Lost Lake Ski Trail

Q: Are there bears on this trail?

Black and grizzly bears are present in Yellowstone. In winter, most are hibernating, but stay alert. Maintain 100-yard distance if you encounter one.

Q: How difficult is the skiing?

The trail is labeled 'easiest to more difficult'—meaning mixed terrain. Intermediate to advanced skills needed for the descents, especially the steep section at Lost Creek Bridge.

Q: Can I do this trail out-and-back?

Yes; most skiers do it as an out-and-back (8 miles round trip). Plan 5-7 hours depending on fitness and snow conditions.

Q: What happens if I get stuck after dark?

Winter darkness falls early (~4:30-5:00 PM). This is a serious concern. Start early and turn back with time to exit before dark. No headlamps on skis.

Q: Is water available on the trail?

No water sources. Carry at least 2L of water or bring a lightweight stove to melt snow. Both are essential.

Q: What's the deal with the orange tags?

They mark the route, but winter snow buries them. Bring a map and know how to use it. GPS is a backup, not a primary tool.

Distance

4 mi

Elevation Gain

360 ft

Est. Time

3-4 hours one-way (5-7 hours for out-and-back) depending on fitness and snow conditions.

Route Type

One-way (typically skied out-and-back for 8 miles round trip)

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

Winter (December-March, weather-dependent)

Overview

About This Trail

Lost Lake Ski Trail is a 4-mile winter ski route through Yellowstone's Tower Area with rolling terrain, forest, and views of Calcite Springs Overlook. You'll navigate orange trail tags to reach Lost Lake and trace its shore before a steep descent to the overlook. The easiest-to-more-difficult designation masks real hazards: bison and elk presence, a required ski removal at Lost Creek Bridge, and route-finding difficulty—this demands winter ski competence and full awareness. Winter conditions and snow availability determine season.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

More Difficult

Trail Highlights

Rolling terrain with views of Lost Lake and Calcite Springs Overlook on the Tower Fall Trail. Frequent elk sightings along the meadow sections.

Insider Tips

• The trail doesn't follow the summer route; winter navigation is crucial. • Remove your skis at Lost Creek Bridge—scramble the descent, don't ski it. • Watch for bison on open meadow sections; they have right-of-way. • Orange trail tags may be buried or obscured by fresh snow. • Start early to ski out-and-back in daylight; winter days are short. • Rolling terrain, views, and possibly elk may be seen along this trail.

Best Season to Hike

Winter (December-March, weather-dependent)

Hiking Tips

Tighten your boot bindings; the steep sections demand solid control.
Carry full navigation tools—map, compass, GPS—orange tags are easy to miss in white-out conditions.
Remove your skis at Lost Creek Bridge; it's a short scramble down, not a skiing descent.
Make noise and scan for bison (25-yard rule) and elk; binoculars help you spot them early.
Bring 2L+ water and fuel for your lighter stove; melting snow is slow and cold.
Wear layers; wind exposure on open meadows will strip heat fast.
The trail doesn't follow the maintained summer route; winter navigation is crucial.

Family Info

Not recommended for young children or inexperienced skiers. Steep sections, cold exposure, and navigation challenges require adult supervision and winter backcountry skills. Families with school-age skiers should use established beginner ski areas in the park.

What Hikers Say

Winter skiers note the trail is manageable for intermediate skiers with solid route-finding skills, but conditions vary significantly by year. The views of Lost Lake and Calcite Springs Overlook, along with frequent elk sightings, justify the effort. Navigation challenges and weather hazards demand respect, preparation, and winter competence.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 4 miles

Elevation Gain: 360 ft

Duration: 3-4 hours one-way (5-7 hours for out-and-back) depending on fitness and snow conditions.

Difficulty: More Difficult

Route Type: One-way (typically skied out-and-back for 8 miles round trip)

Surface: Packed snow, skier-tracked. Open valley meadow and intermittent forest sections.

Getting There

Trailhead: Petrified Tree Road, just east of the Blacktail Plateau Drive exit, or 1.4 miles west of Tower Junction.

Requirements

Permit Required

No permit required; however, backcountry travel in winter requires self-sufficiency and winter route-finding expertise.

Fees: Park entrance fee applies: $35 per vehicle (7-day pass) or $20 per person on foot/ski.

Shuttle Available

No shuttle available.

Trail Rules

Dogs: No; only qualified service animals allowed, must be leashed and under control.

Biking: No; ski and snowshoe only.

Trail Markers: Orange trail tags mark the route; visibility may be reduced in heavy snow or winter whiteout conditions. Map and compass essential.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: No maintained water sources. Carry all water or melt snow on the trail (slow process in winter). Plan for 2L+ water minimum.

Shade: Intermittent shade from forest; open meadow sections expose you to full sun and wind, especially on south-facing slopes.

Cell Service: Unknown; assume no reliable cell service in this remote area.

Hazards:

Bison and elk frequent this trail. Federal regulations require you to stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves, and at least 25 yards away from bison and all other wildlife. The steep descent at Lost Creek Bridge requires skis to be removed—do not attempt skiing it. Orange trail tags mark the route but may be difficult to find in heavy snow or poor visibility. Winter cold exposure and wind can cause hypothermia; prepare accordingly.

Emergency: Tower Ranger Station; contact park emergency services if in range.

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Light to Moderate; backcountry winter skiing limits the visitor pool to experienced skiers.

Peak Times: Weekends during stable snow conditions (January-February).

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Steep sections with 360-foot elevation gain. Trail is skier-tracked and marked with orange tags that may be difficult to find in winter conditions. Physically demanding ski terrain—requires intermediate to advanced skiing ability.

Family Notes:

Nearby Facilities

Tower Fall Campground nearby. Mammoth District Ranger Station and Norris Geyser Basin Museum & Information Station provide visitor services and information.

What Hikers Say

FAQs

Do I need a permit to ski this trail?

No permit required, but self-sufficiency and winter competence are mandatory. This is true backcountry—no rescue patrol, limited cell service.

Are there bears on this trail?

How difficult is the skiing?

Can I do this trail out-and-back?

What happens if I get stuck after dark?

Is water available on the trail?

What's the deal with the orange tags?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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