Weekend Warriors

ELEPHANT BACK MOUNTAIN

If an hike up a forested hill to great views of Yellowstone Lake is for you, then you will like this hike.

HOW TO GET THERE

This hike is located in Yellowstone National Park, North Western Wyoming.

To get to the trailhead: Drive south from Fishing Bridge Junction for 0.7 miles. Park at the Elephant back trailhead.  

RATING

Be Aware of: Entrance fee to get into Yellowstone National Park, bear area

30 yr old Recommendation: This is a nice quick hike near the Lake Hotel. This is an Easy hike.     

DETAILS

Elevation change: About 750 ft gain.

Distance: 4.0 miles total for the lollypop loop.

Time: It took us about 2.0 hours. 

Time of year: Summer to Fall. This may have snow on it if hiking early in the season.

Solitude: Fair. This is a popular hike, so expect 30-40 people.  

From the trailhead, follow the well marked and well traveled trail to the Northwest up the forested Elephant Back Mountain side. About 1 mile into this hike, the trail splits. Either direction is fine, because the hike loops back to this point. Turning right here is the more gradual climb.

At the top, you are rewarded with the views of the Lake Yellowstone area. There are a few benches here and this is a very nice spot to relax. When ready, take the opposite direction to finish the loop and return to the trailhead.

[view of the lake and hotel from the Elephant Back Mountain hike]

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