Grebe Lake Trail

A trail runs through the grass alongside a lake.

A straightforward out-and-back fire road through mixed meadows and forest leading to Grebe Lake. Suitable for most fitness levels without technical difficulty or significant elevation gain. The forest in parts burned in 1988—you'll hike through recovery landscape with educational value. The route takes 3–4 hours round-trip and offers the option to connect with the Howard Eaton Trail for variety on return.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 6.2
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 0

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 6.2
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 0
Estimated Time: 3–4 hours
Trail Surface: Compacted dirt and gravel fire road
Trail Features: Fire road
Meadows
Mixed forest
Grebe Lake
1988 burn recovery landscape
Potential wildlife viewing
Trail Highlights: Grebe Lake is the destination—a quiet mountain lake where moose, osprey, and waterfowl congregate. The hike passes through recovery landscape from the 1988 fires; observe new forest growth and ecological restoration. Optional connection to the Howard Eaton Trail allows loops.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: 3.5 miles west of Canyon Junction on the Norris–Canyon Road
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: Not required

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: None—day hiking is unrestricted
Fees: $35 per vehicle (Yellowstone entrance fee)
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: Park roads typically open mid-April through early November (weather-dependent). Impassable during winter months; check road conditions before driving in shoulder seasons.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: Grebe Lake provides water but must be treated. Carry purification tablets or a filter. Start with at least 2–3 liters of drinking water from the trailhead.
Accessibility: Fire road is compacted and relatively flat, but not paved or wheelchair-accessible. No specific accessibility accommodations reported by NPS.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Bears
Full sun exposure in meadows
Untreated water source
Deadfall in burn zone
Hazard Details: Yellowstone bear country—use your bear bell relentlessly. Meadow sections offer zero shade; sunburn and dehydration are real risks. Grebe Lake water is untreated; iffy gut bacteria if ingested raw. Fallen trees in the burn zone can trip careless hikers.
Cell Service: Unreliable—assume no service. Carry a satellite communicator if hiking solo.
Best Season: Summer and Fall
Best Time To Visit: Summer and Fall (June through October). Park roads typically open mid-April; fall closure varies by weather. Start by 8 AM to avoid midday heat and secure parking.
Tips Advice: Carry 3+ liters of water—treat at the lake or bring purification tablets
Wear a bear bell; carry bear spray and know how to use it
Hat and sunscreen for full-sun meadow sections
Sturdy boots—deadfall in the burn zone can cause twisted ankles
Leave early; late arrivals mean midday heat without shade
Scan ahead for moose in meadows—unpredictable and dangerous
The trail is busier than true backcountry but quieter than Old Faithful area routes

More details

Park Area: Canyon Area
Trail Markers: Well-marked fire road—low navigation difficulty
Dogs Allowed: No
Shade Level: Mixed—exposed meadows alternate with forest sections
Emergency Contacts: Call 911 if in range. For non-emergencies, contact Mammoth District Ranger Station.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: November through April (variable; check road conditions)
Mud Season: April and May (spring snowmelt)
Bug Season: Late June through August (peak mosquito season in Yellowstone)
Insider Tips: This trail draws fewer crowds than Old Faithful area routes; arrive after 10 AM if you want solitude.
At the lake, you can branch onto the Howard Eaton Trail to create a loop or extend to Duck Lake.
The burn zone is educational—observe snags, deadfall, and new regeneration. Wildlife is abundant because food regrows after fire.
Family Friendly Notes: Easy rating makes this suitable for children ages 6+. The 3–4 hour window and moderate distance are manageable for young hikers. Enforce bear-safety rules strictly: stay together, make noise, do not approach wildlife.
Nearby Facilities: Canyon Village (3.5 miles) has lodging, food, fuel, and supplies. Nearest campground: Canyon Campground.
Review Summary: Hikers appreciate the straightforward access and moderate mileage, though scenic payoff is lower than other Yellowstone peaks. The burn recovery landscape offers ecological interest and good wildlife viewing. Most rate this as a solid family hike or warm-up route before longer adventures.

Frequently asked questions

Can I hike this alone safely?

Yes. The trail is well-marked and maintained; hikers are distributed throughout the day. Carry a satellite communicator and bear bell. Know how to use bear spray. The trail is not technical.

Are there bears?

Assume bears are present. Wear your bear bell and carry bear spray. Make noise—bears avoid humans. Do not approach any wildlife.

Is this hard?

No—it's Easy per NPS. The fire road is gentle. If you can walk 6 miles steadily, you can do this. Even beginners manage it if reasonably fit.

Do I need a permit?

No permits for day hiking. You pay a $35 vehicle entrance fee to Yellowstone.

Where do I get water?

Grebe Lake is your only source. Carry treatment tablets or a filter. Start with 2–3 liters from the trailhead.

Is it good for kids?

Yes—easy rating and moderate distance suit ages 6+. Enforce bear-safety rules and hydration.