Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
defined, undulating 5 miles back to the Pelican Bridge junction along the forested south
edge of the valley.
Avalanche Peak
Duration
3½-5 hours
Distance
4-mile loop
Difficulty
Difficult
Elevation Change
2100ft
Start/Finish
Avalanche Peak Trailhead (5N2;
Click here
)
Nearest Town/Junction
Fishing Bridge
Summary
Relentlessly steep, this challenging peak ascent offers unparalleled views of
the Absaroka Range and Yellowstone Lake.
This thigh-burner starts off steeply, gets steeper and then continues uphill (steeply) for the
entire duration. You can't say we didn't warn you… Check for closures; in early fall the
trail is frequented by grizzlies foraging whitebark pine nuts.
During the late-spring snowmelt, subalpine wildflowers peak and midsummer means a
profusion of high-alpine butterflies. From midsummer on get an early start since afternoon
lightning storms are common. Regardless of the season, pack your hiking poles and a
shell jacket for protection against gusty winds and afternoon thundershowers. You will
find snowfields above the tree line through at least mid-July, even on the trail's south-fa-
cing slopes. Before then you'll need to bring snowshoes.
The trailhead sits off the East Entrance Rd, 0.5 miles west of Sylvan Pass, 19 miles east
of Fishing Bridge Junction and 8 miles west of the park's East Entrance. Park in the small
paved lot on the south side of the road by Eleanor Lake's west side picnic area. Use the
north side of Trails Illustrated's 1:63,360 map No 305
Yellowstone Lake
.
From the signed
trailhead
(8466ft) across the road, the trail climbs steeply through
lush forests of spruce and fir along a small unnamed stream. Thirty minutes from the road
the trail crosses the stream and traverses west across an old avalanche chute, then east
again into mature
whitebark pine forest
. Signs mark revegetation areas where an aban-
doned trail used to climb straight up the chutes.
