Trail

Whits Lake Trailhead

TrailOPERATIONAL★ 4.2
Whits Lake near the Whits Lake Trailhead, a turquoise alpine lake framed by dense pine forest in Yellowstone National Park.

Two Whits Lakes sit along a forested corridor 2.0 miles round trip. The ascent spans roughly 320–720 feet with uneven footing and occasional short steep pitches. Most of the trail is shaded by firs, but expect sun exposure in open spots and marshy ground in places. Bring water, watch for wildlife, and move with purpose—parking is limited and cell service is unreliable.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
2
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Moderate; uneven footing with short steep sections; some sources flag as intermediate/difficult
Elevation Gain Feet
520

Trail profile

Distance Miles
2
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Moderate; uneven footing with short steep sections; some sources flag as intermediate/difficult
Elevation Gain Feet
520
Estimated Time
45 minutes–1.5 hours for fit hikers; longer for casual hikers
Trail Surface
Mostly packed dirt and gravel; marshy or muddy in sections
Trail Features
  • North Whits Lake
  • South Whits Lake
  • lily pads on upper lake
  • osprey activity
  • forested fir canopy
  • shaded trail sections
Trail Highlights
Two lakes in a fir forest; the upper lake hosts lily pads and osprey activity; a quiet refuge with solitude.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
End of Forest Service Road 791, ~2.5 miles from Highway 287, off Highway 191 north of West Yellowstone; GPS 44.80981, -111.12906
Parking Lot Size
Small, mostly unpaved pull-off
Parking Fill Time
Limited parking; arrive early, especially peak season; no published times
Shuttle Required
0
Shuttle Details
No shuttle service

Permits & conditions

Permit Details
No day-use permit required; standard Yellowstone entrance fees may apply if entering the park
Fees
No separate Whits Lake fee; standard park entrance fees apply
Trail Status
Open
Seasonal Closures
No formal closures; mud and insect activity common; snow typically not on lakes until later in the year

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
1
Water Sources
Carry water; no potable water at trailhead; lakes can serve as water sources only after treatment
Accessibility
Rooted and uneven terrain; not wheelchair accessible; moderate fitness required

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Bear encounters
  • Insects (mosquitoes and horse flies)
  • Uneven footing
  • Mud and marshy sections
  • Limited parking
Hazard Details
Bear spray is recommended; make noise to avoid surprise; insects active in early summer; use repellent; trekking poles help on uneven ground; marsh areas can be slick; parking is limited, plan accordingly
Cell Service
No reliable cell signal
Crowd Level
Generally less crowded than many Yellowstone trails
Peak Crowd Times
Mornings on weekends during peak season; go early to beat crowds
Best Season
Late summer through early fall (August–October)
Best Time To Visit
Start 6:00–7:00 AM in late summer to early fall (August–October) for cooler temps and fewer bugs; weekends bring tighter parking.
Tips Advice
  • Carry at least 2 liters of water; no potable water at the trailhead.
  • Tighten boots and use trekking poles on uneven/muddy sections.
  • Bear spray and making noise are essential in Yellowstone’s bear country.
  • Stay on the tread in marshy spots to avoid deeper mud.
  • Arrive early; parking is limited; no shuttle service.

More details

Park Area
Yellowstone National Park, Gallatin County, MT
Trail Markers
Well-marked; GPS is advisable due to limited service
Shade Level
Mostly shaded by tall fir trees; some open sun exposure
Emergency Contacts
Yellowstone National Park dispatch and rangers; call 911 in emergencies; carry local numbers
Map Recommended
1
Snow Dates
Lakes generally remain clear from snow well into early winter
Mud Season
Mud can persist year-round due to marshy sections
Bug Season
Mosquitoes and horse flies prevalent in early summer
Insider Tips
  • Hike in late summer or early fall for cooler temps and fewer bugs.
  • Arrive before 7 AM on weekends; parking is limited.
  • Carry bear spray and make noise to avoid surprising wildlife.
  • Trek with trekking poles; watch for mud in marshy sections.
  • Water treatment if you drink lake water; otherwise carry enough.
Recent Updates
Trail conditions vary; mud and insects common; parking limited; no shuttle.
Family Friendly Notes
Described as kid-friendly by some sources, but mud and insects can hinder; supervise children near marshy areas
Nearby Facilities
Trailhead restrooms; limited parking; nearest services in West Yellowstone
Review Summary
Whits Lake Trail is a 2-mile round-trip hike on an out-and-back route with about 320 feet of elevation gain. The trail surface is dirt and gravel, with a few narrow sections and some potholes. Plan 45 minutes to an hour for a fit pace. The trailhead sits roughly 10 miles outside Yellowstone, off Highway 287 onto Forest Service Road 791 (Whits Lake Road #971), then 2–2.5 miles to the end. Parking is a small pullout; access is by personal vehicle and arriving early helps avoid crowding. Restrooms are at the trailhead. No day-use permit is listed for this Gallatin National Forest trail, and cost information is not provided. The area lies in bear country, so stay alert for wildlife and carry appropriate precautions. Expect mud in spring and mosquitoes in early summer. The hike is non-technical, with no major drop-offs; cell service becomes limited farther along the trail. There is no potable water at the trailhead, so bring all you need. Shade is substantial for most of the route, with some open lakeside sections. Insect repellent is advised and waterproof boots help in muddy sections. The best time to go is late summer to early fall when mosquitoes lessen and mud dries, though snow can linger into late spring and roads generally run from April through December. Highlights include two small lakes—North and South Whits Lake—with an upper lake that has lily pads and an osprey nesting site; the lower stretch yields views of Hebgen Lake. Wildlife may include deer, elk, and osprey, and the area sits near bear habitat. The trail tends to draw fewer visitors than Yellowstone's main trails.

Location

Whits Lake Trailhead in Yellowstone National Park during winter, showing a snow-covered lake edged by evergreen forest.Whits Lake Trailhead in Yellowstone National Park features a vivid rainbow arcing over a sunlit forest meadow.Whits Lake Trailhead in Yellowstone National Park offers a turquoise alpine lake framed by dense evergreen forest.Whits Lake Trailhead in Yellowstone National Park with riders on a dirt path through pine forest.

Frequently asked questions

Are bears a concern on this trail?

Yes—bear country; carry bear spray and make noise; travel in groups when possible.

Is this trail kid-friendly?

Short and shaded for many, but mud and insects can be challenging; supervise children closely near marshy zones.

Is there potable water along the trail?

No; carry water from the trailhead, as there is no potable water on-site.

Do I need a permit or park fee?

No permit for day use; standard Yellowstone entrance fees apply if you’re entering the park.

What about cell service?

Not reliable; plan ahead with maps and offline navigation.

Brink of Lower Falls

0.7 miles out-and-back. Steep climb back. The brink of Lower Falls rewards the grit.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated January 2026. Report an issue.