Canyon Area Day Hikes
Canyon Rims
There are numerous trails and viewpoints of the canyon falls, both from the north and south rim.
Mary Mountain Trail
This trail climbs gradually up over Mary Mountain and the park's Central Plateau to the Nez Perce trailhead between Madison and Old Faithful.. Elk and bison can sometimes be seen in the distant meadows. The trail through Hayden Valley is often difficult to follow as bison regularly knock down the trail markers.
Trailhead: North of Alum Creek pullout, 4 miles south of Canyon Junction
Distance: 21 miles one way
Level of Difficulty: Moderately strenuous due to length
Howard Eaton Trail
This hike, with little vertical rise, will take 2-8 hours. It passes through forest, meadow, and marshland to Cascade Lake (3 mi; 4.8 km), Grebe Lake (4.25 mi; 6.8 km), Wolf Lake (6.25 mi; 10 km), Ice Lake (8.25 mi; 13.7 km), and Norris Campground (12 mi; 19.3 km). Most years, this trail remains very wet and muddy through July. Insects can be very annoying.
Trailhead: 0.5 miles (0.8 km) west of Canyon Junction on the Norris-Canyon Road
Distance: From 3-12 miles one way, depending on destination
Level of Difficulty: Moderately easy
Cascade Lake Trail
This hike takes 3 hours and is an enjoyable walk through open meadows and over small creeks for those with limited time. Look for wildlife and wildflowers in season. Most years, this trail remains very wet and muddy through July.
Trailhead: Cascade Lake Picnic Area, 1.5 miles north of Canyon Jct. on the Tower-Canyon Road.
Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2 km) roundtrip
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Observation Peak
Hike to Cascade Lake from either of its two trailheads. From the lake, this strenuous, 1,400 foot climb in 3 miles will take roughly 3 hours. The hike takes you to a high mountain peak for an outstanding view of the Yellowstone wilderness. The trail passes through open meadows and some whitebark pine forests. Past Cascade Lake, no water is available along the trail. Not recommended for persons with heart and/or respiratory problems.
Trailhead: Cascade Lake Picnic Area, 1.5 miles north of Canyon Jct. on the Tower- Canyon Road. The other trailhead is accessed from a pullout 1/4 mile west of Canyon on the Norris-Canyon Road.
Distance: 11 miles roundtrip
Level of Difficulty: Strenuous
Grebe Lake Trail
There is little vertical rise on this 3-4 hour hike. This trail follows an old fire road through meadows and forest, some of which burned during the fires of 1988. Once at the lake you can connect with the Howard Eaton Trail.
Trailhead: 3.5 miles (5.6 km) west of Canyon Junction on the Norris-Canyon Road
Distance: 6 miles (9.7 km) roundtrip
Level of Difficulty: Moderately easy
Seven Mile Hole Trail
This hike takes 6-8 hours to complete. Following the Canyon Rim for the first 1.5 miles (2.4 km), you will be rewarded with views of Silver Cord Cascade. Continue north another 0.5 mile (0.8 km) to join the Washburn Spur Trail; at 3 miles (4.8 km), the trail drops off to Seven Mile Hole, a 1.5 mile (2.4 km), 1,400 foot (425 m) drop. Hike it carefully, watch your footing, and conserve your energy. Depending on your condition and the weather, it can be a long hike back out. Be especially careful where the trail passes both dormant and active hot springs. Off-trail travel is prohibited. Not recommended for persons with heart and/or respiratory problems.
Trailhead: Glacial Boulder Trailhead on Inspiration Point Road
Distance: 11 miles (17.7 km) roundtrip
Level of Difficulty: Strenuous
Washburn Trail/Washburn Spur Trail
This hike begins at the Dunraven Pass trailhead to Mount Washburn and ends at the Glacial Boulder on Inspiration Point Road. This strenuous hike takes 6-8 hours to complete. Starting at the Washburn Trailhead at Dunraven Pass, you ascend Mt. Washburn on a trail complete with (in season) wildflowers, bighorn sheep, and spectacular views. After this three mile ascent, the Washburn Spur Trail descends very steeply from the east side of the Fire Lookout to Washburn Hot Springs in another 3.7 miles (6 km). Here you will find some interesting thermal features, including mud pots. Continue past the turnoff to Seven Mile Hole and follow the trail to the Glacial Boulder and the Canyon area. Not recommended for persons with heart and/or respiratory problems.
Trailhead: Dunraven Pass, Washburn Trailhead, 4.5 miles north of Canyon Junction
Distance: 11.5 miles (18.5 km) one way
Level of Difficulty: Strenuous
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