In the heart of the Yellowstone wilderness, this loop hike will take you around the forest-lined Ice Lake and then up, close & personal with Little Gibbon Falls.
The Ice Lake to Little Gibbon Falls hike is just about 4 miles and is considered easy to moderate. The distance and elevation is manageable, but depending on the time of year there may be a few river crossings and weather challenges. And of course since it’s Yellowstone it’s also grizzly country. This took us about 2 hours, with only a few stops and a slow pace through the deep snow. Since this is in a national park, dogs are not allowed.
Details:
Directions (Google Maps): To get to the Ice Lake to Little Gibbon Falls trailhead, search for the Ice Lake Trailhead 4K2 in Yellowstone, WY or click here.
Directions (old school maps): Take Highway 89 through the park until you turn east onto Norris Canyon Road (going west ends immediately at the geyser basin). The trailhead will be on you left after 3.3 miles.
Driving Info: This is all paved so it’s accessible to anybody, although like anywhere in Yellowstone road accessibility can vary depending on weather or animal activity.
Time & Weather: We did this hike at the beginning of June. The weather was mostly sunny and cold.
Gear: Weather changes everything, and this hike is no different. There is often snow, so bring good boots. There’s also some open meadows that tend to flood after rain. You’ll also possibly cross the river a few times so hiking poles may help. Bring bear spray (and make sure you feel confident using it) while hiking in grizzly bear country.
Trail Navigation: The trail is easy to follow, except when there is snow everywhere. Keep in mind this loop ends at a trailhead that is a few minutes walk from the trailhead you park at.
Water & Food: Pack water as always, but this is such a quick hike there’s no need for snacks unless you want to sit and relax at the top. Keep in mind your tasty snacks will smell good to grizzlies.
Trailhead Info: The trailhead off Norris Canyon Road has only a handful of parking spots, which helps keep this trail quiet.
Pictures of Ice Lake to Little Gibbon Falls:
After you park and enter the trailhead it’s not long before you get to Ice Lake. When we went in June, this part was not frozen, but further in the distance you can see that it’s still covered in ice.
When you’re not on the lake, this is what most of the trail looks like. Stay aware for animal activity.
More beautiful views of Ice Lake as you hike around the north side.
As you break away from Ice Lake, you’ll make your way towards Little Gibbon Falls. In this portion we encountered knee-deep snow in June.
Depending on the time of year (we went in June), you may need to cross the Gibbon River a few times.
Before you approach Little Gibbon Falls there are dozens of downed trees lining the river below the cliffs.
As you wrap around Little Gibbon Falls you’ll ascend above it for better views.
Walking away from Little Gibbon Falls, you can sneak one last peak.
After you come out of the wooden forests around Little Gibbon Falls you’ll enter an expansive meadow.
The gorgeous winding Gibbon River.
Keep in mind, this loop portion exits a few minutes down the road from the trailhead you hiked up. Always stay aware for animals.
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.
