Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
From Artist Point take the trail east toward Point Sublime, taking in the superb views
halfway along the trail, where you branch right past
Lily Pad Lake
for 0.3 miles to anoth-
er junction. Branch left here and descend to
Ribbon Lake
, actually two conjoined ponds,
with a good chance of spotting moose. For a close-up view of
Silver Cord Cascade
, con-
tinue on the path to the canyon rim, then head left along the canyon wall to the small falls.
A faint path connects to the main trail at a small footbridge. This is the furthest point of
the hike, 3.4 miles from the start.
Two secluded backcountry sites by the lake make for an easy overnighter less than 2
miles from the trailhead (4R1 is right on the lake; 4R2 is on the main trail and less
private). Mosquitoes can be a problem here before mid-August, so pack some spray.
From Ribbon Lake head back to the junction with Lily Pad Lake and instead of return-
ing the way you came, continue straight, past several minor fumaroles and hot springs to
the acidic, spring-fed waters of
Clear Lake
, 1.5 miles from Ribbon Lake. Continue along
the Clear Lake Trail and at the next unsigned junction take the right branch for the final
0.7 miles back to Uncle Tom's parking area.
Alternatively, the left branch continues across open grassland for just over a mile to the
Chittenden Bridge and return through forest to Uncle Tom's, passing fine views of the Up-
per Falls en route. This longer loop adds 1 mile to the hike but is a worthwhile option if
you have the time.
Mt Washburn
Duration
4 hours
Distance
6.4 miles return
Difficulty
Moderate
Elevation Change
1400ft
Start/Finish
Dunraven Pass Trailhead (4K9;
Click here
&
Click here
)
Nearest Junction
Canyon
Summary
Yellowstone's most popular day hike offers unsurpassed 360-degree mountain-
top views, with the chance of spotting bighorn sheep and black bears.
