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Yellowstone National Park: Ribbon Lake and Silver Cord Cascade via Artist Point
Trace the rim of Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone on this 4.8-mile out-and-back that features a plummeting waterfall, a small wooded lake, and five-star, across-the-expanse views.
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| Author: | Backpacker Magazine |
| Activity: | Hiking |
| State: | Wyoming (WY) |
| Distance: | 4.8 mi |
| Difficulty: | 3 / 10 |
| USGS Topo Map: | Canyon Village |
| Rating: |
 2 rating(s)
|
Perfect as an easy overnighter or for families with young children, this short, 4.8-miler explores Yellowstone National Park's incredible backcountry sights on easy, well-maintained trails. From the Artist Point parking area, follow the paved trail along the rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Numerous viewpoints dot the route, revealing the sheer, multi-colored walls of the canyon. At certain points, the sounds of the canyon-carving Yellowstone River can be heard in the distance.
Less than a mile in, the route veers south and enters the forest for a 0.3-mile stretch to another trail junction. Turn left and hike northeast through forest and meadows to the grassy banks of Ribbon Lake (several campsites are located around the lake). From here, continue hiking north to a side trail that leads to Silver Cord Cascade, a dizzying 1,200-foot waterfall and drops into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The hike finishes at a vantage point with more stunning views of the canyon. When you're ready, turn around follow the same route back 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 Jason Kauffman
TO TRAILHEAD: From Tower Junction, WY, drive south on Grand Loop Rd. In 20.5 miles, turn left onto a side road to Artist Point. Go 1.6 miles to the Artist Point parking lot.
| Position Format: | Datum: |
Tracks
Ribbon Lake via Artist Point
| Distance: 2.40 mi | Points: 352 |
Points of Interest
GRA001
Location: 44.720134, -110.479755Leave Artist Point and the paved parking lot behind and head northeast along the edge of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. In 250 feet, pass the Artist Point overlook on the left.
GRA002
Location: 44.720838, -110.478619The paved trail turns to dirt. Continue paralleling the canyon's edge.
GRA003
Location: 44.720603, -110.476053Look downstream for incredible views of the sheer, multi-colored walls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
GRA004
Location: 44.720574, -110.473540Take a break: Drop your pack and sit down to enjoy distant views into the more remote middle canyon. Ahead: Listen for the sounds of the canyon-carving Yellowstone River more than a thousand feet below.
GRA005
Location: 44.720301, -110.469900Turn right @ 3-way junction, heading south. The trail enters rolling forests and leaves the canyon behind. Ahead, cross a short, wooden footbridge over a small inlet stream.
GRA006
Location: 44.719154, -110.469648Keep a sharp eye out for moose (and mosquitoes) as you round an unnamed pond covered with lily pads.
GRA007
Location: 44.716810, -110.470271Turn left @ Y-junction. Continue through the dense forest of lodgepole pine.
GRA008
Location: 44.716866, -110.466729Briefly leave the forest behind as you pass through a small grassy meadow.
GRA009
Location: 44.724075, -110.451543Formed from 2 small lakes, Ribbon Lake sits in a meadow rimmed by conifers and is a perfect overnight destination for families with young children (reservations required for campsites).
GRA010
Location: 44.726373, -110.449829Turn left for a quick side trip to Silver Cord Cascade.
GRA011
Location: 44.726101, -110.450234Peer out over sheer cliffs to catch a dizzying glimpse of 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. Return to Waypoint 10 and continue north.
GRA012
Location: 44.727096, -110.449307Enjoy one last remarkable view of the massive Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Turn around and return to trailhead.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Location: 44.720801, -110.478162A grand canyon indeed. © Jason Kauffman
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Location: 44.720576, -110.475951More views into the heart of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. © Jason Kauffman
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Location: 44.720544, -110.473470Enjoy the oranges, pinks, and reds of the canyon below the deep of green conifer forests above. © Jason Kauffman
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
Location: 44.720103, -110.472502Listen to Yellowstone River more than a thousand feet below. © Jason Kauffman
Footbridge
Location: 44.719493, -110.469836A short footbridge over a small inlet stream. © Jason Kauffman
Ribbon Lake
Location: 44.724052, -110.451425© Jason Kauffman
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Location: 44.727093, -110.449274Enjoy views of the more seldom-visited portions of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. © Jason Kauffman
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