Ribbon Lake Trail

Q: Is 5.8 miles doable for someone moderately fit?

Yes. At elevation, it feels slightly harder than sea level, but the grade is manageable. Fit hikers do it in 2.5 hours; moderate hikers in 3-4. Take breaks, drink water, and you'll be fine.

Q: What's the actual danger at Clear Lake? I've heard it's sketchy.

Clear Lake sits in a hydrothermal zone. Thermal runoff is unpredictable. Thermal water causes severe burns in seconds. Danger is real only if you wander off the marked trail. Stay on trail, don't approach the lake edge, and you're safe. It looks deceptive (calm, clear)—that's the trap.

Q: Can I do this with kids?

Yes, if they're 8+ and strong hikers. Younger kids tire fast on 5.8 miles. Supervision at Clear Lake is critical—the thermal hazard is not obvious to children. The rim exposure requires hand-holding in a few places.

Q: What if I'm slower? Will the trail be dark when I finish?

Yellowstone has long daylight in summer (sunset ~9:15pm in July). Starting by 7am guarantees daylight finish even at a leisurely pace. Early fall (September) sunset is ~7pm; be conservative and start earlier.

Q: Is there water on the trail, or do I carry everything?

Treat and filter creek water at Clear Lake or Lily Pad areas if needed. Safest strategy: carry 2-3L from the trailhead. Don't rely on finding potable water.

Distance

5.8 mi

Elevation Gain

400 ft

Est. Time

3-4 hours for the out-and-back; add 1-2 hours for the loop option.

Route Type

Out-and-back, with optional loop via Lily Pad Lake

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

Summer and Fall (July-September peak)

Overview

About This Trail

A 5.8-mile moderate rim hike through three alpine lakes and geothermal features in the Canyon area. Mostly level to rolling terrain on unpaved trails with spectacular canyon views and hydrothermal features at Clear Lake. Plan 3-4 hours. Strong hikers can loop back via Artist Point for variety; beginners should stick to the out-and-back route.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Moderate

Trail Highlights

Three pristine lakes in the Canyon area with geothermal features and dramatic rim views.

Insider Tips

• The 'false summit' at Lily Pad Lake junction will fool you—the real views are at Ribbon Lake itself. Keep pushing. • Loop option via Artist Point adds 2 miles and avoids retracing the same path; worth it for fresh views on descent. • Lily Pad Lake is shallow and green; not the photogenic payoff. Ribbon Lake's reflection is the money shot. • Early morning shadows create dramatic canyon lighting (5:30-7am)—prime photo window. • Trail junctions are clear, but bring a map anyway; confusion happens here.

Best Season to Hike

Summer and Fall (July-September peak)

Hiking Tips

Carry 2-3L water—dry trail, sun exposure, and altitude.
Make noise for bears—clap, talk, carry a bell.
Tighten your boots; uneven terrain will test your ankles.
Stay strictly on marked trail near Clear Lake—thermal runoff is invisible and burns.
Sunscreen and hat mandatory—no shade on exposed rim.
Bring trekking poles for descent stability.

Family Info

Suitable for families with moderate hiking experience (ages 8+). Children must stay on trail at all times near Clear Lake hydrothermal area. Rim exposure and uneven terrain require hand-holding with younger kids. No sheer drop-offs, but ridge exposure demands attention.

What Hikers Say

Hikers consistently praise the lake views and relative solitude compared to major pullouts. The moderate difficulty and short mileage make it accessible to most. Common complaint: crowded parking in peak season and thermal hazard confusion at Clear Lake.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 5.8 miles

Elevation Gain: 400 ft

Duration: 3-4 hours for the out-and-back; add 1-2 hours for the loop option.

Difficulty: Moderate

Route Type: Out-and-back, with optional loop via Lily Pad Lake

Surface: Unpaved dirt and packed earth trail

Getting There

Trailhead: Upper Falls Viewpoints parking area, 2.3 miles south of Canyon Junction on South Rim Drive

Parking: Large (major pullout); often reaches capacity by mid-morning in summer

Fills Up: By 9am-10am during peak season (July-August). Arrive by 8am or after 4pm.

Restrooms at trailhead

Requirements

Permit Required

No permits required for day hiking.

Fees: $35 entrance fee per private vehicle (7-day pass). No additional trail fee.

Shuttle Available

No shuttle available. Private vehicle or foot access required.

Trail Rules

Dogs: No, pets are not permitted on this trail.

Biking: No, biking is not permitted on this trail.

Trail Markers: Well-marked with junction signs and blazes. Clear route following rim trail and junction signage.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Natural water at Clear Lake and Lily Pad Lake areas. Treat or filter all water before drinking. Dry sections exist—carry your full water supply from the trailhead.

Shade: Partial shade on forested sections; full sun exposure on rim and lake areas. The first mile has decent tree cover; miles 2-3 are exposed.

Cell Service: Unreliable to non-existent. Assume no cell service. Satellite communicator recommended.

Hazards:

Clear Lake is an active hydrothermal area with unpredictable springs and runoff. Thermal water causes severe burns. Stay strictly on marked trail. Rim sections have exposure and uneven footing. This is bear country—make noise constantly. Sun reflection off canyon and lakes intensifies UV exposure.

Emergency: Yellowstone Park Rangers at Canyon Visitor Education Center; call 911 in life-threatening emergency (coverage varies). In-person at Canyon Ranger Station during business hours.

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Moderate to heavy, especially mid-summer. Upper Falls area is Yellowstone's busiest pullout.

Peak Times: 11am-3pm daily in July-August; slightly lighter in early morning and evening.

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Moderate difficulty unpaved trail. Rooty and steep in places with uneven footing. Not wheelchair accessible. Not suitable for those with limited mobility.

Family Notes:

Nearby Facilities

Canyon Village supplies and services 2-3 miles north. Nearest campgrounds: Canyon Campground (0.5 miles), Mammoth Campground (21 miles). Ranger station and visitor center at Canyon.

What Hikers Say

FAQs

Are there bears? Do I need bear spray?

Yes, this is bear country. Bear spray is highly recommended, not required. Make constant noise (clap, talk, bell). Never hike alone. Store food in your car. Spray won't help if you're silent and surprise a bear.

Is 5.8 miles doable for someone moderately fit?

What's the actual danger at Clear Lake? I've heard it's sketchy.

Can I do this with kids?

What if I'm slower? Will the trail be dark when I finish?

Is there water on the trail, or do I carry everything?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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