Trail

Trout Lake Trail

Trail
Hikers walk across a bridge at the outlet of a small lake surrounded by rolling hills.

This 1.2-mile lollipop loop climbs 150 feet through Douglas-fir forest to Trout Lake, a pristine alpine destination in Yellowstone's quiet northeast. Moderately easy terrain masks a steep, rooty final push that rewards fit legs with solitude and unobstructed wildlife viewing. The trail is well-worn and straightforward, but you're hiking prime bear habitat—silent hiking is suicide here. Expect 1-2 hours round trip if you move steadily and don't linger at the lake.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
1.2
Route Type
Lollipop loop
Difficulty Level
Moderately easy with a steep, technical final pitch
Elevation Gain Feet
150

Trail profile

Distance Miles
1.2
Route Type
Lollipop loop
Difficulty Level
Moderately easy with a steep, technical final pitch
Elevation Gain Feet
150
Estimated Time
1-2 hours. Fit hikers: 1.5 hours. Families or photo stops: 2+ hours.
Trail Surface
Forest floor with packed dirt and roots; steep rocky section in final 0.25 miles
Trail Features
  • Douglas-fir forest
  • Alpine lake
  • Wildlife viewing opportunities
  • Pebble Creek drainage access
Trail Highlights
Pristine alpine lake in quiet northeast backcountry with minimal crowds and direct wildlife habitat access. Early morning and dusk offer elk and bison sightings.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
Small pullout approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) south of Pebble Creek Campground on the Northeast Entrance Road
Parking Lot Size
Small pullout; estimated capacity 4-6 vehicles
Parking Fill Time
Full by mid-morning on peak summer weekends
Shuttle Required
0
Shuttle Details
Not applicable. Personal vehicle or hitchhike required to reach the trailhead.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details
None required. Standard Yellowstone entrance fee applies.
Fees
$35 entrance fee for private vehicle (7-day park pass); no trail-specific fee
Trail Status
Open
Seasonal Closures
Northeast Entrance Road may close November-April depending on snow and road maintenance. Check NPS road status before driving.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
0
Water Sources
Trout Lake at the destination. No reliable sources on the trail itself—carry minimum 2L, preferably 3L.
Accessibility
Rooty, steep final section with loose rock. Not wheelchair accessible. Uneven forest floor throughout.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Bear activity
  • No water sources on trail
  • Steep final section
  • Slippery when wet
  • Limited parking
  • Exposed lake edge
Hazard Details
You're in prime black and grizzly bear habitat—assume bears are present. No water sources on the trail itself, forcing you to carry every drop. Steep, rooty final ascent becomes slippery when wet or icy. Small pullout parking creates bottleneck on weekends. Lake edge has no barriers—watch for falls or slips.
Crowd Level
Light to moderate. This is not a flagship trail—most tourists flock to Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic, leaving this gem quiet.
Peak Crowd Times
Mid-day in peak summer (July-August), but still less crowded than major park attractions
Best Season
Mid-May through September for reliable Northeast Entrance Road access and stable weather
Best Time To Visit
Start by 7 AM to beat crowds and afternoon heat. Northeast Entrance Road is typically open mid-May through September. July-August offers stable weather but peak mosquito season—budget time for bug spray. Weekday mornings are your ticket to solitude.
Tips Advice
  • Make noise constantly—you're in prime black and grizzly habitat. Sing, talk, clap. Silent hiking is suicide here.
  • Carry minimum 2L water; the trail has zero sources until the lake.
  • Tighten your boots. The final 0.25 miles steepen significantly with loose rock and roots—trekking poles help on descent.
  • Download a map and carry bear spray. Even easy trails demand backup navigation in bear country.
  • Turn around by 2 PM to exit before dusk—wildlife activity peaks at dawn and dusk.

More details

Park Area
Northeast
Trail Markers
Well-worn trail with clear footpath. The lollipop loop is straightforward, but carry a map and GPS—navigation backup is non-negotiable in bear country, even on easy trails.
Dogs Allowed
No. Pets are not permitted in Yellowstone National Park.
Shade Level
Mostly shaded under Douglas-fir canopy; exposure increases on final 0.25 miles to lake
Emergency Contacts
Call 911 from the trailhead area if needed. Nearest ranger station: Mammoth District Ranger Station. Main park line: 307-344-7381.
Map Recommended
1
Snow Dates
Trail is open year-round, but Northeast Entrance Road may close November through April depending on snow. Winter hiking requires snowshoes and avalanche awareness on approach road.
Mud Season
Spring snowmelt (April-May) causes muddy sections on the approach to the trailhead. Expect wet, sloppy conditions.
Bug Season
Peak mosquito activity mid-July through August, especially near the lake. Bug spray is mandatory; consider head net if mosquitoes are heavy.
Insider Tips
  • The trail is a lollipop—don't get confused on the return loop. Mark your entry point mentally or with a stone cairn.
  • Arrive before 7:30 AM to secure the parking pullout on summer weekends.
  • The lake itself is the payoff; most hikers turn around at the shore and don't linger.
  • Wildlife window is dawn and dusk—early start captures both.
  • The false summit (a rise in the middle of the climb) will tempt you to stop. Keep pushing; the real summit is 0.5 miles further.
  • Elk and bison inhabit this area; give them 25 yards minimum. Watch for calves in June-July—mothers are aggressive.
Family Friendly Notes
Suitable for families with kids ages 8+, comfortable with uneven terrain and 150-foot elevation gain. Close adult supervision required due to bear country and unbarriered lake edge. Kids must follow noise protocol without exception and stay within arm's reach near wildlife.
Nearby Facilities
Pebble Creek Campground (1.5 miles north) has basic amenities. Next nearest services and supplies: Roosevelt Lodge area (~20 miles south).
Review Summary
Hikers consistently rate this as a quick, rewarding escape with genuine backcountry vibes and high wildlife encounter rates. The short distance appeals to families and solo travelers seeking solitude; the bear risk and exposed parking lot keep casual crowds light, leaving the experience raw and unfiltered.

Frequently asked questions

Can I do this with young kids?

Yes, ages 8+. The 1.2-mile distance is manageable, but kids must be comfortable walking uneven, rooty terrain. The bear risk means constant adult supervision and strict noise protocol—no exceptions. Kids can't wander. You must hike the full loop; no shortcuts.

Are there bears on this trail?

Yes, regularly. This is prime black and grizzly bear habitat. Make continuous noise, carry bear spray, and never approach wildlife. Solo travel is possible but higher risk. If you're nervous, group up with other hikers.

Do I need special gear?

Yes: bear spray, 2L+ water, sturdy boots with grip for descent, trekking poles, and a map/compass or GPS. The trail is straightforward but navigation backup matters in wildlife country. Bug spray is mandatory July-August.

Is this steep? Am I fit enough?

The 150 feet compressed into 1.2 miles creates a short, sharp climb with a steep finish. Fit hikers breeze it. Moderate fitness: doable with breaks. Bring trekking poles for the descent—they matter.

What's the water situation?

Bone dry until the lake. Carry every drop you need plus reserves (minimum 2L, ideally 3L). You cannot rely on finding water on this trail. Filter the lake if you refill, though most hikers avoid drinking from the destination.

Will I see wildlife?

High likelihood of elk, bison, or mule deer, especially dawn and dusk. Bears are present but rarely confrontational if you're loud. Stay 25 yards from elk/bison, 100 yards from bears. Calves (June-July) mean aggressive mothers nearby.

Can I do this year-round?

Technically yes, but the Northeast Entrance Road closes seasonally. Most reliable access: mid-May through September. Winter hiking requires snowshoes and avalanche awareness on the approach road; check road closure dates before driving.

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 June 2026. Report an issue.