Elation And Elevation Atop Electric Peak

We will meet at the trailhead, located just south of Mammoth Hot Spring in the early morning hours. After a quick gear check and review of safety measures for the trek, we will head out on the long, but scenic hike.
To reach the summit, there are a few trails we need to take. The first trail from the parking area follows Glen Creek for 6.2 miles before reaching a junction with the Electric Peak-Southeast Ridge Trail. The first few miles of this trail, until it meets the Fawn Pass Trail at 2.2 miles and the Snow Pass Trail at 2.4 miles, was once used by wagons traveling between Mammoth and Norris before the current route through the Golden Gate was built in the 1880s. Past the junctions, the trail runs right along Glen Creek, entering a sometimes active ravine. Be on the lookout for moose here, as there is almost always one hanging out in the area during the summer. At around 3 miles, you’ll pass the Sepulcher Mountain Trail and continue up the Glen Creek Trail. Say goodbye to the flat prairie here, as you’ll climb around 700 feet over the next 4 miles.

At 5.2-mile mark we will reach the junction with the Electric Peak Trail. There are a few fallen logs to sit on as we refuel and rest a bit, which I highly recommend doing. The real hike starts now.

For the first mile of the Electric Peak Trail, the experience is fine, but be patient. A little over a mile after the junction, you will reach a fantastic overlook which grants a unique view of the Gardner River. Past the river view, the climb starts in earnest, gaining roughly 3,000 feet in the next 2.1 miles. Throughout this section, the region’s mountains peak out from behind hills, giving a great example of the high alpine terrain which you will be reaching shortly.

Eight miles from the parking area, you finally leave the trees behind and really start the summit push. By mile 9, the geology changes and the rocks look different. The trail is no less steep though, but the views do start to become even more inspiring as we pick our way up the rocks on the ridge. The exposure here isn’t too bad, but definitely be smart about where you go. A fall here could be very bad. Once you notice the geology change, you have about a half miles until the summit, which is reached after working up a seemingly endless field of scree and boulders. If you need motivation, beyond the fact that you are almost to the top, know that on this section we will cross over the boundary between Wyoming and Montana. This is also the 45th parallel of latitude, located halfway between the North Pole and the Equator.

The last scramble to the true summit is a bit technical, but isn’t required. The views found from a few feet below the actual top are just as good and saving energy is a wise thing to do, especially since there are still 10 more miles of hiking to complete. I do not recommend this scramble to the true top, as the risk of an injury is not wort the reward.

We reach the false summit at the 9.5/10-mile mark and the entire region unfolds in front of you. Down below, you can see the Yellowstone River, the Absaroka-Beartooth Ranges, the Gallatin Range, and if the light is just right, even the Tetons. We will enjoy the view a bit, but we will need to keep an eye out for storms. Typically, I don’t spend more than 10-15 minutes up here, as the route down will take some time and afternoon storms almost always occur.

The hike back follows the same trail and the last few miles before reaching the cars will feel like a lifetime. Despite all of that, the hike is a must for those hoping to climb a mountain that few park visitors experience.