Yellowstone Lake Area

Elephant Back Loop Trail -- Here's an opportunity to look down on (literally!) the island-dotted expanse of Yellowstone Lake, the Absaroka Mountains, and the Pelican Valley. This is a great photo opportunity and a fairly easy hike for a novice.

3.6 miles round-trip. Moderate. Access: From the east, the trail head is on the right side of the road, just before the turnoff for the Lake Yellowstone Hotel.

Pelican Valley Trail -- Take this loop through a marsh- and meadow-dotted area north of the lake loaded with elk, bison, sandhill cranes, trout, eagles, grizzly, and the new kids on the block, wolves. You can take hikes of different lengths, up to a 16-mile loop, but a lot of folks, having had their fill of wildflowers and beasts, go no farther than Pelican Creek Bridge, about 3.5 miles in. If you continue on, you'll pass through forest and "bear meadows," where you should be watchful and respectful of wildlife. This is a daytime-only hiking area, and it's closed in the early summer until July 4 because of bear activity.

7-16 miles round-trip. Easy to moderate. Access: Trail head is across from Yellowstone Lake's north shore.

Storm Point Trail -- The Storm Point Trail follows a level path that terminates at a point jutting into the lake, offering a rocky viewpoint of the lake, Stevenson Island, and the mountains beyond. (On a clear day, you'll see as far south as the Tetons.) It begins near Indian Pond, a favorite hangout for bison. During spring months, this is a popular spot with grizzlies, so the trail might be closed; however, even when it's open, check with rangers regarding bear activity.

2.3 miles round-trip. Easy. Access: Trail head is 3 1/2 miles east of Fishing Bridge, directly across from the Pelican Valley Trailhead (on the lake side of the road).