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Posted by Granite Head (69.163.85.128) on 16:33:48 08/06/17
In Reply to: Trail safety first posted by Granite Head
Here are three favorite short (or longer if you just keep going) hikes; Yellowstone Picnic and Trout Lake do involve short steep sections and then flatten out; take it slow and easy if you re not used to exertion at higher elevations and you should be fine. These directions assume you re heading east from Roosevelt Lodge on Northeast Entrance Road:
As you head east from Roosevelt, there is a beautiful hike accessed from the unmarked Wrecker's pullout, a left turn into a gravel parking area very shortly after you cross the Yellowstone River bridge, just before you see a sign for Yellowstone Picnic on your right; if you see the picnic sign, turn around in the picnic area and watch for the gravel road on your right as you come down the curve it s a little easier to spot coming that way. This hike has mild ups and downs but no major uphill section, and stunning views. It meanders high above the Yellowstone River and follows it to its confluence with the Lamar River. (For some reason Google doesn't show it on the road map, but it is clearly visible, even with a couple of cars in the lot, on satellite view).
Just up the road from Wreckers, the trail head for Yellowstone Picnic is right behind the (convenient!) vault toilet in the marked picnic area. Yellowstone Picnic follows the top of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone across from Tower Falls and Calcite Overlook, with fantastic views of the river, cliffs, and colorful, steamy geothermal areas on the canyon walls.
Trout Lake is 20 or so miles farther east along the same road, at the far end of Lamar Valley. The parking area is well marked. The walk up (and I do mean UP) is about 1/4 mile, and it s totally worth it. The setting of this 12-acre lake, where the kids can try to spot fish and otters, is gorgeous and interesting. Watch for moose in this area too!
Photo is of the Yellowstone River from the Picnic trail where the canyon starts to become shallower. Note that it was taken in June, by October that green stuff in the distance will be pale gold.
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