Mount Washburn and Avalanche Peak Day Hikes

The longer route starts at the Dunraven Pass Trailhead on the Grand Loop Road, a 6.2-mile round trip. A shorter 5-mile round trip begins at the parking area at the end of Chittenden Road. Both follow wide former service roads with a steady climb and no scrambling.

On a clear day the summit view stretches 20 to 50 miles, taking in Yellowstone Lake, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and the distant Tetons. The top holds one of the park's three fire lookout stations, with interpretive exhibits inside its base. The slopes are good for spotting bighorn sheep and wildflowers. The summit is fully exposed, so bring extra layers even in summer, turn back if storms build, and allow time to adjust to the altitude.

Avalanche Peak is a tougher climb that draws fewer people than Mount Washburn. Hikers who put in the effort get a quieter trail and even better views of the surrounding mountains.

Fairy Falls drops 200 feet and ranks among Yellowstone's tallest waterfalls. From the Fairy Falls parking area, one mile south of Midway Geyser Basin, it is a mostly flat 5.4-mile round trip through young lodgepole pine forest. A longer approach starts at the end of Fountain Flat Drive. Past the falls, the trail continues 0.6 mile to Spray and Imperial geysers.

The Lamar River Trail leads through the remote northeast corner of the park, where bison live alongside elk, pronghorn, wolves and grizzly bears. Bears can appear on any of these hikes, so carry water and bear spray and stay alert for wildlife.