As far as Continental Divide hikes goes, this one is a piece of cake. It may be the easiest Divide hike. In fact, there are tougher hikes along the Puget Sound at sea level! Riddle is in South-East Yellowstone, Wyoming. The road to the trail head is right on the Divide itself, meaning there is no mountain to climb . . . at all. As in this is a flat walk! OK, there are a few mild rises.

Now that this is clear, enjoy the walk. It is less than two miles across marsh land that tends to be wet until mid-July so even though this is a walk around the block, boots are in order in case the dampness is still there when you arrive. It is also popular with the bears in the spring and early summer so the path is normally closed until mid-July anyway. Due to the bear population it’s a good idea to do this with a larger group of four or more.

Riddle lake sits at 8,000 feet so if elevation is a problem, this is the only thing to hold you back from seeing endless lilies along the shore mixed with reeds and tall grass. This aligns with a backdrop of the Red Mountains to fill the camera lens. While you are in the marshlands, you may spot some elk or even moose. You will likely see prints, including those of your buddies, the bears. It is always a good idea to keep a sharp eye out for the wildlife. You are in their front yard, not the other way around. That being said, respect their property. Keep it clean by leaving it the way they would leave it: no Twinkie wrappers allowed.

The trial head: it lies south of West Thumb Bay along Yellowstone Lake. Drive about four miles south of there and turn into a parking area on the east side of the road marked for the trail. Maps should show the Mount Sheridan Quad.