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Getting To The Trailhead: The trailhead is located on the East Entrance Road at the West end of Eleanor Lake. The trail actually begins on the opposite side of the road from the parking area (the parking area is on the South side.) Quick Facts: Roundtrip Mileage: 4 miles, Elevation Gain: 2100 Ft. |
The hike to Avalanche Peak provides some of the best views in Yellowstone. It’s a bit more of a mountaineering experience then most other hikes in the Park. The distance is rather short, but fairly steep. From the very beginning the trail starts climbing through a forest of lodgepole pines. During this stretch it seems as if the trail can’t decide if it wants to utilize switchbacks or just make you grunt directly up the mountain in beeline fashion.
A mile from the trailhead you will break out of the trees and have an unobstructed view of the Avalanche Peak summit. From here the trail heads West through the rocky terrain towards the ridgeline. You won’t have to worry about getting lost during this part of the hike. It is blatently obvious where you are heading...THE TOP! As you follow the ridgeline to the summit you will have outstanding views of Yellowstone Lake, the Gallatin Range east of the Park, and of Pelican Valley (prime grizzly habitat). Once reaching the summit simply return the way you came OR consider continuing to Hoyt Peak.
Looking to the East from Avalanche, you will see the jagged summit of Hoyt Peak. It’s pointed top was just too tempting for me to ignore and it may be for you as well.. The route is obvious because you have an unobstructed view of the ridgeline you will need to follow. From the top of Avalanche, simply head down and then back up the ridgeline. Imagine it as a big letter "U". When heading up the ridgeline to Hoyt Peak you will find some rather narrow stretches that are not for the faint of heart (dropoffs one either side.)
My advice for retuning to the trailhead of Hoyt is to backtrack exactly the way you came. Do not be tempted like I was to head straight down the South side of the moutain. The loose rocks made for a dangerous, slow, and unenjoyable trip down. Also, I had to bushwhack through some marshy areas once I (finally) reached treeline to get back to the trailhead.