Storm Point

Storm point is a beautiful destination in Yellowstone National Park that is reached by a short hike. Its a great way to end the day by catching a sunset, or time it a little earlier in the afternoon to try and catch one of the famous Yellowstone thunderstorms.

The hike starts by passing Indian Pond. The meadow here is a popular spot for buffalo to graze, so keep an eye out. After a quick jaunt through the forest you'll reach the North Shore of Yellowstone Lake. Small beaches offer ample opportunity for a dip or some fishing. As with many places in Yellowstone National Park, mosquitos can be a real issue, so be prepared. Storm point is reached in about a mile; a sandy trail encompasses the point before heading back into the forest and returning to the trailhead, making for a 2-mile loop. Yellowstone Lake is rich with geothermal springs along the shore, and storm point has some very interesting dormant formations at the lake's edge between the point and the trail.

The views from the point are incredible. Yellowstone Lake is North America's largest lake above 7,000 feet. The Grand Tetons are visible to the south and the Absoraka Mountains are visible to the east, while the West Thumb Geyser Basin can be seen steaming from many miles away. Beneath you the faults have been raising sediment layers since 2004. Scientists are currently studying a 2,000-foot-long active bulge to learn more about the lake's unique geology.