Wapiti Lake Trail

Overview

If you want Yellowstone without the boardwalks, this is your move. The Wapiti Lake Trail is a true backcountry trek through wide meadows, lodgepole forest, and the quiet Broad Creek valley, ending at a stark, beautiful, fishless lake. Expect an about 31-mile total out-and-back (multi-day for most) with rolling climbs, wet terrain, and several creek fords. This is prime wildlife country and real wilderness—rewarding, but it makes you earn it.

Route & What to Expect

Starting near Canyon, the route commonly passes Clear Lake and Ribbon Lake before trending east/southeast toward Broad Creek’s big meadows and on to Wapiti Lake. Near Broad Creek, the trail becomes a character piece: frequent crossings (knee-deep in late season for some parties), mucky sections, wet grasses that soak your footwear, and narrow bench cuts where the creek has eaten into the hillside. After leaving the creek, the trail climbs and opens views back into the Broad Creek valley, including stretches across steep, sometimes colorful (think orange) hillsides. Wapiti Lake sits quietly at the end—scenic, remote, and notably fishless.

Difficulty & Conditions

Mileage alone won’t break you, but the water work might. Multiple fords, saturated ground, and intermittent rain are common. Even when it’s not raining, the grass is often wet. Early season brings colder, swifter water; late summer typically lowers flows but can still demand careful, chilly wades. Expect mosquitoes in season and be ready for late‑summer cold snaps or a rain/snow mix as you push into early fall.

Wildlife & Highlights

You’re walking through classic Yellowstone meadows—bison and moose frequent this landscape, and it’s unequivocally bear country. Thermal features dot parts of the broader area; near Joseph’s Coat Hot Springs you’ll find colorful formations and small cascades along Broad Creek. Enjoy these from established routes and safe, legal distances—thermal ground is no place to freelance.

Camping & Logistics

This is a permit trip. Designated sites in the area include Wapiti Lake (4W2) and others along Broad Creek (e.g., 4B1 near Joseph’s Coat; 4B3 is still reservable, while 4B2 is retired). The Wapiti Lake campsite sits in a stellar lakeside position with big views. Plan your itinerary around the fords and give yourself time—many hikers make this a 2–3 night outing.

Tips & Strategy

• Footwear: Plan on wet feet. Bring sturdy wading shoes or accept the inevitable and move smartly through crossings rather than tiptoeing on dubious logs.
• Layers: Reliable rain gear is non-negotiable; nights can be cold even after warm days.
• Navigation: Most of the main line is on official trail, but meandering near the creek can feel vague—carry a proper topo and GPS.
• Safety: Bear spray, clean camps, and strict thermal‑area etiquette. Stay on established routes; soaking is prohibited and dangerous.

Best Time to Hike

Late July through early September typically offers the best balance of lower creek flows and longer daylight, but be ready for bugs mid‑summer and cold, wet snaps late season. Start early for mellow lighting across the meadows and calmer wildlife viewing. If you want a shorter taste from the same trailhead, the Clear Lake–Ribbon Lake loop delivers thermal color and canyon drama in a fraction of the mileage.