About the Yellowstone National Park and Why It’s My #1 Choice for a day hike.
This park is number one on my list for its great attractions; it also has the best weather in all seasons. Yellowstone National Park is considered an interesting place to visit due to its geothermal phenomena attraction, such as its popular geysers which surge higher than one hundred meters every hour, ejecting water or lava and rock flows.
History of the Yellowstone Park
For hundreds of years, people have visited and lived in the Yellowstone area. In the mid-1800s, explorers and artists caused the federal government to seriously consider the wonders of Yellowstone. Visit the Mammoth Hot Spring and walk the separate trail around Fort Yellowstone that highlights the role of the US Army in protecting the park. Historical sites include the Avalanche Peak Hike, the Norris Geyser Basin Museum, Obsidian Cliff, the Old Faithful Inn, and the Historic District.
Where Is Yellowstone National Park?
It is located above the caldera of the largest volcano in the US between Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. The majority of the park (96 percent) is situated in Wyoming while only 3 percent is located in Montana and 1 percent is in Idaho. Yellowstone Park has five entry points. Two of those entrances are in Wyoming; the east entrance near is Cody and the south entrance is north of Jackson and the Grand Teton National Park.
Best Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park?
The best time to visit Yellowstone National Park is from April to May and from September to October. The weather is mild during these months, and there are fewer crowds in the park. Apart from this, July and August are also considered the best time to visit, as children are out of school and the warm weather allows hikers to sleep outside.
Lace up your boots and head out with fresh air in your lungs! Make sure to hike through Yellowstone National Park and enjoy the impressive views of nature.
Best Day Hike in Yellowstone National Park - Avalanche Peak Hike
The trail leading to Avalanche Peak is one of my favorite hiking routes for a good walk in Yellowstone National Park. However, it is rocky, jagged, and windy at the top! The trail was challenging, but well worth it and absolutely beautiful as I climbed. The view at the top is incredible! But it will feel longer than only four miles.
QUICK FACTS: Avalanche Peak Hike
- Location: 19 miles (30.6 km) east of Fishing Bridge Junction or 8 miles (12.9 km) west of the East Entrance
- Distance: 4.7 miles (8.1 km)
- Time: 3 to 5 hours
- Difficulty: Hard
- Route: Round trip out and back
- Track Quality: Excellent, well-formatted paths
- Hazards: Not recommended in September and October due to bears and snow
- Elevation: 765 yr (700 m)
- Wet Feet: No
- Toilets: Yes, in the parking area
- Mobile Coverage: No
- Updates on trail conditions and closures
HIKE DETAILS
Getting to the Trailhead: Look for the Avalanche Peak trailhead sign located near Eleanor Lake between the Fishing Bridge and the east entrance on East Entrance Road. The trail starts on the north side of the road.
Full Track Description
The trail offers an array of active options such as a lake view, great mountain views, and gorgeous alpine valleys. Its difficulty level is considered hard. The Avalanche Peak hike is Yellowstone’s top hike for good reason; for most of the walk, you are rewarded with stunning and dramatic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Since the entire trail is very steep, I started climbing from the beginning, moved through a densely wooded forest, and walked through a few small meadows. As I got halfway through the climb, I reached a small plateau where I was able to view the endpoint.
To the left is the other half of the climb, a rocky ridge that leads to a windy, barren peak. I faced the rocky ridge to my left and continued the climb. There were obstacles, but I was prepared for it; this was a great hike for me. As I reached the southern side of the ridge that leads to Avalanche Peak, I saw a flat trail and continued on until I reached the northern tip of the crest. Immediately, I was amazed by the beautiful views from all angles. This peak is worth hiking up for the simple fact that you will see more peaks, including the Hoyt Peak and the circuit after it.
When you look back again, you will see Grizzly Peak that is placed across Sylvan Lake and Top North Lake by the south. You can also see the iconic Yellowstone Lake expanding into the horizon, usually to the west of your position. Now that you have reached the windy, barren Avalanche Peak, you can make friends with the people around who have set up wind shelters if you didn’t come prepared with one. Make certain you take a windbreaker and wear a warm coat.
Things to Note:
Toilets are available at a pathway up the trail and at the parking area. The trails are closed at certain times every year to reduce humans running into bears during their active periods. Click on this link for more info. Generally, the trails are accessible and best used between May and September. Finally, the roads leading to Yellowstone are closed during the winter. So, before you head out, kindly check this link for possible park road closures.
