Wyoming · Hiking

Howard Eaton Trail

21.7 mi
round trip
224 ft
climb
8,110 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jul–Sep
best months

Is Howard Eaton Trail open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Yellowstone National Park. It doesn't name Howard Eaton Trail, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: NPS · Yellowstone National Park. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Howard Eaton Trail is a 21.7-mile out-and-back hike in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, managed by the National Park Service. The trail rises from a low point of 7,880 feet to a high of 8,110 feet, with a total elevation gain of 224 feet. It is a hard route, and the trailhead sits at Ice Lake Trailhead, about 0.2 miles from the Ice Lake Trail. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from the Lake Yellowstone weather station, about 16 miles away, show July and August highs around 71°F with lows in the low 40s, while winter highs stay in the 20s. A fee is charged, and dogs are not allowed. The trail is open year-round, but expect cold conditions in winter. The Ice Lake Trail and Wolf Lake Trail both start within half a mile, and the Cygnet Lakes Trail is about 3 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Jul–Sep

    Best time to visit Howard Eaton Trail

    Best months: July–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      23° / 3°

      17 wet

    2. Feb

      27° / 3°

      15 wet

    3. Mar

      35° / 11°

      14 wet

    4. Apr

      42° / 19°

      12 wet

    5. May

      50° / 29°

      12 wet

    6. Jun

      61° / 36°

      13 wet

    7. Jul

      71° / 43°

      10 wet

    8. Aug

      71° / 42°

      10 wet

    9. Sep

      61° / 34°

      10 wet

    10. Oct

      46° / 25°

      9 wet

    11. Nov

      33° / 15°

      12 wet

    12. Dec

      24° / 7°

      16 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Lake Yellowstone, WY, 15.8 mi away at 7,892 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors