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Yellowstone National Park: Observation Peak
Trek through rolling meadows en route to a shimmering backcountry lake and the 360-degree panorama bliss of Observation Peak on this 10.5-mile dayhike in Yellowstone National Park.
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| Author: | Backpacker Magazine |
| Activity: | Hiking |
| State: | Wyoming (WY) |
| Distance: | 10.5 mi |
| Difficulty: | 5 / 10 |
| USGS Topo Map: | Crystal Falls, Cook Peak, Canyon Village, Mount Washburn |
| Rating: | Unrated |
What better place to snag sweet vistas of Yellowstone's stunning topography than the aptly-named Observation Peak? Perfectly situated in Yellowstone's rugged northwestern reaches, this 10.5-mile out-and-back packages unbeatable views of the park in a relatively short and easy dayhike.
Starting from the Cascade Creek Trailhead, wind through the tranquil Cascade Meadows while ducking in and out of patches of lodgepole forest. Cruise along the generally flat trail tracing the Cascade Creek until reaching the pristine Cascade Lake at mile 2.5. Dotted with a dazzling array of wildflowers in the summer, the lake provides a perfect resting spot before making the roughly 2.6-mile climb (gaining around 875 feet) to Observation Peak.
Along the way, pass through more wildflower-peppered meadows, gnarled sagebrush shrubs, and wind-toppled lodgepoles scarred from the wildfires of 1988. Panoramas become more picturesque with every step until you reach the best views at the top of the peak: Yellowstone's Grand Canyon to the east, the Gallatin Range to the west, Mount Sheridan to the south, and miles of rolling foothills to the north. Return home by retracing your steps to the trailhead.
PERMIT: Overnight camping in Yellowstone National Park requires a backcountry permit. Check out the latest fees and more details at nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/backcountryhiking.htm.
MORE PARK INFO: Yellowstone National Park, (307) 344-7381; nps.gov/yell/.
-Mapped by Jeff Chow
TO TRAILHEAD: From Tower Junction, head southeast on Grand Loop Rd. In 18.3 miles, turn right at Norris Canyon Rd. Go 0.5 mile, and turn into parking lot on right.
| Position Format: | Datum: |
Tracks
Observation Peak
| Distance: 10.46 mi | Points: 953 |
Points of Interest
OBS001
Location: 44.735258, -110.503702From the Cascade Creek Trailhead on Norris Canyon Road, head north through Cascade Meadows toward a forested area.
OBS002
Location: 44.743796, -110.504694Cross over a footbridge. Ahead, cut through regrowing vegetation around fire-scarred, toppled trees from 1988 wildfires. The trail parallels Cascade Creek on the right.
OBS003
Location: 44.755758, -110.506175Duck in and out of meadows and forests, then cross a bridge over Cascade Creek. Bear left at the Y-junction, heading west toward Cascade Lake. The trail on the right leads to the Cascade Picnic Area.
OBS004
Location: 44.756127, -110.517492Cut through a gently rolling meadow (emerald green in the summer, golden in the fall and winter) and pass campground 4E4 on the left. Next, cross another footbridge over Cascade Creek and continue along a flat and easy stretch.
OBS005
Location: 44.754203, -110.523450Shoot through a wide open meadow as you approach the shores of the tranquil Cascade Lake. Gleaming with a dazzling display of wildflowers in the summer, this secluded lake is an ideal spot to stop before hiking Observation Peak. When you're ready to start the climb, bear right at the Y-junction.
OBS006
Location: 44.755915, -110.524692Pass another campground (4E3) as you begin climbing toward the peak. From here, you'll gain nearly 900 feet in over 2.6 miles of moderate climbing.
OBS007
Location: 44.759813, -110.525740The trail weaves through an open, wildflower-dotted hillside offering prime panoramas of Cascade Lake.
OBS008
Location: 44.766146, -110.533093For serene eastern vistas of the valley, turn left and make a quick side trip to a ridgeline knoll (you'll catch a glimpse of the gigantic Yellowstone Lake on clear days). Return to Waypoint 8 and turn left, heading west.
OBS009
Location: 44.766008, -110.533846Gain superb views of the Washburn Range as you traverse a saddle along a northern-facing bowl.
OBS010
Location: 44.770547, -110.544628Arizona ain't got nothing on this canyon: Grab glorious views of Yellowstone's own Grand Canyon from this high-country vantage point.
OBS011
Location: 44.770921, -110.545195Even honest hikers sometimes fall for false peaks. Keep heading north to skirt this Observation Peak impostor and reach the true apex of the mountain, now just minutes away.
OBS012
Location: 44.771953, -110.547754Crest the summit of 9,397-foot Observation Peak and, in the true spirit of the mountain, observe the magnificent natural splendor surrounding you: the majestic Mount Sheridan to the south, the commanding Mount Holmes and Gallatin Range to the west, and the earthy gash that is Yellowstone's Grand Canyon to the east. When you've had your fill of stunning scenery, turn around and follow the same route back to the trailhead.
Observation Peak Hut
Location: 44.771953, -110.547798© Jeff Chow
Trail Sign
Location: 44.737447, -110.503252© Jeff Chow
Golden Meadow
Location: 44.753262, -110.501379© Jeff Chow
Trail Sign
Location: 44.755743, -110.506102© Jeff Chow
Trail
Location: 44.756680, -110.516304© Jeff Chow
Creek
Location: 44.755984, -110.517872© Jeff Chow
Animal Bones
Location: 44.754784, -110.521476© Jeff Chow
North of Cascade Lake
Location: 44.754760, -110.521557© Jeff Chow
Meadow near Cascade Lake
Location: 44.754580, -110.522207© Jeff Chow
Cascade Lake
Location: 44.754211, -110.523320© Jeff Chow
Observation Peak Sign
Location: 44.754211, -110.523320© Jeff Chow
Junction: Campground 4E3
Location: 44.755891, -110.524639© Jeff Chow
Campground 4E3
Location: 44.756196, -110.524339© Jeff Chow
Wildflowers
Location: 44.756704, -110.525576© Jeff Chow
Wildflowers
Location: 44.760675, -110.524740© Jeff Chow
Views of Cascade Lake
Location: 44.760830, -110.524741© Jeff Chow
Wildflowers
Location: 44.760979, -110.524965© Jeff Chow
Trail Views
Location: 44.760780, -110.525264© Jeff Chow
Gnarled Tree
Location: 44.761469, -110.525756© Jeff Chow
Cascade Lake
Location: 44.767870, -110.543618© Jeff Chow
Stormy Skies
Location: 44.770580, -110.544791© Jeff Chow
Summit Views
Location: 44.771940, -110.547853© Jeff Chow
Observation Peak
Location: 44.771940, -110.547853© Jeff Chow
More Hut Views
Location: 44.771962, -110.547753© Jeff Chow
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