Elephant Back Mountain
Moderate hike in Yellowstone with breathtaking panoramic views of Yellowstone Lake and surrounding mountains.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light
Elephant Back Mountain
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Moderate hike in Yellowstone with breathtaking panoramic views of Yellowstone Lake and surrounding mountains.
"The hike of Elephant back mountain is very rewarding. The overlook up in the mountain is amazing."
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The trail can be snowy, so wear good hiking boots. Essential for a comfortable and safe trek!
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
The first mile is a steep climb. Stay hydrated and fueled for the rewarding summit views.
Quick Facts
Rating
5 · 7 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Yellowstone Lake Views
Summit
Breathtaking vistas of Yellowstone Lake and surrounding landscapes await at the summit. Absolutely worth the climb!
Wooded Hiking Trail
Lower trail sections
A scenic and regularly used trail winding through beautiful wooded areas, offering a pleasant hiking experience.
Wildlife Spotting Opportunities
Upper ridges and plateau
Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially on the upper ridges and plateau. Sightings are common for observant hikers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Elephant Back Mountain Ascent
Trail Conditions & What to Pack
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
What are the best hikes?
Im here until Monday and I plan on doing the mount Washburn hike. I have some open time after that, what are the best hikes in the park?
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The trail can be snowy, so wear good hiking boots. Essential for a comfortable and safe trek!
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
The first mile is a steep climb. Stay hydrated and fueled for the rewarding summit views.
Yellowstone Lake from Elephant Back Trail
I love that trail. This is a great photo, I would not have guessed this is from elephant back. Where is the hotel in relation to this pic?
📸 Capture the Views
The overlooks of Yellowstone Lake are spectacular. Don't forget your camera for amazing photos!
🦌 Watch for Wildlife
You might spot animals on the upper ridges. Always maintain a safe distance and never feed wildlife.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The trail can be snowy, so wear good hiking boots. Essential for a comfortable and safe trek!
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
The first mile is a steep climb. Stay hydrated and fueled for the rewarding summit views.
📸 Capture the Views
The overlooks of Yellowstone Lake are spectacular. Don't forget your camera for amazing photos!
🦌 Watch for Wildlife
You might spot animals on the upper ridges. Always maintain a safe distance and never feed wildlife.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Elephant Back Mountain trail for its rewarding summit views of Yellowstone Lake, calling the vistas well worth the climb. The scenic wooded path and potential for wildlife sightings are also frequently highlighted as positives. Some note the initial steep ascent as a challenge, but overall, the experience is highly recommended for its natural beauty and accessibility.
"Very nice hike and the Views at the top were worth the hike. Yellowstone Lake and Lake Lodge were really beautiful to view. Pretty wooded hiking trail, there was snow around, so it made it very interesting and pretty. Several trails to choose and regularly used."
J Johnson
"The hike of Elephant back mountain is very rewarding. The first mile or so you climb around 800 feet. but the overlook up in the mountain is amazing."
Yair Bentovim
"Short hike to great views of Yellowstone Lake"
Matt HermsenWhite
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Elephant Back Mountain trail is located in Yellowstone National Park, near Lake Village. Access is typically via the main park roads. Parking is available at the trailhead.
Yes, the trailhead for Elephant Back Mountain is accessible by car. Follow the park's road system to the designated parking area.
Lake Lodge and Lake Yellowstone Hotel are the closest lodging options to the Elephant Back Mountain trail, offering convenient access.
While possible, hiking Elephant Back Mountain in winter can be challenging due to snow and ice. It's recommended to check park conditions and be prepared for winter hiking.
Yellowstone National Park does not typically offer specific shuttle services directly to individual trailheads like Elephant Back Mountain. Visitors usually drive their own vehicles.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You need a valid Yellowstone National Park entrance pass to access the Elephant Back Mountain trail. The pass covers entry to the entire park.
The Elephant Back Mountain trail is generally accessible year-round during park operating hours. However, trail conditions can vary significantly with the seasons.
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Yellowstone National Park, which grants you access to all areas, including the Elephant Back Mountain trail.
Park entrance passes can be purchased online in advance or at park entrances. Trail access itself does not require separate booking.
No specific permits are required for day hiking on the Elephant Back Mountain trail. Standard park entrance fees apply.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike to the summit and back typically takes 2-3 hours, depending on your pace and how long you spend enjoying the views.
The Elephant Back Mountain trail is considered moderate. The first mile involves a significant elevation gain of about 800 feet.
Restroom facilities are usually available at the Elephant Back Mountain trailhead, but it's always a good idea to confirm current park amenities.
The trail can be challenging for very young children due to the elevation gain. Older children and families who are accustomed to hiking often enjoy it.
You'll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Yellowstone Lake, the Absaroka Range, and the surrounding park landscape.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. The 'golden hour' is particularly magical.
The summit overlook provides the most iconic shots of Yellowstone Lake. The wooded sections of the trail also offer beautiful, dappled light photography opportunities.
For personal photography, no special permit is required. Commercial photography or videography may require permits from the National Park Service.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions.
Yes, drone usage is strictly prohibited in all areas of Yellowstone National Park, including Elephant Back Mountain, to protect wildlife and visitor experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit