If you are looking for a great view, head to the South Rim Trail at Yellowstone National Park. Let’s go!
Parking
As you’ve probably figured out by now, driving around Yellowstone is an absolute must. It’s such a large National Park that getting to one end from the other could take you several hours. All those cars driving around leads to lack of parking in some areas. For this trail, you shouldn’t have too much trouble. We parked in the Wapiti Lake parking area and walked to the South Rim trailhead. Our reason for parking here was because we decided to combine the South Rim Trail with the LilyPad/Clear Lake/Ribbon Lake Trail in order to make a 4.5 mile loop.
To the trail
Once you’ve parked, make your way out to Artist Point Road and towards the bridge. When you get to the bridge, don’t cross it. The trail starts here. The Yellowstone River will be on your left and Artist Point Road will be on your right. I hope that you will be able to walk the trail all the way to Uncle Tom’s Parking Area where the overlook and Uncle Tom’s Trail (328 steps trail) are located. While we were there, the Yellowstone River was flowing rapidly so they closed a portion of the trail around Uncle Tom’s Trail. If it is closed, just do like we did. Head back to Artist Point Road and walk on the road to Uncle Tom’s parking area. We were able to get back on the trail from here. We weren’t able to do Uncle Tom’s Trail which was really disappointing, but I hope you can!
Back to the trail
Before you continue on the trail, take advantage of the overlook. The view of the Upper Falls is beautiful.
And the views only get better as you walk down the trail. From every direction you can see beauty in everything. There is so much diversity on this trail.
Artist Point
When you’ve reached the halfway mark, you’ve reached what some might say is the best part of the trail… Artist Point. There’s a pretty good chance you’ve at least seen a picture of this place as it is possibly the most photographed area in the entire park. Don’t forget to grab your own photo!
Continue on the trail
When you’ve had your fill of Artist Point, head to the lowest viewing area and find the trail again. You’ll stay on the trail for about a 0.5 mile. This 0.5 mile is possibly the toughest part of the trail with a 120 feet elevation gain. Now, you’ll reach the trail for Lily Pad lake. Take a right. Once you find yourself on this trail, you’ll encounter 5 unique Yellowstone wonders.
1. Lily Pad Lake
It seems fairly obvious how this small, secluded lake got its name. The pond lilies abound all across the water. You’ll find peace and quiet here. A great place to sit and listen to the sounds of Yellowstone. Just past the lake, take a right on Ribbon Lake Trail.
2. Mudpots
As you walk down the trail, a familiar smell hits your nose. It can only be one thing…mudpots. This is yet another thermal area in Yellowstone. It feels tucked away and almost like its there for only you to enjoy. Be careful while in this area. Don’t get too close to the thermal features.
3. Clear Lake
Just past the thermal area is the beautiful Clear Lake. What a change! Those mudpots were somewhat lacking in the color department, but this area is full of warm and cool tones. On a hot day, you may be tempted to dip a toe in or even your whole body. Don’t do it! The lake is a hydrothermal area. Yikes! Just past Clear Lake, the trail come to a “Y.” Keep to the left.
4. Trees
Shortly after the lake, you’ll get a glimpse of another Yellowstone frequenter on this trail…bears. Look to the trees and find evidence of bears marking their territory here. Be sure to make some noise while you’re hiking. We didn’t see any while we were there, but there was plenty of evidence around.
5. Grassland
You’re in the home stretch now and almost back to the Wapiti Lake parking area. You’ll walk the last mile through the beautiful, open grassland. There is an incredible 360 view all around. So much to see! So much to love!
Consider the Wonders is not affiliated with Yellowstone National Park.
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