Avalanche Peak Hiking Guide - Yellowstone National Park

Hiking Guides

Aug 25

Written By Kelsey

The Avalanche Peak Trail is a popular hiking trail located in Yellowstone National Park, which is primarily in the U.S. state of Wyoming, but also extends into Montana and Idaho. Avalanche Peak is one of the prominent peaks in the park and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. You can even see Grand Teton National Park from the peak. Here's some information about the trail:

TRAIL OVERVIEW

Location: The trailhead is located in the eastern part of Yellowstone National Park, near the Sylvan Pass area.
Distance: The round-trip distance of the trail is approximately 4.2 miles, and while that isn’t too bad, it honestly felt so much further because of how steep it was.
Elevation Gain: The trail gains around 2,100 feet in elevation, making it a moderately strenuous hike.
Difficulty: The hike is considered moderately difficult due to the steep ascent, but it's accessible to many hikers with varying levels of experience.

TRAIL TERRAIN (DESCRIPTION)

The Avalanche Peak Trail offers a rewarding hike with incredible views. The trail starts from the parking area near Sylvan Pass and immediately begins a steep ascent through a forested area. As you gain elevation, the trees thin out, providing occasional views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Towards the final ascent is where most of the snow is that you will see depending on the time of year. If you do not have good hiking shoes, I wouldn’t recommend trying to trek through the snow. We didn’t have hiking poles, but if you like to use them, it would be perfect for portions of this hike.

The final ascent to the peak becomes steeper and more exposed, leading to a rocky summit. Be careful at the top of the peak, there is a false trail to the right, so stick to the left to remain on the correct trail. From the summit of Avalanche Peak, you are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Absaroka Range, Yellowstone Lake, and the surrounding landscapes.

The top of the mountain gives beautiful views of the mountain ranges around you. You can see for miles and have a 360 vantage point of the surrounding areas. The weather was a bit cold at the top of the peak, so remember to bring layers, even in the summer.

BEST TIME TO GO

The best time to hike the Avalanche Peak Trail is during the summer months, typically from June to September. The trail can be covered in snow during other times of the year, and conditions can be challenging and potentially dangerous. We went in the middle of the summer, and still walked through mounds of snow on some portions of this hike, so remember to wear good hiking shoes. We also were bundled with two layers, beanies, and long pants.

Tips to Remember: While the Avalanche Peak Trail offers stunning vistas, hikers should be aware of the following safety considerations:

Weather can change rapidly in the mountains. Be prepared for sudden shifts in weather conditions and bring appropriate clothing and gear.
Stay on the designated trail to prevent damaging fragile alpine ecosystems. Remember my mention about the false trail to the right towards the top of the peak.
Carry enough water and snacks, as there are no water sources along the trail.
Check with park officials for any trail closures or warnings before embarking on your hike.
Go early to avoid crowds.

As with any hike, it's important to be adequately prepared, follow Leave No Trace principles, and prioritize safety at all times.

Remember, conditions and details about trails can change often over time, so it's a good idea to check with the official Yellowstone National Park website or visitor center for the most up-to-date information before planning your hike.