Avalanche Peak Trailhead (5N2) – 4.4-mile round trip, 2,100 ft

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

+2 more

Distance

4.5 mi

Elevation Gain

2,100 ft

Est. Time

3-4 hours

Route Type

Out-and-back

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

Mid-July through September

Overview

About This Trail

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.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Strenuous to Difficult

Trail Highlights

360-degree summit panorama over Yellowstone Lake and surrounding ranges; alpine meadows and wildlife along the ridgeline

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.

Best Season to Hike

Mid-July through September

Hiking Tips

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.

Family Info

Not recommended for young children due to steepness, exposure, and hazards

What Hikers Say

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.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 4.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 2,100 ft

Duration: 3-4 hours

Difficulty: Strenuous to Difficult

Route Type: Out-and-back

Surface: Primarily packed dirt and rocky scree; loose rock on the upper slopes

Getting There

Trailhead: North side of East Entrance Road, near Eleanor Lake, Yellowstone NP

Parking: Limited pullout near Eleanor Lake; capacity is restricted

Fills Up: Lot fills quickly during peak season; arrive early

Restrooms at trailhead

Requirements

Permit Required

Park entrance fee applies; backcountry permits required for overnight camping

Fees: Park entrance fees apply

Shuttle Available

No shuttle service mentioned

Trail Rules

Dogs: No

Biking: No

Trail Markers: Established trail; some reports of confusing markings near summit; stick to the known path

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Trail is generally dry; early streams may be suitable for filtering; carry all water (3L+ recommended)

Shade: Forested at the start; fully exposed above treeline; expect strong sun and wind

Cell Service: Extremely limited; likely a dead zone; assume no service

Hazards:

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

Emergency: Call 911 for emergencies; rely on Yellowstone NPS rangers; local search and rescue assets may be limited by terrain

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Moderate to busy

Peak Times: Peak season; plan to arrive early to find solitude

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Difficult

Family Notes:

Not recommended for young children due to steepness, exposure, and hazards

Nearby Facilities

Vault toilet at parking lot; limited facilities elsewhere

What Hikers Say

Reviews

★★★★★

5.0 /5

Based on 15 Google reviews

Based on 15 guest reviews

" 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."

Reviews from Google

Best hike in Yellowstone. Started early and took it slow. The last little bit is worth navigating the tiny pebbles. Just be careful of footing. I’ve told all of my friends about this hike and can’t wait to go back.

Fantastic hike. Hard but the views are worth it. Breath taking. Took my family 6h 45m round-trip including breaks along the way and 45 minutes to take in the view at the top! Take 3x more water than you think you need.

Amazing trail! The views are gorgeous. We started our climbing and just in 20 mins later severe thunderstorm began. It forced all other hikers on the trail to turn back, but we decided to take a risk and kept on going up. In half an hour sky cleared and we found themselves completely alone on the trail enjoying nature and scenery around. At the summit you likely be met by two or three nice and fat chipmunks begging for food 😊. They get accustomed to visitors so much that I was able to touch one of them. They also insistently tried to inspect all our backpacks (one even got trapped inside). Beautiful trail! Highly recommend!

Showing 3 of 15 reviews