Top-Rated Hikes of Yellowstone, Part 2
There’s an interesting phenomenon with hikes on the AllTrails app, namely that it’s almost impossible for a short hike to have a perfect 5-star rating, yet there are far more long hikes with perfect grades than short hikes. There are probably a few contributing factors in this, like that shorter hikes generally have many more reviews and longer hikes are only hiked by dedicated outdoors-people.
However, there is one exception to this rule in Yellowstone NP—but there’s a catch. There’s a 2-mile hike with few reviews and a starting point that’s already remote. This is Eagle Pass Mountain Creek Trail, which starts at the Upper Howell Creek campsite and goes to Eagle Pass. Reviews describe beauty in solitude, something sometimes hard to come by in a busy park like YNP. Let us know in the comments if you have done this hike and if it really does deserve its perfect rating!
For the very adventurous, we have combed through AllTrails to find every perfectly rated longer hike in YNP with at least 5 reviews (so, you know, it’s not just one person who thought it was nice). We found just 3.
Boundary Creek to Buffalo Lake Trail
Distance: 33.6 miles, 2,145 ft elevation gain
Description: This out-and-back meanders along the border of Wyoming and Idaho, passing ponds, streams, springs, waterfalls, and lakes. This hike, as well as those that follow, could be done in one day by someone with very good fitness and experience or could be a good candidate for backpacking.
Sportsman Lake Trail
Distance: 25.9 miles, 5,843 ft elevation gain
This out-and-back starts near Mammoth and traverses into Montana to Sportsman Lake. The trail crosses streams (you’ll get wet) and mountain peaks, so one should expect significant elevation on this, as well as stunning views.
Mist Creek Pass and Lamar Valley Trail
Distance: 33.7 miles, 2,919 ft elevation gain
Description: It should be clarified that this trail, which goes from Mist Creek Trailhead to Lamar Valley (if you want to be going mostly downhill), is 33.7 miles one way. You’ll probably need someone to pick you up when you finish. Most people do this on a several-day backpacking trip. This trail boasts incredible scenery and frequent animal encounters.
We hope you find many opportunities in the near future to get out and try some of these!
Growing up, Dillon could see the Grand Teton from his house on a clear day. His family took him to nearby national parks so often that he took the parks for granted. It took the rigors of life to teach him how good he had it, and he now spends as much time in the mountains as possible.
Photo by Peter Robbins on Unsplash
