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Yellowstone National Park: Ribbon Lake via Clear Lake
Link two backcountry lakes, a plummeting waterfall, and a billowing fumarole on this 6.7-mile loop near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
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| Author: | Backpacker Magazine |
| Activity: | Hiking |
| State: | Wyoming (WY) |
| Distance: | 6.7 mi |
| Difficulty: | 5 / 10 |
| USGS Topo Map: | Canyon Village, Crystal Falls |
| Rating: | Unrated |
Perfect for an easy overnighter, this 6.7-mile loop near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone connects two small lakes, a series of thermal features, and a dramatic waterfall. From the Wapiti Lake Trailhead, hike east across an expansive plain and take a left at the first junction to start the clockwise loop.
A mile into the hike, the path skirts the southern edge of Clear Lake. Soon afterwards, the smell of rotten eggs marks your arrival at several thermal features that flank the trail. Hike through a moonscape of craggy rocks, gurgling mudpots, and steaming fumaroles and continue northeast.
At mile 2.9, the route passes Ribbon Lake—two small lakes linked by a channel—and turns right at a T-junction. To add a worthy side trip, hikers can turn left at this junction to visit Silver Cord Cascade, a striking waterfall that plummets 1,200 feet into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
After passing Ribbon Lake, the route crosses two small streams, then rounds to the southwest through thick forest. Top off the hike by cruising through open plains dotted with more thermal features. At mile 6.2, close the loop at Waypoint 2, and turn left for the half-mile stretch 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 the NE Entrance, head south on the NE Entrance Rd. In 26.3 miles, turn left onto Grand Loop Rd. In 20.5 miles turn left into the parking area.
| Position Format: | Datum: |
Tracks
| Distance: 6.73 mi | Points: 608 |
Points of Interest
RIB001
Location: 44.707744, -110.500325From the Wapiti Lake Trailhead, the trail climbs gently to the east toward the first trail junction.
RIB002
Location: 44.709228, -110.490675Veer left at Y-junction to start the clockwise loop. Ahead: The trail continues to wind through open plains.
RIB003
Location: 44.712342, -110.482850Continue straight @ 3-way junction; the trail to Upper Falls enters on the left. Ahead: The trail winds through open forest as it nears Clear Lake.
RIB004
Location: 44.713966, -110.477271A moonscape of craggy rocks, gurgling mudpots, and steaming fumaroles appears in the open areas near the trail.
RIB005
Location: 44.715743, -110.471939Two active mud pots (15 feet in diameter) sit amid the yellow, sulfur-stained landscape.
RIB006
Location: 44.716749, -110.470319Bear right at Y-junction and continue on the Clear Lake-Ribbon Lake Loop.
RIB007
Location: 44.719338, -110.458412Hike past an old-growth lodgepole pine with peculiar mid-trunk shoots.
RIB008
Location: 44.724041, -110.451517Turn right at the T-junction to continue on the loop. Optional: Turn left at T-junction to see the Silver Cord Cascade. This striking waterfall plummets 1,200 feet into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and is thought to be the tallest waterfall in Wyoming. Campers: Spend the night at the nearby campsites (4R1 and 4R2).
RIB009
Location: 44.720159, -110.451112Cross a small stream.
RIB010
Location: 44.720439, -110.446528Pass another winding stream before heading back into the thick woods. Wolf prints are a common sight along the trail.
RIB011
Location: 44.719026, -110.446592Pass a small pond on the right side of the trail.
RIB012
Location: 44.717366, -110.448416At the T-junction with Wapiti Lake Trail, turn right to continue the loop.
RIB013
Location: 44.709308, -110.460416Trail enters open plains (a great place to look for grazing bison).
RIB014
Location: 44.708564, -110.468772A billowing fumarole signals the trail is re-entering a geologically active area.
RIB015
Location: 44.709209, -110.471975Watch your footing along the edge of the green, hot spring runoff. Hike between fumaroles and then back into the forest.
RIB016
Location: 44.708590, -110.482742Pass a spur trail on the left that leads to Sour Creek and Fishing Bridge. Enjoy this elevated vantage of the rolling plains. In 0.4 mile, the route reconnects with Waypoint 2. Turn left to return to the trailhead.
Single Bison
Location: 44.708385, -110.499083© Jeff Chow
First Trail Junction
Location: 44.709231, -110.490468© Jeff Chow
Animal Tracks
Location: 44.709516, -110.489151© Jeff Chow
Clear Lake
Location: 44.712862, -110.479663© Jeff Chow
Thermal Activity
Location: 44.714942, -110.476060© Jeff Chow
Trailside Views
Location: 44.714767, -110.474643© Jeff Chow
Ribbon Lake
Location: 44.724033, -110.451468© Jeff Chow
Bears
Location: 44.708881, -110.464819© Jeff Chow
Grazing Bison
Location: 44.708810, -110.465233© Jeff Chow
Solitary Bison
Location: 44.708355, -110.466256© Jeff Chow
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