View along the shore near Storm Point
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Storm Point Trail

4.8
·13 reviews·Cody, United States

A scenic 2.3-mile loop through fragrant pines to Yellowstone Lake, offering wildlife sightings and serene pond views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Fewer crowds, wildlife active

CrowdLow
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View along the shore near Storm Point

Storm Point Trail

Best Time

Summer mornings

Fewer crowds, wildlife active

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A scenic 2.3-mile loop through fragrant pines to Yellowstone Lake, offering wildlife sightings and serene pond views.

4.8
(13 reviews)

"10/10 for this hike. Strong smell of pine trees, the pond was super green in color, lots of ducks on it and buffalo."

Vertical photo
TIP

🐻 Bear Safety First!

Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Make noise to avoid surprising wildlife.

🥾 Trail Obstacles

Be prepared to climb over or under fallen trees. The clockwise route is often easier.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.9 · 14 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Indian Pond

Indian Pond

Start of the loop

A serene pond with vibrant green waters, often dotted with ducks and bison.

Yellowstone Lake Shoreline

Yellowstone Lake Shoreline

Along the loop

Walk along the water's edge with expansive views of the vast Yellowstone Lake.

Pine Forest Section

Pine Forest Section

Mid-loop

A fragrant pine forest offering a refreshing walk, sometimes with snow in early spring.

Bison Scratching Posts

Bison Scratching Posts

Along the trail

Observe trees and rocks marked with bison hair from where they scratch.

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Planning Your Visit

Best Time to Hike Storm Point Trail

Visit during warmer months for clear paths. Early mornings or late afternoons offer fewer crowds and better wildlife viewing opportunities. Be prepared for changing weather.

Wildlife Encounters on Storm Point Trail

This trail is known for wildlife, including bison and bears. Always maintain a safe distance, carry bear spray, and never feed animals. Stay aware of your surroundings.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, wildlife active
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light, wildlife
Crowd
Medium
When
Mid-May
Why
Snow-covered forest fun
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Storm Point Trail, Yellowstone Lake

The Yellowstone Lake area is not often recommended. We did this hike today and it was a highlight. The trail goes through grassland, forests and edges the lake for some beautiful views.

🐻 Bear Safety First!

Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Make noise to avoid surprising wildlife. Reddit

🥾 Trail Obstacles

Be prepared to climb over or under fallen trees. The clockwise route is often easier. Reddit

reddit.com

Trail suggestions in the park for a new hiker

This summer my fiancé and I are visiting the park for the first time. We are both beyond excited as it’s definitely a huge bucket list item to experience. Does anyone have any recommendations for trails for a plus size human who is new to hiking? This trip has been a turning…

reddit.com

Short Hikes

My husband and I are headed up to YNP June 5-9th, we are staying in Cody. We aren't experienced hikers but would love to do a couple miles especially if nice views and wild life are included. Anything nice trails near Cody or close to the entrance?

🌲 Scent of Pine

Enjoy the strong, refreshing smell of pine trees throughout much of the hike. Reddit

🦬 Bison Sightings

You'll likely see bison; keep a safe distance and admire them from afar. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🐻 Bear Safety First!

Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Make noise to avoid surprising wildlife. Reddit

🥾 Trail Obstacles

Be prepared to climb over or under fallen trees. The clockwise route is often easier. Reddit

🌲 Scent of Pine

Enjoy the strong, refreshing smell of pine trees throughout much of the hike. Reddit

🦬 Bison Sightings

You'll likely see bison; keep a safe distance and admire them from afar. Reddit

💧 Water Levels

Trail conditions can vary. Be aware of potential snowpack in early spring. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(13 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Storm Point Trail's natural beauty, from the vibrant Indian Pond to the expansive Yellowstone Lake views. The fragrant pine forest and frequent wildlife sightings, including bison, are major highlights. While some fallen trees can present minor challenges, the overall experience is described as enjoyable and worthwhile for its scenic rewards and wildlife encounters.

"10/10 for this hike. Strong smell of pine trees, the pond was super green in color, lots of ducks on it and buffalo. Have to climb over several fallen trees but it was so fun. You can see chunks of hair on the trees and rocks where the buffalo scratched often. Lots of animals on the trial since it seems to be less traveled. Squirls woodpeckers birds. Hike out to the storm point clockwise and back the same way for an easier hike. The last half of the trail to the left has a ton of fallen trees and would be hard for some people to find their way.. Also it's just mostly forest so you will not miss anything by skipping it."

Mindy McCord

"We took our 6 year old on this hike in mid-May and the pine forest part of the trail was still completely snow -packed. He loved it. Zero complaints the entire hike.
The scenery is lovely, views phenomenal, decent trail conditions (had to climb over/under 3 fallen trees) and well worth the time"

Samantha Rutkowske

"Enjoyable walking trail from the main road to the northern end of Yellowstone Lake. Walk along Indian Pond, pass a few buffalo into the distance and follow the water's edge into a wooded area. Continue onward through and out to the tip with expansive views of the Lake. A note to take caution as this area is slightly desolate so one may encounter wild animals including buffalo and bears."

Andy Ng

What People Like

Beautiful lake views
Abundant wildlife
Fragrant pine forest

What People Dislike

Fallen trees on trail
Can be windy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Storm Point Trail is accessible from the main road in Yellowstone National Park. The trailhead is often near Indian Pond, making it a convenient starting point for the loop. Parking can be limited, especially during peak season. Reddit

Public transportation options within Yellowstone are limited. It's best to have your own vehicle or utilize park shuttles if available to reach the trailhead. Check the park's official website for current shuttle routes. Reddit

From the main park road, look for signs for Indian Pond and the Storm Point Trail. The exact location can be found on park maps. It's a relatively easy drive from major park entrances. Reddit

Yes, there is typically a parking area near the trailhead. However, it can fill up quickly, especially during summer months. Arriving early is recommended. Reddit

While the primary access is from the main road near Indian Pond, the loop nature means you can theoretically connect from other areas, though this is less common and may involve longer, more challenging routes. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, hiking the Storm Point Trail itself does not require a separate ticket. However, you will need a valid Yellowstone National Park entrance pass to access the park. Reddit

The trail is generally accessible year-round, but conditions vary greatly. It's best to check the official Yellowstone National Park website for any seasonal closures or advisories, especially regarding snow. Reddit

Yes, there is an entrance fee for Yellowstone National Park. Fees are typically per vehicle and valid for seven days. Check the NPS website for current pricing. Reddit

While official guided tours specifically for Storm Point Trail might be limited, many park concessioners offer guided hikes and wildlife tours that may include this area. Inquire with park service providers. Reddit

For day hiking on Storm Point Trail, no special permits are typically required beyond the park entrance pass. Backcountry permits are needed for overnight stays. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Storm Point Trail is a 2.3-mile loop. Most visitors complete it in 1 to 2 hours, depending on their pace and how much time they spend observing wildlife or enjoying the views. Reddit

The trail is generally considered easy to moderate. It's mostly flat with some sections that require climbing over fallen trees. It's suitable for most fitness levels, including families. Reddit

Expect to see bison, squirrels, woodpeckers, and various birds. Bears are also present in the area, so always be bear aware. Reddit

Restroom facilities are typically not available directly on the trail itself. You may find them at nearby visitor centers or picnic areas. Plan accordingly. Reddit

Due to fallen trees and uneven terrain in some sections, the Storm Point Trail is not generally considered stroller or wheelchair accessible. The pine forest section can be particularly challenging. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The shores of Yellowstone Lake offer stunning panoramic shots. Indian Pond provides unique reflections and wildlife photo opportunities. The pine forest can be atmospheric, especially with morning mist. Reddit

Early morning and late afternoon provide the best light for photography, often referred to as the 'golden hours.' This is also when wildlife is most active. Reddit

A versatile zoom lens is recommended to capture both landscapes and wildlife. A wide-angle lens is great for the lake views. Consider a telephoto lens for distant animals. Reddit

Drones are generally prohibited in all national parks, including Yellowstone, for safety and wildlife disturbance reasons. Always check the latest park regulations. Reddit

Yes, but always maintain a safe and respectful distance. Never use flash photography, as it can disturb animals. Use a telephoto lens to get close-up shots safely. Reddit

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