Ribbon Lake Loop

The Ribbon Lake Loop is a moderate 7 mile loop that brings hikers to the peaceful Ribbon Lake in Yellowstone National Park. Located just off the south rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, the hike includes tranquil forests, geyser basins, and also Clear Lake.

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Ribbon Lake Loop Trail Description

From the Wapiti Lake Trailhead, climb up the hill through a quick forest grove. Beyond the grove, the trail trends upward over large exposed hills – the northernmost reaches of the Hayden Valley. Ascend to a large hill with panoramic views, offering breathtaking views southward toward more of the valley below. Mount Washburn defines the northern horizon in the opposite direction.

You’ll reach your first junction at 0.5 miles in. Proceed right to begin the loop to Ribbon Lake. Wandering through open grasslands and sagebrush, you’ll quickly reach an expansive overlook of the Hayden Valley once again. Past the overlook, descend the hills ahead, and at 0.9 miles in, you’ll find a junction with the Sour Creek Trail. Continue left (straight) to proceed to Ribbon Lake.

As you continue to drop toward the approaching forest, you’ll cross a seasonal creek, followed by sporadic trees. Pass through a small forested grove before reaching a small geyser basin. The minimal thermal features break up the forest momentarily as you enter the woods once again. As the forest begins to thicken, more thermal features will begin to break up the forest in other areas.

Crossing a thermal runoff stream, the forest will thin as you near a meadow. Once you pass a few more thermal features, the forest will thin more as you reach a massive meadow. The trail will stick close to the treeline along the meadow’s edge, passing a small series of ponds on the right farther ahead. You’ll make your way through a finger of forest before crossing another arm of the meadow, finally reentering the forest once again.

A light ascent brings you through an easy wander through the serene woods. The relatively lengthy stretch of trail soon brings you to a junction with the Wapiti Lake Trail at 3 miles in. Stay left and proceed through the trees.

The trail will wrap around a pond on the left and shortly after, Ribbon Lake becomes visible briefly through the trees. Maintain a mellow meander through the forest as you begin to wrap around the edge of the sprawling lake’s perimeter. You soon reach another junction at 4 miles in. Right will bring you to a pair of backcountry campsites, as well as another view of the canyon, while left will begin to close out the loop.

Heading left, you’ll make a brief but steep climb through the woods. The trail will continue its lengthy stretch through forested terrain. At 5.25 miles in, you’ll reach another junction, this one allowing you the option to head to the Point Sublime Trail by going right. Head left to proceed back to the trailhead.

Thermal features begin to thin out the trees as you zig and zag through a small geyser basin. Mud pots and fumaroles line the trail through here, marked by logs. The bright white mineral deposits on the ground are a stark contrast to the previous miles of the trail. Ascending easily out of the basin, you’ll cross over a small rise before passing along the shores of Clear Lake.

Clear Lake is a dazzling gem of a lake with bright turquoise waters coupled with a rotten stench of sulfur. Despite the odor, the southern shore that you hike along is still quite inviting.

Past Clear Lake, you’ll make a quick climb to a junction at 6 miles in. Continue left to wind up a hill with intermittent trees from a nearby forest grove. Shortly after, the Hayden Valley becomes visible once again as you near the end of the loop. Continue along as you begin to descend through the open sagebrush hills, closing out the loop at 6.5 miles in. From the junction, it’s an easy straight shot back to the trailhead.

Getting There

From Canyon Village, head south along the Grand Loop Road for 2.3 miles. Turn left into South Rim Drive and after immediately crossing the Yellowstone River, look for the Wapiti Lake Trailhead parking lot on your right.