Article Contributed on: 8/11/2008 11:27:29 AM
Avalanche Peak is a mountain on the eastern edge of Yellowstone in the Absaroka Range. There are many ranger-guided hikes around the park in the summer, and this is one.
It cost $15, and in my opinion, it was well worth it. Not to mention the money goes directly back to the park to support such programs.
The trail is open to the public without doing the ranger-guided hike, but the ranger had lots of interesting tidbits and a lot of good stories. Plus, we were able to summit the peak from a route the public normally doesn't get to take. (And the ranger's asides provided good reasons to stop and rest.)
The trailhead is just west of Sylvan Pass at about 8,500 feet. The trail goes pretty much straight up the mountain to the summit at about 10,500 feet, without the benefit of many switchbacks. You climb out of the forest and above the tree line, and the top half is mostly climbing over a lot of pretty loose talus.
Overall, it was a fun hike and my first summit of a mountain.
Here's the info on the ranger-guided hike:
Avalanche Peak Experience
For a truly "breathtaking" encounter with the wild side of Yellowstone, make the steep ascent above timberline to the knife-edged summit of Avalanche Peak. Here, in the heart of the Absaroka Range, your efforts will be rewarded with one of the most stunning panoramic views of Yellowstone. Enjoy this peak experience!
Area of Park: Fishing Bridge/East Entrance
Difficulty: Strenuous
Duration: 6 hours
Round Trip Distance: 4 miles/ 6.4 km
Elevation Gain: 2,100 feet/ 650 meters
Terrain: Maintained, steep trail
Type of Trail: Out and back