The Riddle Lake Trail is an easy 2.5 mile hike in southern Yellowstone National Park that culminates in a gorgeous and expansive glacial lake. While the trail wanders along the shores for about a half-mile, the official terminus is along a wide black sand beach with beautifully large views.

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Riddle Lake Trail Description

The Riddle Lake Trail begins by wandering through a forest, partially burned in the ’88 Fires. You’ll pass through an occasional small meadow, either along the trail or close enough to see through the trees. Not long after starting, the road noise will fade into the silent forest.

A seasonal drainage will soon begin to zigzag along with the trail through the conifer woods. Soon after, you’ll cross a relatively large meadow, also a seasonal drainage, where you’ll then parallel its opposite side for a short distance.

Bending back into the green forest, you’ll begin to make out large wetlands and ponds to your right. Popping in and out of the woods, you’ll emerge at a stunning view of Riddle Lake sprawled out below Mount Sheridan. While this makes a perfectly place to end the hike and enjoy the view, those wanting a little more can continue up the trail.

Through evergreen trees lining the shore, the trail continues onward, wrapping around the lake. The trees soon give way to a large open beach, intermixed with ground-up lava rock, at the northeast end of the lake. Enjoy the view as long as you’d like, then head out the same way you came in.

Getting There

From Yellowstone National Park’s South Entrance, drive north for 17.1 miles and look for the trailhead on your right. If you see the Continental Divide sign, you just passed it.