Wapiti, Clear Lake, Ribbon Lake, and South Rim Trail

The Wapiti, Clear Lake, Ribbon Lake, and South Rim Trail is an easy, scenic hiking circuit in Yellowstone. This trail features incredible views of Yellowstone Falls and Yellowstone Canyon. Expect a moderately challenging but appropriate adventure for lightly experienced hikers and families with adventurous children.
View Wapiti, Clear Lake, Ribbon Lake, and South Rim Trail on Map
- Map Data: ©OpenStreetMap
- Tiles: ©CyclOSM
Quick Navigation
Join our newsletter
Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers
Route Description for Wapiti, Clear Lake, Ribbon Lake, and South Rim Trail
The Wapiti, Clear Lake, Ribbon Lake and South Rim Trail is a wonderful hike with incredible views of the Wyoming wilderness. This trail can get mucky, especially after the spring melt or a fall rainstorm. We recommend wearing waterproof hiking shoes if you head out on a damp day. With varying terrain and incredible views of the Yellowstone Canyon, and the Yellowstone Falls, this trail is a scenic sample of Yellowstone National Park. We suggest bringing along a picnic lunch to enjoy at Clear Lake with family and friends.
Beginning at the Wapiti Lake Trailhead, follow the Wapiti Lake Trail east to a divide. At this divide, take the path on your left, then take a right to make your way to Clear Lake. From Clear Lake, stick to the path on your left to loop your way around Lily Pad Lake to Artist’s Point. Be sure to stop and admire the view from Artist’s Point before following the South Rim of the Yellowstone Canyon back to the Wapiti Lake Trailhead, where you began.
Check out the North Rim Trail across the river for a different perspective of the Yellowstone Canyon.
Getting to the Wapiti, Clear Lake, Ribbon Lake, and South Rim Trail Trailhead
This hike begins at the Wapiti Lake Trailhead on South Rim Road.
Route Information
Wapiti, Clear Lake, Ribbon Lake, and South Rim Trail Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherWapiti, Clear Lake, Ribbon Lake, and South Rim Trail Reviews
Add a comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Nearby Trails
- Clear Lake and Artist’s Point Loop
- The Howard Eaton Trail via the Wapiti Lake Trailhead
- Clear Lake and Artist’s Point Loop via the Wapiti Lake Trailhead
- Wrangler Lake Trail
- Canyon Rim South Trail to Point Sublime
- Brink of the Upper Yellowstone Falls
- North Rim Trail to Red Rock Point, Lookout Point and Grand View
- Canyon Rim South Trail to Artist Point
- Upper Falls, Lower Falls, and Artist’s Point Trail
- North Rim Trail to Yellowstone Falls, Crystal Falls, and Inspiration Point
- South Rim
- Brink of the Lower Falls