About This Route
Mount Washburn's Dunraven Pass trail provides an epic 6-mile round-trip summit run in Yellowstone, topping out at 10,243 feet with panoramic views of Lamar Valley and Yellowstone Canyon. This advanced route boasts 1,400 feet of elevation gain over rocky switchbacks, ideal for high-altitude training. Bighorn sheep and pikas inhabit the slopes, but it's a bear corridor too. NPS fire lookout tower marks the summit; start early to beat crowds and weather. Embrace Leave No Trace by minimizing impact on alpine tundra.
Safety Considerations
Altitude sickness risks rise above 10,000 feet; acclimate first and monitor for headaches per REI expert advice. Grizzly bears are active; travel in groups, carry spray, and avoid dawn/dusk per NPS wildlife protocols. Lightning storms frequent summer afternoons; summit before noon. Loose scree demands sturdy footing; slips cause most injuries here. Bison blockades occur on lower trails; give 25 yards. Carry ample water as no sources exist; heat exhaustion is prevalent. Check trail conditions at Canyon Visitor Center.
Essential Gear
Opt for Salomon Speedcross shoes for traction, Osprey Tempest pack with 3 liters water, UD bear spray, SPOT Gen4 tracker, Buff for sun/wind protection, and energy gels for fueling ascents.