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Wapiti Lake
Categories: Hiking & Backpacking
Location: Canyon Village Area
Season: Summer
Intensity: 10
Duration: 7 hours
Distance: 32 miles
Directions:
From Canyon Junction on the Great Loop Road, go south approximately 2 miles and turn left (east) on South Rim Drive, along the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. The trailhead starts here.
Photo Credit/Caption:
NPS Photo
Maps: Our Map
The trail to Wapiti Lake might not be known for its easy beauty or convenience, but you’ll feel like a backcountry adventurer as you explore this region of Yellowstone known for its lakes, creeks, and thermal features that few people ever get to see. This is the perfect trail for the avid backpacker.
Season: Summer, Intensity: 10, Duration: 7 hours, Distance: 32 miles, Location: Canyon Village Area
Description
The trail to Wapiti Lake is well maintained and gives access to several backcountry thermal areas. One mile in from the trailhead brings you to the first thermal area of hot pools and springs. Next, the trail moves on to climb through dense forest for several miles before descending steeply into the valley of Broad Creek. The final stretch of the hike is up a ravine and then back south over open land towards Wapiti Lake.
The Wapiti Lake trail connects to several other major backcountry trails: the Howard Eaton Trail, the Tern Lake Trail, and the Pelican Creek Trail.
Intensity
Difficult
Length & Time
32 miles round trip; requires a minimum of 2-3 days
Elevation
From Canyon at 7,734 feet to Wapiti Lake at 8,800 feet
Points of Interest
Should you choose to hike off of the trail shortly before reaching Wapiti Lake down the lengthy drainages of either Broad Creek or Shallow Creek, you will find yourself discovering active thermal regions, some of which are not typically found on maps of Yellowstone.
Additional Links
- Hiking and Backpacking Tips
- 101 Hiking Tips
- NPS Hiking Yellowstone
- Hiking Safety
- Picnic Supplies
- Lodging in Yellowstone
Related Information
Insider Tips
- Aside from the peaceful solitude that a hike through Yellowstone’s backcountry wilderness can provide, there are also many wonderful opportunities to see wildlife. That said, beware of bears, and be sure to make noise as you hike. Black bear and grizzlies live in this area of the park.
- If you’re looking to avoid the swarms of mosquitoes, the best time to attempt this hike is later in the summer and into the fall, and during the middle of the day.
- Before hiking to Wapiti Lake, contact the Park Service Visitors Center to check for updated information, including seasonal closures.
Lodging and Learning package