Trail

Avalanche Peak Trailhead 5N2

TrailOPERATIONAL★ 5
Avalanche Peak Trailhead overlooks snow-dusted peaks and dense evergreen forest in Yellowstone National Park.

Avalanche Peak Trailhead is a strenuous out-and-back climb around 4.5 miles with roughly 2,100 ft of gain. The surface is packed dirt and rocky scree, with upper slopes that are loose and exposed. The trail is dry for most of the route, and above treeline you’ll face sun and wind with limited shade. Start early to beat the crowds, but be ready for a physical test and a big summit payoff.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
4.5
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Strenuous to Difficult
Elevation Gain Feet
2100

Trail profile

Distance Miles
4.5
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Strenuous to Difficult
Elevation Gain Feet
2100
Estimated Time
3-4 hours
Trail Surface
Primarily packed dirt and rocky scree; loose rock on the upper slopes
Trail Features
  • 360-degree summit views of Yellowstone Lake
  • Absaroka Range visible; potential sighting of Grand Tetons
  • Alpine meadows with wildflowers
  • Wildlife sightings including marmots and chipmunks
  • False summit near the final approach
Trail Highlights
360-degree summit panorama over Yellowstone Lake and surrounding ranges; alpine meadows and wildlife along the ridgeline

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
North side of East Entrance Road, near Eleanor Lake, Yellowstone NP
Parking Lot Size
Limited pullout near Eleanor Lake; capacity is restricted
Parking Fill Time
Lot fills quickly during peak season; arrive early
Shuttle Required
0
Shuttle Details
No shuttle service mentioned

Permits & conditions

Permit Details
Park entrance fee applies; backcountry permits required for overnight camping
Fees
Park entrance fees apply
Trail Status
Open
Seasonal Closures
Snow can linger until early July; conditions vary with snowpack

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
1
Water Sources
Trail is generally dry; early streams may be suitable for filtering; carry all water (3L+ recommended)
Accessibility
Difficult

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Grizzly bear country (especially in fall)
  • High lightning exposure above treeline
  • Fallen burned trees may pose hazards
  • Steep, loose scree and footing
  • Exposure to steep drop-offs; false summit can disorient
Hazard Details
Stay alert for wildlife; use bear spray and group travel; footing on scree demands focus; weather can shift rapidly above treeline; keep your distance from any steep edges
Cell Service
Extremely limited; likely a dead zone; assume no service
Crowd Level
Moderate to busy
Peak Crowd Times
Peak season; plan to arrive early to find solitude
Best Season
Mid-July through September
Best Time To Visit
Mid-July through September.
Tips Advice
  • Carry at least 3L water; this trail is dry for most of the way.
  • Bear spray recommended; travel with others and make noise to avoid surprises.
  • Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms; be below treeline by midday.
  • Sturdy boots, layered clothing, and rain gear; microspikes may be necessary in early summer.
  • Stay on the established trail; beware of a false trail near the summit.
  • High sun exposure above treeline—bring sun protection and a hat.

More details

Park Area
Yellowstone National Park, East Entrance area, near Eleanor Lake, ~8 miles west of the East Entrance.
Trail Markers
Established trail; some reports of confusing markings near summit; stick to the known path
Dogs Allowed
No
Biking Allowed
No
Shade Level
Forested at the start; fully exposed above treeline; expect strong sun and wind
Emergency Contacts
Call 911 for emergencies; rely on Yellowstone NPS rangers; local search and rescue assets may be limited by terrain
Map Recommended
1
Snow Dates
Snow can be present through early July; later depending on snowpack
Mud Season
Mud with snowmelt possible in early summer
Wildflower Peak
July
Fall Colors Peak
Early to mid-September
Bug Season
July-August
Insider Tips
  • Stay on the established trail; avoid a false trail to the right near the summit.
  • Start early to beat thunderstorms; be below treeline by midday.
  • Pack layers, rain gear, and sun protection; bring bear spray and travel with a buddy.
  • Microspikes may be needed in early summer; expect loose scree and rapid weather shifts.
Family Friendly Notes
Not recommended for young children due to steepness, exposure, and hazards
Nearby Facilities
Vault toilet at parking lot; limited facilities elsewhere
Review Summary
Hikers call it a high-Grit mission: the gain is brutal but the payoff is substantial. The climb is demanding and crowded during peak season, but the summit delivers a panoramic payoff over the valley and lakes.

Location

Avalanche Peak Trailhead in Yellowstone National Park winds through evergreen forest toward rugged alpine peaks.Avalanche Peak Trailhead overlook along a rocky ridge with snowfields, offering expansive views in Yellowstone National Park.Avalanche Peak Trailhead winds through a pine forest along a rocky Yellowstone National Park trail.Chipmunk on rugged rocky terrain at Avalanche Peak Trailhead, Yellowstone National Park.

Frequently asked questions

Are there bears on Avalanche Peak Trailhead 5N2?

Yes—bear country is native to the area, especially in fall. Carry bear spray, stay loud, travel in groups, and know how to use your spray if needed.

Is it safe to hike Avalanche Peak alone?

Cell service is extremely limited here; it's safer to hike with others and to carry a plan for emergencies. Let someone know your route and expected return time.

Do I need a backcountry permit for day hiking?

No backcountry permit is required for day hiking, but a Yellowstone park entrance fee applies. Backcountry permits are only needed for overnight camping.

What gear is essential for this climb?

Sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing, rain gear, sun protection, bear spray, trekking poles (helpful on scree), and microspikes may be necessary in early summer.

When is the trail typically less crowded?

Arrive early in the day and aim for mid-week visits during peak season to improve chances of solitude.

Brink of Lower Falls

0.7 miles out-and-back. Steep climb back. The brink of Lower Falls rewards the grit.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated January 2026. Report an issue.