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Mount Washburn

4.5 of 5 stars 304 Reviews
#20 of 137 things to do in Yellowstone National Park
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Address: Yellowstone National Park, WY
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Description:

This 10,243-foot peak is located in Yellowstone National Park.

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“Great Views for a little bit of effort”

This is a 8 foot wide formally paved road that weaves its way up to a fire tower at the peak of Mt. Washburn. The grade was relatively gradual and not too strenuous. I think the... read more

4 of 5 starsReviewed yesterday
Katie L
,
Boston, Massachusetts
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304 Reviews from our TripAdvisor Community

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Showing 282: English reviews
Boston, Massachusetts
Level Contributor
6 reviews
4 attraction reviews
“Great Views for a little bit of effort”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed yesterday NEW

This is a 8 foot wide formally paved road that weaves its way up to a fire tower at the peak of Mt. Washburn. The grade was relatively gradual and not too strenuous. I think the hardest part for me was the altitude. The fire tower at the top is great to warm up (there was snow at the top... More 

Helpful?
Thank Katie L
Level Contributor
7 reviews
6 attraction reviews
common_n_attraction_reviews_1bd8 2 helpful votes
“Good view of the park, but not a thrilling hike”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 days ago NEW

I stumbled onto this hike while driving around one day, looking for something to do, and decided to give it a go. It is pretty much a long, consistent walk up a moderate hill of mostly switchbacks. Not thrilling by any means, but I did appreciate the view of the park at the top. You could see most of the... More 

Helpful?
Thank Dan S
Milton, Massachusetts
Level Contributor
183 reviews
64 attraction reviews
common_n_attraction_reviews_1bd8 22 helpful votes
“Just ok”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 week ago NEW

This was a little disappointing to see but it was on our way. I wouldn't drive out of the way to see this.

Helpful?
Thank El C
Orlando, Florida
Level Contributor
289 reviews
223 attraction reviews
common_n_attraction_reviews_1bd8 249 helpful votes
“Not worth the hike”
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 week ago

I've hiked in national parks across the country and Mt Washburn may be one of the most overrated hikes out there. The hike is all uphill to an observation tower/weather station then all downhill to the parking lot. The little observation tower is cool and the view is nice, but the hike just doesn't justify it to me. I like... More 

Helpful?
1 Thank Chris N
Lombard, Illinois
Level Contributor
1,393 reviews
589 attraction reviews
common_n_attraction_reviews_1bd8 268 helpful votes
“Great spot”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 week ago

The views from the top are amazing. If you are at Yellowstone, I assume that's why you are there so this is a must do. I saw three black bears on the way up. And numerous Rams, including two males with huge curled horns. Also a bison all the way near the top. A great spot.

Helpful?
Thank LostALot22
Philadelphia
Level Contributor
19 reviews
7 attraction reviews
common_n_attraction_reviews_1bd8 14 helpful votes
“Iconic hike in Yellowstone”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 week ago

This is one of the great, moderate hikes in Yellowstone along an open road with not too much elevation and wonderful views as you climb. There are two routes up Mt. Washburn -- one (the southern trail) a former stagecoach and auto road, and the other a current auto road. The views are much better from the southern route, though... More 

Helpful?
Thank philaseller
Seattle
Level Contributor
131 reviews
41 attraction reviews
common_n_attraction_reviews_1bd8 83 helpful votes
“Favorite YNP Hike”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 weeks ago

Not sure Yellowstone is a “hiker’s park” but the Mt Washburn hike was a definite highlight and provided some of the most spectacular mountain views of our trip. When hiking, I really like to earn a view or experience that people in a car don’t get….and this hike TOTALLY delivers!! A park ranger advised that when considering the alternate starting... More 

Helpful?
Thank webcam13
Newton, Massachusetts
Level Contributor
158 reviews
48 attraction reviews
common_n_attraction_reviews_1bd8 76 helpful votes
“Panoramic views from the top make the hike worthwhile”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 weeks ago

There are two routes up Mt. Washburn: one, via Chittenden Road and the other, via Dunraven Pass. We hiked the latter trail in late August on a beautiful sunny day. We got to the trailhead early, by 8 am, and ours was the first car there; by 8:30 there were a half dozen, so get there early. The lot is... More 

Helpful?
Thank GreentreeMA
Warwick, Rhode Island
Level Contributor
40 reviews
27 attraction reviews
common_n_attraction_reviews_1bd8 7 helpful votes
“Weather!”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 weeks ago via mobile

This was on the agenda bit the weather would not cooperate. It was snowing the morning we woke up. We had pants and jackets but we could only make it up the first hill because the wind was BRUTAL!! And it looked like it was going to rain. It was even pretty from there though. That was from the Chit.... More 

Helpful?
Thank Lareson
Stony Brook, Long Island, New York
Level Contributor
89 reviews
43 attraction reviews
common_n_attraction_reviews_1bd8 43 helpful votes
“Great Hike, Impressive Views of Yellowstone and Beyond”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 weeks ago

A popular hike, so get there early as there is limited parking at each of the two access routes. The view from the top is fantastic and worth the exertion. Reminded us of being up on Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain NP.

Helpful?
Thank VMI70

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Boston, Massachusetts

Should I get bear spray for my hike up Washburn?
2 months ago
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  • Do I have to buy a ticket for my infant?
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  • Is there a restaurant or café onsite?