Trout Lake
Alpine Trout Lake in a glacial basin; 1.2-mile loop, bear country.
Arrive early to reduce parking stress
Bear spray is essential; know how to use it
Morning light optimal for reflections; alpenglow possible on clear evenings
Bear spray required; maintain 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from other wildlife; steep ascent and muddy lakebed demand caution; no natural safet…
Natural Attraction
The loop trail circles Trout Lake, tracing the shore with open views toward Soda Butte Creek valley. The lake sits in a high alpine basin at the base of the Absaroka Mountains. Glacial ice carved the basin during the Pleistocene, later filled by meltwater and precipitation. This landscape records glacial history within a volcanic frame—glacial processes carved the basin, and volcanic uplift continues to shape the surrounding terrain.
Getting there & parking
- How To Get There
- From the Northeast Entrance Road, drive to Pebble Creek Campground area. The Trout Lake Trailhead sits 1.5 miles south of the campground; follow the 1.2-mile Trout Lake Loop with a short side path to a hill overlooking Soda Butte Creek valley.
- Distance From Entrance
- 1.5 miles south of Pebble Creek Campground (Northeast Entrance Road)
- Road Type
- Paved road to trailhead; small pullout parking
- Parking Availability
- 9-10 cars capacity; can fill up during peak season
- Peak Fill Times
- Summer weekends; parking tends to fill by late morning
- GPS Coordinates
- 44°53′57″N 110°7′21″W
When to go
- Best Time To Visit
- Late spring through early fall. Mornings bring softer light and calmer water. From mid-June to early July, trout spawn, and the lake sees higher activity and more visitors to the nearby trails. The fishing season opens Memorial Day weekend.
- Best Visit Times
- Mid-June to early July for trout activity; mornings for reflections; avoid mid-day glare
- Sunrise Sunset Quality
- Morning light optimal for reflections; alpenglow possible on clear evenings
- Best Season
- Late spring through early fall
- Busiest Season
- Summer weekends
- Seasonal Access
- Late spring–early fall; winter conditions can make the trail challenging
- Winter Access
- Winter access is challenging; snow/ice present; traction and warm gear required
- Weather Patterns
- Mountain meteorology with potential afternoon thunderstorms; cool mornings; wind shifts from valley to ridge
What you will experience
- Attraction Type
- Glacial Lake
- Main Features
- Alpine lake, glacial basin at the base of the Absaroka Mountains; 12 acres of surface area; maximum length/width ~250 yards
- What Youll See
- Shoreline margins, open water against a backdrop of the Absaroka range, and views toward Soda Butte Creek valley from a looping shoreline trail
- Unique Characteristics
- High-alpine setting with a glacially carved basin; native trout ecology including Yellowstone Cutthroat and Rainbow Trout; otters seen during spawning season
- Photo Opportunities
- Morning reflections on calm water, golden-hour light along the eastern shore, wide-angle views toward the Absaroka crest
- Photography Spots
- Shoreline corners, reflections at dawn, hillside overlook toward Soda Butte Creek valley
- Best Viewpoints
- Lakeside viewpoints around the shore; short hillside overlook above Soda Butte Creek valley
- Common Wildlife
- Grizzly and black bears; bison; elk; coyotes; foxes; pronghorn; muskrats; North American river otters; various birds
- Best Wildlife Times
- June–July for otters and spawning trout; bears and other wildlife can appear year-round; early morning often best
- Geological Formation Type
- Glacial Lake
- Scientific Interest
- Glacial landforms in a volcanic-tectonic setting; ecology of native trout and river otters; Absaroka volcanism context
Facilities, fees & access
- Entry Fees
- Varies
- Permits Required
- No
- Restrooms Available
- No
- Restroom Type
- Vault toilets may be available at Pebble Creek campground
- Picnic Areas
- No
- Water Available
- No
- Cell Service
- Unreliable or non-existent
- Interpretive Signs
- No
- Accessibility
- Steep, natural surface; not wheelchair-friendly
- Accessibility Level
- Hike required; steep natural surface; not wheelchair accessible
- Nearby Services
- Pebble Creek Campground; vault toilets may be available; no potable water at the trail
- Nearby Facilities
- Pebble Creek Campground; vault toilets; no potable water
- Family Friendly Notes
- Steep ascent; bears present; keep children within sight; no facilities at lake
Safety
- Safety Considerations
- Bear spray required; maintain 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from other wildlife; steep ascent and muddy lakebed demand caution; no natural safety barriers around the lake; water is perpetually cold
Nearby
- Nearby Attractions
- Soda Butte Creek valley overlook; Absaroka Mountains; Lamar Valley wildlife area
- Connecting Trails
- Trout Lake Trail (1.2-mile loop); short side trail to hillside overlook
- Trailheads Here
- Trout Lake Trailhead; 1.5 miles south of Pebble Creek Campground
Planning advice
- Insider Tips
- Arrive early to reduce parking stress
- Bear spray is essential; know how to use it
- No water at the trail; bring sufficient supply
- Pace the steep ascent; a slow, deliberate climb pays off
- The muddy lakebed is treacherous beyond the shore
- Tips Advice
- Start early to secure parking; the small trailhead fills during peak season.
- Bear spray is essential; maintain distance from bears and wolves.
- Winter traction devices and warm clothing are advised for the ascent.
- Carry sufficient water; no potable water at the trailhead or lake.
- Stay on the shore if venturing near the lakebed, which can be muddy and treacherous.
More details
- Park Area
- Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park
- Elevation Feet
- 6782
- Visitor Center Present
- No
- Guided Tours Available
- No
- Lake Size
- 12 acres (0.049 km²)
- Fishing Species
- Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
- Fishing Nearby
- No
- Swimming Allowed
- No
- Boating Allowed
- No
- Climbing Areas
- No
- Review Summary
- Trout Lake earns high marks (4.9/5 from 29 reviews). Hikers describe a short, steep route with a rewarding alpine setting and good wildlife viewing, tempered by bears and variable weather. The lake serves as a practical window into glacial history and the dynamic Yellowstone landscape.
Location
Photos
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need to arrive before 7am to get parking?
Yes. Parking is limited (9-10 spaces) and peaks on warm summer weekends; plan to arrive early to secure a spot.
Is the 1.2-mile hike worth it for a lake?
Yes. The short loop delivers high-alpine scenery, shoreline views, and wildlife opportunities, but the ascent is steep and the surface can be uneven.
Is it safe for a first-time hiker with kids?
The route is steep and exposed in places; bears are present year-round. Keep kids within arm’s reach, carry bear spray, and stay on the trail.
Can I bring my dog to Trout Lake?
Dogs are not discussed in this guide; plan for a leash-free policy with local regulations and trail restrictions; check current Yellowstone rules before visiting.
Will the water be too cold to swim or wade?
Yes. Water temperatures stay cold year-round; swimming is not recommended and the lakebed can be muddy and treacherous.
Is there cell service at Trout Lake?
Cell service is unreliable or non-existent in this area; plan accordingly and download maps offline.
More at Yellowstone National Park
Grand Prismatic Spring
Rainbow rim of a hot spring; colors arise from thermophiles in Yellowstone's volcanic system.
Yellowstone Lake
Caldera lake tilted by resurgent domes; hydrothermal vents dot the lakebed.
Lake Butte Overlook
Panoramic view of Yellowstone Lake from the caldera rim; distant Tetons on clear days.
Artist Point
Lower Falls overlook; canyon walls colored by hydrothermal alteration of rhyolite.
Gibbon River
84 ft Gibbon Falls; river through hydrothermal basins along Grand Loop Road.
Gibbon Falls
84-foot cascade over an ancient Yellowstone lava flow; drive-up overlook with a wheelchair-friendly path.
Sources
- freeroaminghiker.com
- alibaba.com
- ecoangler.com
- montanaangler.com
- wikipedia.org
- diyflyfishing.com
- annestravels.net
- outdoor-society.com
- nps.gov
- islands.com
- utahsadventurefamily.com
- 10adventures.com
- youtube.com
- wanderlog.com
- visitmt.com
- harvestingnature.com
- outdoorbeginner.com
- Google Reviews
- YourNPGuide Editorial
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.