Trail

Riddle Lake Trail

Trail
A lake covered in lily pads sits in front of a mountain.

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.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
4.8
Route Type
There-and-back
Difficulty Level
Easy
Estimated Time
2-4 hours

Trail profile

Distance Miles
4.8
Route Type
There-and-back
Difficulty Level
Easy
Estimated Time
2-4 hours
Trail Surface
Dirt and packed earth with sections of grass and meadow
Trail Features
  • Mountain meadows
  • Coniferous forests
  • Alpine lake
  • Continental Divide crossing
  • Wildlife habitat
  • Elk viewing
Trail Highlights
Cross the Continental Divide and descend to a pristine alpine lake where elk graze in meadows and waterfowl gather near shore

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
Approximately 3 miles south of the Grant Village intersection, just south of the Continental Divide sign
Shuttle Required
0
Shuttle Details
Not required

Permits & conditions

Permit Details
Not required
Fees
No day-use fee. Park entrance fee applies: $35 per private vehicle (7-day pass)
Trail Status
Open seasonally (mid-July through fall, subject to bear closures)
Seasonal Closures
Closed through mid-July due to Bear Management Area closure and possible trumpeter swan nesting. Reopening date varies by year—check Backcountry Situation Report.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
0
Water Sources
No reliable water sources on trail until arrival at the lake. Carry 2-3L or be prepared to filter from the lake in emergencies.
Accessibility
Rocky, rooted terrain with stream crossings. Not wheelchair accessible. Suitable for hikers with moderate fitness.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Bear encounters (area is part of bear management zone)
  • Rapid weather changes at altitude
  • Stream crossings
  • Exposure to sun in open meadows
Hazard Details
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.
Best Season
Summer and Fall (trail opens mid-July)
Best Time To Visit
Mid-July through September. Arrive by 8:00 AM to avoid afternoon weather swings and crowds. Confirm the trail is open before driving out—rangers close it seasonally for bear management and swan nesting. Check the Backcountry Situation Report at nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/situationreport.htm the morning of your hike.
Tips Advice
  • 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.

More details

Park Area
Southern Yellowstone (Grant Village area)
Dogs Allowed
No, dogs are not permitted
Shade Level
Partial. Forest sections provide some cover; most of the route runs through open meadows with full sun exposure
Emergency Contacts
Yellowstone emergency: 911 (if service available). Contact Grant Village Ranger Station before departure for current conditions and emergency protocols.
Map Recommended
1
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.
Recent Updates
Confirm seasonal status and bear closures at nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/situationreport.htm before your visit. Trail may open later than mid-July depending on conditions. Check this report the morning of your hike.
Family Friendly Notes
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.
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.
Review Summary
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.

Frequently asked questions

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.