Elephant Back Trail
This trail ascends Elephant Back Mountain, a peculiar flat-topped, steep-sided mountain.
Plan Around Elephant Back Trail
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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Elephant Back Trail Details
This trail ascends Elephant Back Mountain, a peculiar flat-topped, steep-sided mountain that is actually an ancient, eroded lava flow. The trail climbs steadily from the beginning, and follows an undamaged forested ridge until it begins a much steep ascent to the mountain's plateau-like summit. Although all viewpoints along the trail are somewhat narrow, framed by tall lodgepole pines and firs, the vistas are rich with sights of the northwest section of Yellowstone Lake, the Absaroka Range, Stevenson Island, and Mary Bay. This trail is periodically closed due to bear activity, and hikers should be prepared for bear sightings during warmer months.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
3.6 miles
Estimated time
2.5 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Elephant Back Trail
Compare nearby parks around Elephant Back Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Elephant Back Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Elephant Back Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.3 mi away
Lake Lodge
You'll find casual lodging and dining at the Lake Lodge.
0.3 mi away
Cruising the Caldera Tour
If you want to experience the heart of Yellowstone in a single, well planned day, Cruising the Caldera follows the parks lower loop, where most of its most famous sights are found.
0.3 mi away
Lake Butte Sunset Guided Tour
Evenings along Yellowstone Lake are something special.
0.3 mi away
Lake Yellowstone Hotel Tour
Step inside the story of the Grand Old Lady of the Lake.
0.3 mi away
Picture Perfect Photo Safari Guided Tour
Yellowstone is a dream landscape for photographers, from frost tipped bison at dawn to steam rising in golden light above thermal streams.
