Take Mount Washburn up above 10,000 feet within central Yellowstone, and enjoy the 360 views of the surrounding mountain ranges, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Hayden Valley and many more miles of spectacular landscapes.
The Mount Washburn hike is roughly 7 miles out and back and is considered moderate. The elevation gain alone is 1,300+ feet, which can be challenging considering you start at 9,000 feet elevation and end above 10,000. However, it’s a gradual incline on a wide trail the entire way, so you can take your time and pace yourself as others pass. During the middle of the day there’s a lot exposure so be careful in the sun. This took us 2.5 hours going at a quick pace up and down, and only a few minutes to hang at the top and enjoy the exhibits inside the lookout station. Since it’s within a national park. dogs cannot use this trail.
Details:
Directions (Google Maps): To get to the Mount Washburn trail, search for the Mount Washburn trailhead in Yellowstone, WY or click here.
Directions (old school maps): From the West Yellowstone entrance, turn left at the Madison Junction to take Highway 89. Then take a right at the Norris Canyon Junction. Then take a left at Canyon Junction, and proceed for 4.8 miles and you’ll see the large parking lot on the right.
Driving Info: This is an easy and accessible drive the whole way, however these roads can be closed during inclement weather so reference the NPS website for latest conditions. It’s also a windy road up into the mountains so drive safely. Also, as always in Wyoming and Montana, be on the lookout for wildlife crossing.
Time & Weather: We did this hike in the end of July. The weather was hot in the afternoon, but if you start early it’ll be cool. We started at 8a and it was 57 degrees out. By the time we finished it was 75 degrees and continuing to warm.
Gear: Since it’s a lot of uphill, hiking poles are super helpful. Don’t forget plenty of water since there’s exposure all along this trail. Bring a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses for sure. Also, this is grizzly bear country so bear spray is a must.
Trail Navigation: The trail is easy to follow the entire way. It’s a wide fire road so there are not trail junctions, except for the very top where other trails meet.
Water & Food: Definitely bring water since this hike takes a few hours and is in the sun most of the time. You can enjoy a snack at the top as well.
Trailhead Info: This is a popular trail with a fairly large parking lot, but it will fill up on weekends and during peak tourist season. There is a single bathroom facility at the parking lot as well.
Pictures of the Mount Washburn hike:
As you leave the parking lot you immediately start the gradual ascent to the top of the mountain. By July the wildflowers are out in full force.
Looking right towards the windy road that you took in, the forested mountains are a beautiful site to behold. Yellow wildflowers run on forever.
Here’s a good look at what the trail looks like. The entire way it’s a wide fire road that can accommodate the hundreds of hikers that use it every day.
You’ll continue winding through beautiful green valleys and mountainsides as you can see the mountain tops in the distance.
More colorful views along the trail.
You’ll have a couple long switchbacks, and at the endpoints you can see how the views open up.
From one of the endpoints of the switchbacks, you get a stunning view looking out into Yellowstone National Park.
Once you pass the treeline, the lookout station comes into view.
At the peak, you can look any direction for views that run on for miles and miles.
The views from the top are 360 degrees. Walk inside the lookout station to understand which mountain ranges, valleys and rivers you’re looking at. In this view, you can see the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Hayden Valley and even the Grand Tetons in the far distance.
Take your time heading back down. The fire road is nice and wide but does have a lot of loose rock, so pay attention to your footing, especially as you’re likely to admire the views on the way down. And again, this is still grizzly bear country, so stay alert.
Want more amazing Yellowstone hikes? There's 1000 things to experience. One of our favorites is hiking the Lamar River Trail in Lamar Valley where you have good chances to view bison, pronghorns, wolves, bears and more! And if you want another amazing lake hike, there's also a short loop around Trout Lake nearby as well.
