Lost Lake Ski Trail

Lost Lake Ski Trail

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 4
Route Type: One-way (typically skied out-and-back for 8 miles round trip)
Difficulty Level: More Difficult
Elevation Gain Feet: 360

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 4
Route Type: One-way (typically skied out-and-back for 8 miles round trip)
Difficulty Level: More Difficult
Elevation Gain Feet: 360
Estimated Time: 3-4 hours one-way (5-7 hours for out-and-back) depending on fitness and snow conditions.
Trail Surface: Packed snow, skier-tracked. Open valley meadow and intermittent forest sections.
Trail Features: Petrified Tree
Lost Lake
Calcite Springs Overlook
rolling terrain
forested sections
meadow views
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.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Petrified Tree Road, just east of the Blacktail Plateau Drive exit, or 1.4 miles west of Tower Junction.
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: No shuttle available.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: 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.
Trail Status: Open seasonally when snow conditions permit.
Seasonal Closures: Closed without adequate snow coverage. Typically open December through March depending on snowfall and weather.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: No maintained water sources. Carry all water or melt snow on the trail (slow process in winter). Plan for 2L+ water minimum.
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.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Cold exposure
Wildlife encounters (bison/elk)
Steep terrain and descent
Route-finding difficulty
Packed snow and winter visibility
Hazard Details: 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.
Cell Service: Unknown; assume no reliable cell service in this remote area.
Crowd Level: Light to Moderate; backcountry winter skiing limits the visitor pool to experienced skiers.
Peak Crowd Times: Weekends during stable snow conditions (January-February).
Best Season: Winter (December-March, weather-dependent)
Best Time To Visit: Start early to maximize daylight. December through February typically have stable snow; late season (March) risks melting. Arrive by first light if skiing out-and-back; cold exposure intensifies in afternoon winds. Winter backcountry requires solid skiing skills and route-finding ability.
Tips Advice: 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.

More details

Park Area: Tower Area
Trail Markers: Orange trail tags mark the route; visibility may be reduced in heavy snow or winter whiteout conditions. Map and compass essential.
Dogs Allowed: No; only qualified service animals allowed, must be leashed and under control.
Biking Allowed: No; ski and snowshoe only.
Shade Level: Intermittent shade from forest; open meadow sections expose you to full sun and wind, especially on south-facing slopes.
Emergency Contacts: Tower Ranger Station; contact park emergency services if in range.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Typically December through March; exact conditions vary year to year based on snowfall.
Mud Season: N/A; winter ski trail only.
Wildflower Peak: N/A; winter trail.
Fall Colors Peak: N/A; winter trail.
Bug Season: Minimal in winter months.
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.
Family Friendly Notes: 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.
Nearby Facilities: Tower Fall Campground nearby. Mammoth District Ranger Station and Norris Geyser Basin Museum & Information Station provide visitor services and information.
Review Summary: 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.

Frequently asked questions

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?

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.