Trail

Ribbon Lake Trail

Trail
Lily pads cover the edge of a lake surrounded by a forest.

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.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
5.8
Route Type
Out-and-back, with optional loop via Lily Pad Lake
Difficulty Level
Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet
400

Trail profile

Distance Miles
5.8
Route Type
Out-and-back, with optional loop via Lily Pad Lake
Difficulty Level
Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet
400
Estimated Time
3-4 hours for the out-and-back; add 1-2 hours for the loop option.
Trail Surface
Unpaved dirt and packed earth trail
Trail Features
  • Ribbon Lake
  • Lily Pad Lake
  • Clear Lake
  • Hydrothermal features
  • Canyon rim views
  • Geothermal springs
Trail Highlights
Three pristine lakes in the Canyon area with geothermal features and dramatic rim views.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
Upper Falls Viewpoints parking area, 2.3 miles south of Canyon Junction on South Rim Drive
Parking Lot Size
Large (major pullout); often reaches capacity by mid-morning in summer
Parking Fill Time
By 9am-10am during peak season (July-August). Arrive by 8am or after 4pm.
Shuttle Required
0
Shuttle Details
No shuttle available. Private vehicle or foot access required.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details
No permits required for day hiking.
Fees
$35 entrance fee per private vehicle (7-day pass). No additional trail fee.
Trail Status
Open (seasonal, May-November dependent on road conditions)
Seasonal Closures
Typically closed November-April due to snow and road closure. Check current South Rim Drive status before visiting.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
1
Water Sources
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.
Accessibility
Moderate difficulty unpaved trail. Rooty and steep in places with uneven footing. Not wheelchair accessible. Not suitable for those with limited mobility.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Hydrothermal features
  • Thermal runoff
  • Uneven terrain
  • Rim exposure
  • Bears
  • Sun/heat exposure
  • Water hazard at thermal features
Hazard Details
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.
Cell Service
Unreliable to non-existent. Assume no cell service. Satellite communicator recommended.
Crowd Level
Moderate to heavy, especially mid-summer. Upper Falls area is Yellowstone's busiest pullout.
Peak Crowd Times
11am-3pm daily in July-August; slightly lighter in early morning and evening.
Best Season
Summer and Fall (July-September peak)
Best Time To Visit
July-September for stable weather and open roads. Start by 7am to beat the mid-morning crowds and heat. Avoid the peak 11am-3pm window at the trailhead.
Tips Advice
  • 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.

More details

Park Area
Canyon Area
Trail Markers
Well-marked with junction signs and blazes. Clear route following rim trail and junction signage.
Dogs Allowed
No, pets are not permitted on this trail.
Biking Allowed
No, biking is not permitted on this trail.
Shade Level
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.
Emergency Contacts
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.
Map Recommended
1
Snow Dates
Snow typically present November-April. Trail impassable during winter unless specifically cleared.
Mud Season
May-June during snowmelt from higher elevations. Mud and water crossings likely.
Wildflower Peak
Late June-July. Peak wildflower blooms in adjacent meadows.
Fall Colors Peak
Late August-September. Aspen and larch turn golden; dramatic against canyon backdrop.
Bug Season
Mosquito season peaks July-August. DEET spray essential. Minimal in September.
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.
Recent Updates
No recent trail closures or major maintenance reported.
Family Friendly Notes
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.
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.
Review Summary
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.

Frequently asked questions

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 June 2026. Report an issue.