Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River Area

Clear Lake and Ribbon Lake Loop Trail -- The hike to Clear Lake is 1.5 miles, a gradual climb across a high plateau, with Ribbon Lake less than 2 miles beyond it. Views of the plateau improve with each step until you find yourself surrounded by the mountains of the Canyon area. Clear Lake itself is intimately small and gives you the opportunity to see subsurface activity of the thermal areas below the lake. On a circumnavigation of the lake along a trail, you will see and smell vented gas making its way to the surface; in some spots, the lake looks like a small boiling pot. There is bear activity in this area early in the year, so check with rangers for current conditions before heading out.

6 miles round-trip. Moderate. Access: Wapiti Trailhead, across the street from the South Rim parking lot.

Howard Eaton Trail -- Both the Clear Lake and Ribbon Lake trails give access to the Howard Eaton Trail, the means to a lengthy hike to Fishing Bridge and Yellowstone Lake. You'll see some riverside thermal features and waterfowl on the way, and pass a ford favored by bison crossing the Yellowstone River. There is bear activity in this area early in the year; check with rangers for current conditions before heading out.

Up to 12 miles one-way. Moderate. Access: Wapiti Trailhead across the street from the South Rim parking lot.

Mount Washburn Trail -- This is a relatively short hike to panoramic views, with wildflowers decorating the way and nonchalant bighorn sheep browsing nearby. You might also see marmots and red fox; for a few years, grizzly bears were regulars in a nearby meadow. Trail heads are located at the summit of Dunraven Pass (elevation 8,895 ft.) and on Old Chittenden Road, where there's more parking. From Dunraven, it's about 6 miles round-trip with an elevation gain of 1,400 feet and it's about 5 miles round-trip from Chittenden, but it's a steeper gain. However, the climbs are fairly gradual and interspersed with level stretches: You can easily reach the summit in 90 minutes if you keep a steady pace. From the summit, the park will lie before you like a map on a table: You'll see the Absaroka Mountains to the east, Canyon and Yellowstone Lake to the south, and the Gallatin Mountains to the west and north. The summit is over 10,000 feet, so bring warm clothing to fend off the wind that whips at the top. There's a warming hut in the ranger lookout, with pay telescopes and restrooms.

6 miles round-trip. Moderate. Access: Trail heads at the end of Old Chittenden Rd. and at Dunraven Pass.

North Rim Trail -- This trail offers better views of the falls and the river than you'll get from the parking areas. It's a nice way to see a longer stretch of the canyon.

4 miles round-trip. Easy. Access: Trail head at Inspiration Point.

Seven Mile Hole Trail -- You'll see the Silver Cord Cascade from the rim and then descend to the river after a couple of miles in an area where the canyon widens enough for trees. There are a few active hot springs along this hike, and it is popular with fishermen because of its river access. This is quite a drop (1,400 ft.), and novice hikers should remember that whatever goes down must come up.

11 miles round-trip. Moderate to difficult. Access: Trail head off North Rim Trail.

South Rim Trail -- As with the North Rim Trail, there are more and better views of the canyon and river here than you can see from a vehicle. It's easy and not long, yet you'll have it mainly to yourself because most folks are in and out of the bus at the parking lots.

6 miles round-trip. Easy. Access: Trail head at the parking lot just beyond South Rim Dr. bridge.

Uncle Tom's Trail -- The short trip is down 328 stairs and paved inclines that lead to an incredible perspective on Lower Falls. The staircase (shackled to the canyon's wall) and trails here are rather steep but can be negotiated in an hour, although it will be challenging for the neophyte hiker. Take your time, enjoy a break on the way back up, and watch for ice on cold mornings.

1 mile round-trip. Moderate. Access: Trail head is located at the South Rim parking lot.