is a fantastic cabin in which to stay. Enjoy the backcountry and help keep it clean for others to enjoy. Definitely will do again. 200metres from the main trail and well worth a rest and photo op. We hiked up from wapiti and then had a person who was not hiking take us back to the cars from artists point - might have been more downhill going the other way but not sure on that. The trail then heads up into the trees and towards a parking lot. The trail starts at the south side of the Chittenden Bridge where it follows the river downstream. We heard some fall all around which was a little scary. This 30 km trail is located on the East slope of the Rocky Mountains and is open for hiking and horseback riding. A reasonable goal would be to reach Wapiti Lake in day one. The first is at km 16.0 followed by another at km 17.5. Have you done this adventure? Last Updated: A 10.2-mile (16.4-km) there-and-back trail that crosses part of the Hayden Valley and requires fording Sour Creek. Artist Point Trailhead (4K8) - National Park Service Spray when the bear is 60 feet (18 m) away or closer. I really enjoyed this trail, as it offers a variety of landscapes. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 44 min to complete. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. East of the overlook where you can embark on the following trails: There is a large parking lot here, though it is often busy during the peak of the summer season. This trail also has a small spur trail up to the Artist PointPoint Sublime Trail. Between 24 and 25 kilometres there is a terrific view of both Wapiti Lake to the south and Onion Lake to the north. The last quarter or so along the highway is horrible. 9 Views Last Month 1,244 Since Jul 19, 2016 Intermediate. Shortly past Clear Lake youll trek through a large hydrothermal area with bubbling mud pots and steam vents. and turn right onto the old oil lease road and follow for about 1.5 kms. Visitors to the area can snowshoe or ski in to the area. By the time you get to the valley before the lake you cant enjoy the beauty because at this point you have been eaten alive for 13 miles and your friends hate you, youve used more curse words than clean language, and probability is high you cry before you finish one way. Nice trail, but know its busy. Follow the paved path that begins at the northwest corner of the parking lot, down to the bridge to the signed South Rim Trail trailhead. Hiking off-trail is not allowed in thermal areas for safety. The two kilometre climb above Wapiti Lake has an elevation change of 1,000 metres. No Hunting: No hunting or discharge of firearms. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. Follow LEAVE NO TRACE travel and camping techniques. Did the loop. The trail weaves its way along the forest, but never far from the river with great overlooks. Follow the Wolf Lake Trail into a meadow and the remnants of a forest fire until you reach the 25-foot falls. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Download the Outbound mobile app Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. Made the best of the views from Artist Point & Sublime PT. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Grizzly and black bears inhabit all of Yellowstone National Park. It gives you a little bit of everything- fields, mud pots, lakes forest, and of course a great view of the canyon. This park only has pit toilets; no flush toilets. It is accessed via the Ojay Main Road. Set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie is used to record the user consent for the cookies in the "Advertisement" category . The walk along the road is not difficult, and it creates a nice loop for the entire trail. At km 19.2 an area in which horses can be tied has been established. Experience Yellowstones diversity with this epic loop hike. Just a half mile off the Lemei Lake Trail is a gorgeous blue lake nestled in an old volcanic crater. After 7 kms. While campfires are allowed and campfire rings are provided at each campsite, we encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using campstoves, instead. Wait several minutes after the bear leaves before getting up and leaving the area. Discover this 54.7-km out-and-back trail near West Yellowstone, Montana. The cabin at 19.2 km remains open throughout the winter. Know your route, carry a map, and be able to navigate. Here you can hike 328 steps straight down to the base of Lower Falls. Cons: lots of meadows that can expose you to the sun, SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure during winter. This trail is moderately challenging and a good choice for families with older children. Wapiti Lake Provincial Park is open to hunting. Finally youll reach the bridge. Best Alpine Lake Grizzly Lake Distance: 3.6 miles roundtrip The trail continues on through the trees giving great, intermittent views of the canyon, the falls, and the crazy rock formations. Id rather try a tasting sampler of battery acid. The trail/stair case is visible from the opposite of the canyon, weaving its way down the canyon wall to a nice outlook at the base. If a Bear Charges You: Stand still, do not run. The trail follows along the Wapiti river and a few small lakes along the way. River crossings are hazardous. Went in late August and got to the trailhead by 7am. Those venturing into this area should be experienced backpackers. This area is heavily populated. From Trout Lake, drive north on Highway 141 for 5.8 miles, when it turns into FR 24. 21 hrs. Clear Lake-Ribbon Lake Trail A 4-mile (6.4-km) there-and-back trail that travels from the junction with the Wapiti Lake Trail out to Ribbon Lake, a couple of backcountry campsites, and Surface Creek, which plunges down into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River as the Silver Cord Cascades. Continue your hike along South Rim Trail until you reach Artist Point. Follow this road to kilometre 29 and turn right onto the 2500 road (at approximately 25 km) a road that leads to an old well site. Antelope near by. Total 10miles so it was a great day no matter the trail closures. The trail/stair case is visible from the opposite of the canyon, weaving its way down the canyon wall to a nice outlook at the base. We did this hike on our first day in Yellowstone and it was the perfect way to get a taste of the geological marvels without the crowds. This trail offered next to nothing. Currently very muddy- soaked my hiking shoes, and it was slightly hard to follow. This dirt trail runs along the canyon rim with the ever changing views of the canyon and the Yellowstone River far below. On the way to Clear Lake, the trail becomes less wooded, more populated, and has more geothermal features. This developed area also has tent pads, a pit toilet, a fire ring and food cache. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Wyomings wide-open spaces make it easy to get off the grid and on a trail, through a park, into a forest, up a mountain or down a river. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Canoeing and kayaking opportunities exist on Wapiti Lake and along the Wapiti River. https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/parkroads.htm, https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/fees.htm, https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/management/bearclosures.htm. Lie face down and clasp your hands over the back of your neck; stay still and silent. If a Bear Makes Contact: Drop to the ground; play dead. No Motorized Vehicles: No motorized vehicles on trails. Quietly detour or back away; stop if this seems to agitate the bear. Wapiti Lake Provincial Park - Another BC Gem! - ClubTread.com Wapiti Lake Trail This is a long, 30.6-mile (49.2-km) there-and-back trail that travels through forests and meadows, and past lakes and backcountry thermal basins, to a series of backcountry campsites near Wapiti Lake. If I go next time I will replace it with the South Rim trail which will add another half mile or so but will make a whole route much more enjoyable. Extinguish campfires completely before leaving site. Clear Lake Artist's Point Loop via Wapiti Lake Trailhead We were hoping to see another grizzly on this trail as we have in the past but only bison this time. A pit toilet is provided at the 19.2 km camping area. During thunderstorms, descend to lower elevation, avoid open areas and isolated tall trees. Artist Point, thought to be named by park photographer F. J. Haynes as early as 1883, provides what is perhaps the most beautiful views of the entire Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and of Lower Yellowstone Falls some 308 feet high. Mud pots scattered. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets, due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears. Best Hikes in the Canyon Area of Yellowstone This classic view of Lower Falls is very busy, but worth a stop. Contrast from start to finish. Wapiti Lake Trail Hiking Trail, Canyon Village, Wyoming The cookie is set by MailChimp to record which page the user first visited. Came back via the road which we didnt love, but it took us by Uncle Toms point where we got a close up view of a bison and a great view of the waterfall so it was worth it. Once we saw the staircase we knew we had to do it. Discover this 4.6-mile loop trail near West Yellowstone, Montana. Howard Eaton Trail: Fishing Bridge to Canyon. We started from the Wapiti Lake trailhead because the regular beginnings of the Clear Lake Loop were closed for maintenance and construction. Assume lightning position: feet together, crouch on foam pad or sit on pack, hands over ears. From Yellowstone Lake, head north on Grand Loop Road. Do not leave food, trash, toiletries, backpacks, coolers, water bottles, or any potential attractant unattended. We missed the turn for the canyon and accident continued on to Ribbon Lake. wet and muddy in the beginning but gets better once you hit the forest. PDF Wapiti Lake - BC Parks Turn right at the . Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. It does not store any personal data. During your journey through Wyomings Black to Yellow Region, discover geologic marvels, dense evergreen forests and sprawling prairielands. Again, this is more of a pond but still scenic. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch 213 Recommended Adventure Tours from $182.00 per adult Lake Yellowstone Half Day Kayak Tours Past Geothermal Features 53 Recommended from $135.00 per adult 6-Mile Geyser Hiking Tour in Yellowstone with Lunch 22 Recommended Day Trips from $182.00 per adult There are canoeing and kayaking opportunities at this park. Carry Bear Spray: Carry bear spray and know how to use it. A great little leg stretching loop when paired with the South Rim trail and Uncle Tom's trail (which was unfortunately closed when we visited in October 2020). Hike the Wapiti Lake Trail to Grand Canyon of Yellowstone Loop. Park waters are swift and cold. River crossings are hazardous. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. A series of trails can be explored from this trailhead: This is a long, 30.6-mile (49.2-km) there-and-back trail that travels through forests and meadows, and past lakes and backcountry thermal basins, to a series of backcountry campsites near Wapiti Lake. If you enjoy torture then this trail might be for you. Follow the paved path that begins at the northwest corner of the parking lot, down to the bridge to the signed South Rim Trail trailhead.