Where: Absaroka Range, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
When: July 2008
Partners: DB
Route: Avalanche Peak Trail (Class 1)
Mileage/Gain: 5/2,200
Despite the cool-sounding name, Avalanche Peak is a mellow mountain located in the Absaroka Range on the eastern edge of Yellowstone National Park. It makes for a fine half-day hike in a sublime wilderness.
With an initial walk through the forest, one comes above the treeline and the views open up. There, we began to encounter snow.
Soon reaching a cairned highpoint, one drops down ever so slightly and walks the final 100-yards across the wildflowered tundra to the highpoint.
Once on the highpoint, one never wants to leave...
*Despite reading of a knife-edge ridge on the way to the summit, and being told by a ranger that one "must climb an arete" to reach the top, neither exists. This route is certifiable, 100% pure, easy trail...all the way.
TOPO
Yellowstone's Avalanche Peak (10,568 Feet)
