Yellowstone - Mount Washburn Hike

Introduction:

What? :

Mount Washburn hike in Yellowstone National Park is one of the most rewarding day adventures you can do in the park.

This moderately to strenuous challenging climb leads you up to an elevation of 10,243 feet, where the 360-degree panoramic views of the park's vast wilderness are truly incomparable.

From this peak, you can gaze upon the Teton Range far away, the Absaroka Mountains, Yellowstone Lake, and the winding Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone down below you.

From Chittenden Road / Mount Washburn North Trailhead this is 6 miles out and back hike with almost 1,700 ft of elevation gain. Including my rest at the peak observation point house it took me two and a half hours to complete this hike.

Where? :

Mount Washburn is centrally located in the northern section of Yellowstone National Park, along the Grand Loop Road between Canyon Village and Tower-Roosevelt.

There are two primary trailheads to choose from:

Dunraven Pass Trailhead (South): Located at the high point of Dunraven Pass.

Chittenden Road Parking Area (North): Accessed via a spur road off the Grand Loop Road, a few miles north of Dunraven Pass.

This is what I did and described in the blog below.

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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:

The mountain’s accessibility and the amazing view from its peak makes it one of the park’s most popular day hikes.

Due note 2:

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 4:

Dress in Layers: Yellowstone's weather can change quickly even during the summer months. Be prepared for sun, rain, wind, and cold temperatures.

Some sections of the trail are exposed to the sun so bring a hat, use sunscreen and use sunglasses.

It is often significantly colder and windier at the top than at the trailhead, even in mid-summer. Bring a warm jacket, bini, and gloves.

Due note 5:

All sections of the trail are exposed to the sun so bring a hat, use sunscreen and use sunglasses.

An early start helps you beat the midday sun and, more importantly, afternoon thunderstorms, which are common and make being above the tree line dangerous.

Due note 6:

This is a long hike so bring at least 2-3 liters of water with you.

Bring snacks and light food to the hike.

Due note 7:

There are restrooms at the trail head and the mountain peak viewing point.

Due note 8:

Mount Washburn is bear country. 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.

My thoughts:

I visit here on a cold rainy day and the mountain's high elevation and the exposed trail enhance this weather but the view for the top of the mountain was rewording.

The visit:

Mount Washburn, at its 10,243 feet peak, dominates the area north of Yellowstone River Canyon. The mountain itself is a remnant of an ancient volcano, offering a dramatic backdrop to the forest below and tens of miles away.

The area is a prime spot for viewing bighorn sheep, which are frequently seen grazing along the slopes. On my hike I saw a female and young cab just near the trail.

To reach Chittenden Road Parking Area and Trailhead you need to exit the park Grand Loop Rd. and climb a well maintained dirt road for 1.2 miles until you reach the large parking lot.

The Hike:

From the parking lot it is 6 miles out and back hike with almost 1,700 ft of elevation gain.

I will consider it as moderately strenuous. It has significant elevation gain, but the paths are wide (old service road), well-maintained and climb gradually, but fully exposed.

I'm a fast hiker and the cold wind and rain gave me extra “motivation” to walk fast and it took me 2.5 hours, allow yourself 3 to 5 hours for the round-trip hike.

The hike starts traversing up the ridge line, constantly climbing up from the get-go.

After a steep section the singletrack trail connects to the old service road.

From here you will walk on the road, where it gradually but constantly climbs the side of the mountain.

You will pass a large dead forest section and reach a top of forested area and the last few road switchbacks leading to the summit.

After about 3 switchbacks you will circle the summit and reach the large flat area near the summit lookout and communication tower.

Facilities at the Summit:

The summit of Mount Washburn, at 10,219 feet, is more than just a magnificent viewpoint.

You can find here a surprisingly large concrete building, a historic fire lookout tower which is actively staffed during fire season and a lot of communication towers.