A peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a great reward for reaching the top of Avalanche Peak in Yellowstone National Park. (photo courtesy of Vickery Fales Hall, left - click to enlarge)
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By Vickery Fales Hall
The hike to the top of Avalanche Peak in Yellowstone National Park can be done in a morning (about 4 hours round-trip) and is absolutely worth the climb.
The access point for the trail (cleverly titled “Avalanche Peak Trail”) is about 8 miles inside the East Gate on the north side of the highway. There is a small parking lot and picnic area by Eleanor Lake, across the road from the trailhead.
Bring bear spray and pack a lunch to be enjoyed on the top of the pass. You’ll be on top by the time you get hungry, and it takes what feels like no time at all to come back down. The views of Yellowstone from the top are fantastic!
Vickery Fales Hall is director of philanthropy for the Wyoming Community Foundation and a Wyoming native who loves living in paradise.