Storm Point in Yellowstone
DIFFICULTY: 1
TIME TO COMPLETE: 1 hour
DISTANCE: 2.5 miles, loop
SEASONALITY: Spring, Summer, Fall
FEES/PERMITS: Yes, National Park Pass
DOG FRIENDLY: No
DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS:A hike for everyone to get a taste of Yellowstone away from the boardwalks
Storm Point Map
Summary:
This short, family-friendly hike quickly gives you a taste of Yellowstone’s wilderness, wildlife, and panoramas.
Intro:
The calendar says it’s spring. And while much of the high country still has snow, Storm Point is the perfect spot to stretch your legs and remember why you love getting out on the trail after a long and challenging winter.
What Makes it Great
Storm Point is a fantastic trail for families or anyone looking for a quick wilderness adventure. A few short uphill sections are enough to get your heart pumping from exertion and altitude (about 7700’) - but not enough to deter the little people in your party. The trail is primarily flat, flowing across marshy meadows, through pines, and onto the shore of Yellowstone Lake. You’ll get great views of Stevenson Island, the Southern Absaroka mountains in the east, and Mt. Sheridan across the lake. The Grand Teton will be prominent on the southern horizon on a clear day.
Who’s Going to Love It
Anyone looking for a classic backcountry Yellowstone experience without a long hike or a full-day commitment should consider the Storm Point Trail. Despite its short length, it transports you away from the hustle and traffic of the East Entrance Road to the solitude of the lake shore. You don’t have to be an intrepid mountaineer to enjoy this trail—it’s perfect for most abilities and fitness levels.
This is also an excellent trail for an introduction to a variety of Yellowstone’s wildlife habitats. As you hike, watch for wildlife such as pine squirrels, marmots, coyotes, deer, bison, and even black or grizzly bears.
The first distinct habitat that you will experience is the wetland around Indian Pond - home to a healthy population of ducks and geese. In the spring, you can also hear the unmistakable song of boreal chorus frogs. Also, take a few minutes to listen for the laughing call of the loon, which is considered a Species of Special Concern due to its declining numbers. The next habitat will be the classic Yellowstone pine forest, followed by dry meadows, and finally the beating heart of the Yellowstone ecosystem - Yellowstone Lake. The shore is accessible from various spots, so kids can explore the sandy beach and chilly water. Storm Point’s rocks make a good spot for a picnic and a home base for a few hours of exploration.
If you’re up for a little challenge, you can make this trail a loop. Take the lakeshore trail leading west from Storm Point, then turn north through the trees and back into the meadows bordering the road. There’s no marked trail through the trees, but once you exit the forest, you can see the road and parking lot and return to your car.
Directions, Trailhead, Parking
From downtown Cody, take the North Fork Highway west for 52 miles to Yellowstone’s East Entrance. Remember to bring your National Parks Pass, or you can pay the daily entry fee. Continue west about 35 miles until you see Indian Pond on your left and the Pelican Valley Trailhead on your right. Park at Indian Pond and follow the marked trail.
The weather can be tricky here (it’s called Storm Point for a reason), so be prepared. Be sure to bring food, water, sunscreen, bug spray and most importantly, bear spray. When hiking in the Greater Yellowstone, you should always hike in groups of three or more and make noise to alert wildlife to your approach. Services such as food, water and bathrooms are just to the west of the trailhead at Fishing Bridge.
Title photo credit: NPS/ Neal Herbert
This hike is an excerpt from Sunlit Trails, our locally written guidebook to hiking in Northwest Wyoming and Yellowstone. If you’re looking for more trail inspiration, maps, and local insight, you can pick up a copy in-store, online, or at Legends Bookstore in Cody.