Away's Favorite Photos from Travelers in 2012

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Yellowstone Lake area, 4 miles round-trip

Although this trail climbs 800 vertical feet, the panoramic view from the overlook is reward enough to take this wonderful day hike. Starting approximately one mile south of Fishing Bridge Junction the well-maintained trail takes you up through a lodgepole pine forest where deer and moose are frequently seen. About halfway up the hill, the trail comes to a fork; although the path on the right is a bit longer, both are fairly easy climbs—you can take one going up, and the other coming down for some variation. Scanning to the east and south from the overlook, you can take in views of Yellowstone Lake and its islands, the Absaroka Range, and Pelican Valley. Make sure you bring a camera.