Why is it called Mount Washburn?
Usa, north-america
6.59 km
3,122 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Wanna tackle Mount Washburn in Yellowstone National Park? This peak, named after some dude named Henry Washburn from way back when, sits pretty at 10,243 feet.
Now, you can't actually *drive* all the way to the top, but you can get close! Head up Chittendon Road, a mostly chill unpaved path (an old wagon road!). It's manageable, wide enough for two cars, though it does throw a 15% grade at you in one spot.
From the scenic road, it's about 4.1 miles up to the Chittendon Parking lot. You can drive about 1.3 miles on Chittenden road, ending at 8,743 feet above sea level. Park your ride and then you've got 2.8 miles left to hike or bike to the summit.
Keep in mind this road's usually open from late May to mid-October. Up top, there's a lookout tower that's staffed during fire season. Weather can be WILD – think sudden storms with wind, rain, and lightning. Plus, it's bear country, so keep your eyes peeled and give those grizzlies and bison a wide berth.
But seriously, the views are SO worth it. From the top, you can see the whole northern part of Yellowstone and, if you're lucky, even the Tetons way off in the distance. People were climbing this thing way back in 1870, so you'll be following in some pretty epic footsteps!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 6.59 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,122 m
- Difficulty
- easy
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