Observation Peak Trail

Yellowstone National Park

strenuous

Length: 2.54 mi

Est. time: 1h 36m

Gain: 1,431 ft

Loss: 32 ft

Max elev: 9,405 ft

Point-to-pointTrail class 1Earthhike

Elevation profile

+1,431 ft gain · −32 ft loss — an estimate from a DEM.

Trailhead & logistics

Canyon Visitor Education Center (VisitorCenter)

What to know

Observation Peak Trail

⏱ This is a 9.6-mile (15.4-kilometer) there-and-back trail that begins and ends at the same trailhead.

🗓 summer, fall

Build a loop

Connects to:

4E3 Campsite Spur Trail 4P1 Campsite Spur Trail Cascade Lake Trail Howard Eaton Trail:Cascade Lake-Norris Campground

Connect the dots

Learn:

A Bear's Menu Atomic Elements and Archeology: Tracing Ancient Resource Access and Trade Routes Using XRF Dueling Mandates: Preservation and Use of National Parks Hard Core Rock How Geysers Erupt Imaginary Yellowstone Road Trip

Journeys:

Thomas Moran Horace M. Albright Philetus W. Norris William Henry Jackson Ferdinand Hayden

Plan smart, verify on site

Length, elevation, and difficulty are estimates derived from open data (NPS Public Trails GIS, high confidence) — not a safety guarantee. Conditions change; check current closures, weather, and water, and carry the essentials. Always defer to NPS.gov and park rangers.

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