Introduction:
What? :
The main attractions of Yellowstone National Park are the geothermal wonders, the Canyon and its waterfalls and the animal viewing. The park also offers great hiking experiences. One such gem is the hike to Ice Lake, an easy short hike through re-growth forest leading to a quiet lake.
If you are looking to escape the crowds and stretch your leg for a relatively short backcountry experience, this is your destination.
Where? :
The Ice Lake Trailhead is conveniently located in the central section of Yellowstone, right on the road connecting the Norris and Canyon areas.
The trailhead is approximately 3.3 to 3.5 miles east of Norris Junction, look for a small signed roadside pullout on the north side of the park (right side if you are coming from Canyon Junction).
From the pullout, the trail heads directly into the forest on the north side of the highway.
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When? :
The park is open year round, but the journey to get here and the surrounding scenery change dramatically between summer and winter.
For most people, late May to September is the ideal time to visit here.
My personal recommendations are to visit Yellowstone National Park during the month of September.
The park is not as crowded as the peak tourist season of the summer months, the weather is ideal for hiking, it is not so hot or cold, all the roads are still open and the animals are in their active months.
Another option is during June when the snow is mainly cleared, all is green and the animals are getting out and active after the long winter.
Summer:
This is the peak Season (Mid-June to Mid-September)
All park roads are open to personal vehicles, making it easy to drive right to any destination within the park.
It is very crowded here during the summer months. Traffic jams, slow drive and challenges with finding parking spots.
Days are usually warm (70-80f), but nights can still be cool. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.
All hotels, lodges and campgrounds are open, high price and reservation need many months in advance.
Fall:
Fall season is short (Mid-September to end October) offering pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds than summer.
All roads are still open (most interior roads close to vehicles by early November), usually there is no heavy snow but you should expect a mix of sunny and rainy days and cold temperatures.
Daytime highs can range from the 40-70F, with nights dropping below freezing.
Winter:
Winter (Mid-December to Mid-March) transforms the park into a quiet, magical, snow-covered land.
The geyser's steam plumes are enormous.
Crowds are minimal.
Most interior park roads are closed to regular cars. You must travel into the park by a guided snowcoach or on a permitted snowmobile tour.
If you plan to visit Yellowstone in the winter, you will need to book a tour from one of the gateway towns like West Yellowstone or Mammoth Hot Springs (which is accessible by private vehicle year-round via the North Entrance).
The weather is cold with daytime temperatures between 0-20f.
You need proper, layered, waterproof and warm winter clothing is essential.
Spring:
Spring is a very short season in Yellowstone, practically in May and early June.
Some roads start to get open during end of April
Crowds are minimal, especially in April and May, making for a quiet visit.
Weather is unpredictable, with the potential for warm, pleasant days mixed with snow, rain, and freezing temperatures.
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Tips and inputs:
Due note 1:
This is not a long hike but bring water with you.
Due note 2:
There are no facilities like toilets.
Nearby Services is located at Canyon Village. You can find there extensive services, including a Visitor Center, lodging, a campground, restaurants, general stores, and a gas station.
Due note 3:
Dress in Layers: Yellowstone's weather can change quickly even during the summer months. Be prepared for sun, rain, wind, and cold temperatures.
Due note 4:
Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and hike in groups while making noise (calling out "Hey Bear!" occasionally) to alert wildlife to your presence.
Remember to maintain a safe and legal distance from all wildlife: 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from all other animals, including the bighorn sheep.
Due note 5:
Since this area is marshy and near water, mosquitoes and biting insects can be intense, particularly in early summer (June and July).
My thoughts:
I really liked this hike although I did not see any animals. It was a short easy hike to the lake, perfect for stretching my legs.
The Hike:
The Short & Sweet Walk (Highly Recommended) has a distance of approximately 1 mile, you can extend it depending on how far you walk around the far side of the lake shoreline.
This is a very easy hike where the trail is flat and wide, suitable for nearly all fitness levels and families.
From the trailhead, the path quickly enters into a dense, regenerating lodgepole pine forest. You can see all the old dead logs on the ground, a reminder of the 1988 fires that swept through this area.
The short walk is peaceful, traversing a mix of dirt trail and some sections near the trail covered in the remnants of old, fallen lodgepole trunks.
In just under half a mile, you can see the sight of Ice Lake on your right, there are few unmarked trails leading to the lake shore.
Ice Lake is a quiet, narrow and long shaped lake, one of the headwaters of the Gibbon River.
Its waters are cold and clear, reflecting the dense surrounding forest.
Keep walking the main trail until you reach a trail junction, about half a mile from the trailhead.
Here you can walk left to the direction of Norris basin (about 3.5 miles) or right over a trail leading deep into the wilderness, to the direction of Wolf Lake.
Summery:
This hike is surprisingly short, level, and incredibly rewarding, making it an excellent stop for families, casual hikers, and anyone looking for a moment of serene backcountry solitude without the all-day commitment.
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