Trail

Yellowstone Lake Overlook Trail

TrailOPERATIONAL★ 4.9
Yellowstone Lake Overlook Trail at Yellowstone National Park, offering blue lake vistas with distant mountains and rugged shoreline.

Mission Brief: Yellowstone Lake Overlook Trail is a 1.7-mile lollipop loop with a modest elevation gain. You’ll thread through forest, meadows, and near thermal areas to a lake overlook with Absaroka Mountains in the distance. Begin early to beat crowds; May and June can be muddy or snowy, so traction and layers matter. The payoff is lake views, wildlife opportunities, and a moderate workout that most visitors can finish.

1.7-mile loop trail rising past thermal features & forest to meadows with Yellowstone Lake views.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
1.7
Route Type
Lollipop loop
Difficulty
easy
Difficulty Level
Moderate hike (easy to moderate by some reviewers)

Trail profile

Distance Miles
1.7
Route Type
Lollipop loop
Difficulty
easy
Difficulty Level
Moderate hike (easy to moderate by some reviewers)
Elevation Gain Feet
250
Estimated Time
45 minutes to 1.5 hours; plan 1-3 hours if you linger
Trail Surface
Mixed: packed dirt, forest paths, meadows; can be muddy or snowy in May/June
Trail Features
  • thermal activity along the route
  • meadows
  • views of Yellowstone Lake
  • forest sections
  • Absaroka Mountains
Trail Highlights
Overlook with commanding views of West Thumb Lake and distant Absaroka Mountains; proximity to thermal areas along the loop

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
Southeast corner of the West Thumb Geyser Basin Parking Area; trail crosses the highway near the West Thumb intersection
Parking Lot Size
Shared with West Thumb Geyser Basin; capacity varies; mid-morning crowds
Parking Fill Time
Full by mid-morning; plan to arrive early
Shuttle Required
0
Shuttle Details
No shuttle required

Permits & conditions

Permit Details
No day-use permit required for hiking; permits required for backcountry activities
Fees
Standard Yellowstone National Park entrance fees apply; no extra hike-specific cost
Trail Status
Open
Seasonal Closures
Mud season in May and June; snow possible in shoulder months

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
1
Water Sources
Carry all water; no reliable sources on trail
Accessibility
Parts are stroller-friendly, though some sections require assistance

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Bear country
  • Lightning exposure during storms
  • Thermal activity near designated paths
  • Mud and snow in shoulder seasons
Hazard Details
Be bear-aware and keep distance from wildlife; monitor weather because lightning can arrive quickly; stay on trails near thermal zones to avoid unstable ground; in May–June expect mud and lingering snow
Cell Service
Limited and spotty; Verizon strongest near developed areas
Crowd Level
Moderate
Peak Crowd Times
Mid-morning
Best Season
Summer and Fall
Best Time To Visit
Arrive before mid-morning to secure parking; summer and fall offer the best conditions and lighting.
Tips Advice
  • Carry 3L water minimum
  • Bear spray and knowledge of its use
  • Start early to secure parking
  • Stay on designated paths near thermal areas
  • Wear sturdy shoes, bring layers, and sun protection

More details

Park Area
Yellowstone National Park — West Thumb Geyser Basin area
Trail Markers
Markers present but some sections can be poorly marked; map/plan recommended
Dogs Allowed
Dogs on a leash are allowed along the Yellowstone Lake Overlook Trail, as long as they are under control and not a threat to wildlife.
Biking Allowed
Bikes are not permitted on this trail; it is a footpath meant for hikers.
Shade Level
Mixed; forested sections and open meadow exposure
Emergency Contacts
Yellowstone National Park emergency services; dial 911 if Rescue needed
Map Recommended
1
Snow Dates
Snow possible in May; persistent snow unlikely by summer
Mud Season
May–June
Bug Season
Mosquitoes generally present in warmer months
Insider Tips
  • Counter-clockwise loop for a gentler ascent
  • Arrive early to secure parking
  • Sunrise or sunset lighting can enhance the lake view
  • Some sections are stroller-friendly; others may require assistance
Family Friendly Notes
Very family-friendly; some stroller-accessible sections; keep close around wildlife and thermal areas
Nearby Facilities
Restrooms at West Thumb trailhead; parking shared with West Thumb Geyser Basin
Review Summary
Hikers appreciate the solid effort-to-reward ratio: lake views and a relatively quiet stretch compared with busier Yellowstone spots, though parking can be tight and some segments are not well marked. The hike is firmly in the easy-to-moderate range for most families and fit visitors, with a few steeper spots and exposed meadows.

Location

Yellowstone Lake Overlook Trail along Yellowstone Lake with a turquoise pool and pine shoreline in bright summer light, Yellowstone National Park.Yellowstone Lake Overlook Trail offers expansive Yellowstone Lake views framed by pine trees and nearby geothermal pools.Yellowstone Lake Overlook Trail showcases a rocky shoreline with calm blue Yellowstone Lake and distant mountains under a clear sky.Yellowstone Lake Overlook Trail at Yellowstone National Park features a rimmed geothermal pool and rugged terrain.

Frequently asked questions

Are bears common on this trail?

Yes, it is bear country. Make noise, stay together, and carry bear spray; know how to use it.

Is a permit required for day hiking?

No day-use permit is required for hiking; park entrance fees apply.

Is the trail stroller-friendly?

Parts are stroller accessible, but some sections may require assistance or detours.

What’s the best time to visit?

Arrive early, ideally around sunrise or before mid-morning, to secure parking and enjoy lighter crowds.

Is there water on the trail?

There are no reliable water sources on the trail; carry at least 3L per person.

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 January 2026. Report an issue.