Mount Washburn Trail Yellowstone National Park
Conquer Mount Washburn for unparalleled 360° views of Yellowstone's vast landscapes and a chance to spot iconic wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Mount Washburn Trail Yellowstone National Park
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Conquer Mount Washburn for unparalleled 360° views of Yellowstone's vast landscapes and a chance to spot iconic wildlife.
"The views from the top are breathtaking and worth every step of the climb!"
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail is well-maintained but can be rocky. Good footwear is essential for comfort and stability.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water & Snacks
It's a strenuous hike with significant elevation gain. Stay hydrated and fueled!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Summit Views
Mount Washburn Summit
Experience 360-degree vistas of Yellowstone's vast landscapes, including the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Truly unforgettable!
Historic Fire Lookout Tower
Mount Washburn Summit
Explore one of the oldest active fire lookout towers in the park, offering historical insights and incredible photo opportunities.
Abundant Wildlife Sightings
Mount Washburn Trail
Keep an eye out for mountain goats and bighorn sheep often seen grazing near the trail. A true highlight for nature lovers!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Altitude Acclimation is Key
Wildlife Encounters & Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail is well-maintained but can be rocky. Good footwear is essential for comfort and stability.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water & Snacks
It's a strenuous hike with significant elevation gain. Stay hydrated and fueled!
🐻 Carry Bear Spray
Essential for safety in bear country. Know how to use it.
📸 Capture the Epic Views
The summit offers unparalleled photo ops. Don't forget your camera or phone!
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail is well-maintained but can be rocky. Good footwear is essential for comfort and stability.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water & Snacks
It's a strenuous hike with significant elevation gain. Stay hydrated and fueled!
🐻 Carry Bear Spray
Essential for safety in bear country. Know how to use it.
📸 Capture the Epic Views
The summit offers unparalleled photo ops. Don't forget your camera or phone!
🐐 Watch for Wildlife
Mountain goats and bighorn sheep are common sightings. Keep a safe distance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the absolutely breathtaking panoramic views from the summit of Mount Washburn, calling it a highlight of their Yellowstone trip. The well-maintained trail and the chance to see wildlife like mountain goats and bighorn sheep are frequently praised. Some hikers note the strenuous nature of the climb and the impact of high altitude, recommending ample preparation.
"We hiked this in early August with our kids. (10 and 8) we started at Dunraven trail head. We planned for lots of breaks. We did this later in our trip to acclimate as much as possible to the altitude. It was 1300ft climb to 10k ft and we all felt it. The breaks helped us all and made it a successful hike. It took us around 5 hours with a long break at the top. The trail is in great shape. The views are breath taking and getting to the top was amazing. At the top is an active fire tower. (One of the oldest that is still active.). There are lots of boards at the top that describe what you are seeing. The bathrooms at the top are also great. I would highly recommend this as part of your Yellowstone trip. We had lots of snacks and water and a lunch for the top and started around 9am. We only saw about a dozen mountain goats, but I would guess each day hikers encounter wildlife of some sort. The pictures don’t do the views justice."
Amy Liedman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular trailhead for Mount Washburn is the Dunraven Pass Trailhead, located off the Grand Loop Road between Tower-Roosevelt and Canyon Village. Another access point is the Chittenden Road Trailhead, which is a shorter, steeper option.
Yes, both the Dunraven Pass and Chittenden Road trailheads have designated parking areas. However, these can fill up quickly during peak season, so arriving early is recommended.
Mount Washburn is typically closed to vehicles and hikers in winter due to heavy snow. The road to the summit usually opens in late May or early June, depending on snow conditions. Always check the official Yellowstone National Park website for current road status.
Yellowstone National Park does not offer direct public transport to the Mount Washburn trailheads. You will need your own vehicle or to arrange private transportation.
From the West Entrance (West Yellowstone, MT), it's about a 1.5-hour drive. From the North Entrance (Gardiner, MT), it's roughly a 2-hour drive. From the South Entrance (Grand Teton NP), it's about a 2.5-hour drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no separate ticket required to hike Mount Washburn. Your standard Yellowstone National Park entrance fee covers access to all trails, including Mount Washburn.
The trail itself is accessible during daylight hours when the park is open. The fire lookout tower at the summit may have specific operating hours, but the views from the summit are always accessible.
Yes, Yellowstone National Park has an entrance fee per vehicle, which is valid for seven days. You can purchase passes online or at any park entrance station.
While there aren't typically official park-guided hikes specifically for Mount Washburn, some private tour operators in the Yellowstone area may offer guided hiking tours. It's best to research local tour companies.
There are no age restrictions for hiking Mount Washburn, but the strenuous nature and high altitude make it more suitable for older children and adults. Families with young children should plan for extra breaks.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike from Dunraven Pass is approximately 6.8 miles roundtrip and can take 3-5 hours, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the summit. The Chittenden Road trailhead is shorter but steeper.
The trail has an elevation gain of about 1,300 feet, reaching an summit elevation of over 10,200 feet. This can be challenging for those not accustomed to high altitudes.
Yes, there are restrooms available at the summit near the fire lookout tower, which is a welcome amenity after the hike.
You have a good chance of spotting mountain goats and bighorn sheep, especially near the summit. Other wildlife like marmots and various birds are also common.
No, pets are not allowed on hiking trails in Yellowstone National Park, including Mount Washburn, to protect wildlife and park ecosystems.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunrise and sunset can be spectacular if you're able to hike during those times.
You can capture sweeping panoramic shots of Yellowstone's diverse landscapes, including Hayden Valley, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and distant mountain ranges. Wildlife photography is also popular.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive vistas. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife photography, allowing you to get closer shots from a safe distance.
General photography is permitted. However, drone usage is strictly prohibited within Yellowstone National Park without a permit.
The summit itself offers the most iconic views. The fire lookout tower provides a unique foreground element, and any spot where you encounter wildlife will yield memorable shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Reaching the summit and exploring the historic fire lookout tower is a rewarding experience for all ages. The restrooms at the top are also a convenient bonus. While the hike is strenuous, many families find it a memorable and achievable adventure with proper preparation and a positive attitude.
⛰️ Altitude-Sensitive Hikers
Listen to your body during the hike. If you experience symptoms of altitude sickness such as headache, nausea, or dizziness, take a break, descend if necessary, and consider consulting a medical professional. The trail is well-maintained, but the altitude is the primary factor to manage. Taking it slow and steady, with plenty of rest stops, can make the summit achievable even for those concerned about altitude.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mount Washburn Trail Experience
As you ascend, the landscape transforms, opening up to vast meadows and rocky outcrops. The reward at the summit is a breathtaking 360-degree panorama. You can see landmarks like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Hayden Valley, and the Absaroka Range. The presence of an active fire lookout tower adds a historical element to the experience, and interpretive boards help identify the surrounding features.
Many visitors recommend starting their hike in the morning to avoid the midday sun and potential afternoon thunderstorms. The trail is also known for wildlife sightings, with mountain goats and bighorn sheep frequently seen grazing near the summit. Remember to always maintain a safe distance and carry bear spray for your protection.
+1Wildlife on Mount Washburn
+1It's crucial to remember that these are wild animals, and maintaining a safe and respectful distance is paramount. Park regulations prohibit approaching wildlife, and feeding them is strictly forbidden. Always use binoculars or a telephoto lens to get a closer look without disturbing them. Carrying bear spray is also essential, as black bears and grizzly bears inhabit the park and can be encountered on trails.
Beyond the larger mammals, keep an eye out for smaller creatures like marmots, pikas, and a variety of bird species that call the alpine environment home. The diverse ecosystem of Mount Washburn makes it a fascinating place for nature enthusiasts and a highlight for many Yellowstone visitors.
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