Mountaineering · YDS Class 2-3

Southeast Ridge (Glen Creek Trail)

Distance RT
20.3 mi
Gain
3,688 ft
High Point
10,968 ft
Permit Required

A backcountry permit is required for any overnight camping in Yellowstone National Park, including the designated sites (1G3, 1G4) near the Upper Gardner River used as a base for this climb; a day hike itself needs no permit.

Route Description

The highest point in the Gallatin Range and the dominant peak on Yellowstone National Park's northern skyline, named after its first ascent party experienced electrical discharges from an approaching storm at the summit in 1872.

Approach

From the Glen Creek Trailhead (park in the Bunsen Peak parking area, just south of Rustic Falls on the Mammoth-to-Norris road), follow the Glen Creek Trail about 6.2 miles to a junction with the Electric Peak-Southeast Ridge Trail, passing the Fawn Pass, Snow Pass, and Sepulcher Mountain trail junctions along the way. From the junction, the trail follows a patchy forested ridge above the upper Gardner River for about a mile to a river overlook, then climbs relentlessly, gaining over 2,700 feet in the final push. Near the top the trail essentially disintegrates into loose, rocky slopes; cairns mark a route up the mountain's western face for the last half mile.

Weather Forecast
7-Day Forecast
Today
☁️
Overcast
48° / 25°
3%
💨16
Tomorrow
🌫️
Fog
45° / 29°
28%
💨24
Tue, Sep 29
☁️
Overcast
52° / 25°
💨7
Wed, Sep 30
☁️
Overcast
50° / 25°
1%
💨15
Thu, Oct 1
☁️
Overcast
51° / 20°
1%
💨8
Fri, Oct 2
☁️
Overcast
53° / 26°
3%
💨6
Sat, Oct 3
☁️
Overcast
51° / 28°
6%
💨15
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