Grebe Lake

Grebe Lake is an easy 3.4 mile hike to a beautiful outstretched lake on the Solfatara Plateau of Yellowstone National Park. The trail is heavily wooded, crossing through both old growth as well as recovering forests from the ’88 fires. The terminus of the trail drops hikers down at the large and isolated glacial lake, providing a wonderful sense of solitude and natural beauty.

Grebe Lake Trail Description

From the trailhead, head into the forest along the wide trail. Up ahead, Mount Washburn rises above the treeline, visible through the break in the trees over the trail. As the straight shot begins to wind through the woods, you’ll notice the trail also narrowing. The road noise also quickly fades as you zig and zag through the recovering ’88 fires regrowth and meadows.

As you pass 1 mile in, you’ll notice a little lake on the right. If you’re hiking later in the season, the lake will most likely be dry. Passing through a large meadow around the lake, you’ll soon continue winding through the forest.

For many, the next couple of miles will feel a little monotonous as the scenery doesn’t change much from the forest surroundings. As you begin to near the 2.5 mile mark, however, the trail will begin to descend noticeably more, albeit gradually. As the rate of descent begins to steepen slightly, you’ll then make out some water through the trees. Twisting to the shore of Grebe Lake, you reach a junction in the trail where a backcountry campsite veers off to the left. You can either enjoy this spot as the end, or continue right to explore a little more. Pressing on just a bit more yields more views and landscapes.

As you bend around the eastern shore of Grebe Lake, you’ll notice the lake sprawling into the distance westward. Soon, you’ll reach another junction with a trail connecting Cascade Lake to the right, and Wolf Lake to the left. Find a comfortable vantage point and enjoy your time at the lake. When ready, head back out the same way you came in.

Getting There

From Canyon Village, head west for 3.8 miles. Look for the Grebe Lake Trailhead on your right.