Riddle Lake Trail

Q: Are there bears on this trail?

Yes. This is grizzly country. The trail closes mid-July specifically for bear management. Make noise, hike in groups, carry bear spray, and stay alert in the meadows where elk congregate (bears follow). Respect the seasonal closure—it exists because bears use this area.

Q: Can I hike this trail solo?

Technically yes, but not recommended. The trail is remote, markers are sparse, and this is grizzly habitat. Hikers in groups are safer. A solo hiker in distress would be hours from help.

Q: What do I need to bring?

2-3L water, bear spray, map, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), sturdy hiking boots, and layers for rapid weather changes. There are no water sources on the trail until the lake. Don't rely on filtering from the lake.

Q: When does this trail open?

Mid-July at the earliest. The exact opening date varies due to bear closures and swan nesting. Always check the Backcountry Situation Report (nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/situationreport.htm) before your hike. Don't assume it's open just because the calendar says summer.

Q: Is there a restroom at the trailhead?

No. The trailhead is remote with no infrastructure. Use facilities at Grant Village, 3 miles away, before you start.

Q: Can I see the lake from the road?

No. The lake is 2.4 miles from the trailhead through forest and meadow. The Continental Divide crossing is part of the appeal—you earn the view.

Distance

4.8 mi

Est. Time

2-4 hours

Route Type

There-and-back

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

Summer and Fall (trail opens mid-July)

Overview

About This Trail

A straightforward crossing of the Continental Divide leading to a pristine alpine lake ringed by meadows and forest. Wildlife viewing is the draw—expect elk in the meadows and waterfowl near shore. This is a summer-only trail (opens mid-July) with tactical bear closures; check the Backcountry Situation Report before you go.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Easy

Trail Highlights

Cross the Continental Divide and descend to a pristine alpine lake where elk graze in meadows and waterfowl gather near shore

Insider Tips

• The lake is smaller than you might expect from the hike length—the payoff is the crossing itself and the elk viewing.\n• Mid-July opening means spring snowmelt can create hazardous stream crossings; wear waterproof boots early season.\n• Check for trumpeter swan nesting before you go—the trail may stay closed beyond mid-July if swans are present.\n• Meadow sections can feel maze-like; keep your map out and stay alert to trail markers.

Best Season to Hike

Summer and Fall (trail opens mid-July)

Hiking Tips

Confirm the trail is open (bear closures extend past the park's official opening; don't assume summer = open).\n
Carry 2-3L of water; the trail crosses the Continental Divide with no reliable water sources until the lake.\n
Make noise in the meadows—elk congregate here and so do bears.\n
Wear sun protection (hat, sunscreen); the meadows offer almost no shade.\n
Bring a map; trail markings can be sparse in open sections.\n
Hike in groups, not solo—this is grizzly country.

Family Info

Rated easy but suited for families with hiking experience. Young children should be supervised near the lake edge and streams. Confirm bear closures with rangers—this area requires caution in grizzly country. No guardrails or safety barriers.

What Hikers Say

Hikers praise the wildlife viewing and Continental Divide crossing as rewarding for an easy-rated trail. The main friction: understanding and respecting the seasonal closures, which exist for sound bear management and wildlife protection. Most report the hike feels remote and wild, even though it's accessible from the main park road.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 4.8 miles

Duration: 2-4 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Route Type: There-and-back

Surface: Dirt and packed earth with sections of grass and meadow

Getting There

Trailhead: Approximately 3 miles south of the Grant Village intersection, just south of the Continental Divide sign

Requirements

Permit Required

Not required

Fees: No day-use fee. Park entrance fee applies: $35 per private vehicle (7-day pass)

Shuttle Available

Not required

Trail Rules

Dogs: No, dogs are not permitted

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: No reliable water sources on trail until arrival at the lake. Carry 2-3L or be prepared to filter from the lake in emergencies.

Shade: Partial. Forest sections provide some cover; most of the route runs through open meadows with full sun exposure

Hazards:

Trail is closed through mid-July for bear management and swan nesting. Check the Backcountry Situation Report before hiking. Alpine conditions can shift rapidly. Streams may be swollen in early season. Open meadows offer no shelter from weather or sun. Elk herds present—maintain distance.

Emergency: Yellowstone emergency: 911 (if service available). Contact Grant Village Ranger Station before departure for current conditions and emergency protocols.

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Rocky, rooted terrain with stream crossings. Not wheelchair accessible. Suitable for hikers with moderate fitness.

Family Notes:

Nearby Facilities

Grant Village (3 miles north) has a ranger station, lodging, dining, and general supplies. Fuel and services available at Grant Village. No facilities at trailhead.

What Hikers Say

FAQs

Is this trail really easy?

Yes. The NPS rates it as an easy hike—only 4.8 miles, no severe climbing. The challenge is altitude and remote terrain, not technical difficulty. Most hikers in moderate fitness complete it in 2-4 hours.

Are there bears on this trail?

Can I hike this trail solo?

What do I need to bring?

When does this trail open?

Is there a restroom at the trailhead?

Can I see the lake from the road?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

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