Howard Eaton Trail: Canyon to Ice Lake

This is a 10.7-mile point-to-point hike across Yellowstone’s Canyon Area, from the pullout west of Canyon Junction to the Ice Lake trailhead. It crosses forest, meadow, and marsh, passing Cascade Lake, Grebe Lake, Wolf Lake, and Ice Lake. Allow five to six hours one way. It is classed as an easy hike, but the distance makes this a substantial day.

Plan a pickup at Ice Lake or leave a second vehicle there before starting. Hiking back to the beginning turns it into a 21.4-mile day. The small Cascade Creek Trailhead lot is at the start. If you are turning around at one of the lakes, plan for the return distance too. Pack the food and water you need for a five- to six-hour backcountry walk; no on-route services are listed.

Cascade Lake is 2.6 miles from the start, Grebe Lake 4.5, Wolf Lake 6.3, and Ice Lake 10.7. Between them, the setting alternates among forest, meadow, and marsh rather than staying one long stretch of trees. Wildflowers and wildlife are often seen around Cascade Lake. At Grebe, the path follows a grassy lakeshore; put that path in the foreground with the water and forest beyond it.

The trail can stay wet and muddy through July, and biting insects can be numerous. Grizzly bears frequent this area. Hike in a group of at least three and keep bear spray accessible. Pets are not allowed.

Howard Eaton was a dude rancher who led Yellowstone trips; he did not lay out this route. After his death in 1922, the park assembled a commemorative trail from older paths, bridle routes, and abandoned roads, opening it in 1923. The Civilian Conservation Corps rebuilt sections in the 1930s. Many stretches were later abandoned, leaving only a few named pieces of the original route.