Chain of Lakes Trail

Route Description for Chain of Lakes Trail

The Chain of Lakes Trail is a fantastic route that passes by four stunning lakes in Yellowstone National Park. This is a long hike; if you plan on doing the whole thing in one day, be sure to start early in the morning to avoid finishing in the dark. If you are not keen on a long day, the Chain of Lakes Trail can be broken up into a leisurely backpacking trip by camping at one of the many well-maintained backcountry campsites along the way. No matter how you choose to hike this trail, you will be richly rewarded with incredible views and an abundance of flora and fauna in the Wyoming wilderness.

To hike the Chain of Lakes Trail, begin at the Ice Lake Trailhead and follow the path north to Ice Lake. Loop around the north shore of Ice Lake, then head northeast to Wolf Lake and Grebe Lake. From the eastern shore of Grebe Lake, take the Howard Eaton Trail east to Cascade Lake. Approximately 1.4 km past Cascade Lake, the trail will split; take the path on your right to hike south down to the trail’s end at the Cascade Creek Trailhead.