Riddle Lake Trail

Overview

Riddle Lake Trail is an easy 5.0-mile out-and-back that trades Yellowstone’s boardwalk crowds for quiet forest-and-meadow strolling to a broad backcountry lake. Elevation change is minimal (about 100–140 feet), but you’re starting around 8,000 feet, so take it easy if you’re not acclimated. If you want a mellow hike with a real chance of solitude, this is a solid pick.

What You’ll See

The path meanders through lodgepole pine forest and open meadows where elk sometimes graze and birds work the edges. You’ll cross the Continental Divide and reach the first glimpses of Riddle Lake near marshy shallows dotted with lily pads. Keep going along the shoreline another roughly half mile to reach a small, black‑grit beach on the northeast end—this is the best lounge-and-lunch spot with wide views and, on calm mornings, mirror reflections toward Mount Sheridan and the Red Mountains.

Trail Character and Conditions

The tread is smooth and mostly flat singletrack with occasional narrow, damp, or muddy stretches in the meadows. Early lake access can feel swampy; don’t turn around—press on to the better beach. Expect mosquitoes in season; bring repellent.

Wildlife and Birding

This is an active birding spot. Watch for trumpeter swans, bald eagles, osprey, and even American white pelicans working the water. Bear sign (like claw marks on trees) is common; stay alert, make noise, and give all wildlife plenty of space.

A Bit of Backstory

Early mapmakers once puzzled over Riddle Lake’s lack of obvious inlet and outlet and wondered if it straddled the Divide as a “two-ocean” lake. Better mapping solved the riddle: it sits east of the Divide, with Solution Creek eventually feeding Yellowstone Lake.

Best Time to Hike

Plan for mid-July through September. This trail typically closes April 30–July 14 for bear management (and may see additional closures if swans are nesting). Mid-morning through afternoon offers warmer temps, fewer surprise wildlife encounters, and friendlier light on the lake unless you’re chasing glassy reflections at daybreak.

Getting There and Parking

The trailhead sits along South Entrance Road (US 191/89), about 2.3 miles south of Grant Village and just south of a Continental Divide sign. Parking is a small, unassuming pullout with limited space—arrive early if you care about snagging a spot.

Safety and Regulations

You’re in a bear management area—carry bear spray (accessible), hike in a group, make noise, and stay on trail. Standard Yellowstone rules apply: no pets on trails; permits required for fishing, boating, and any overnight backcountry camping. Give all large animals ample distance and be prepared for shifting mountain weather.