Whits Lake Trailhead: 2-Mile Hike with 320-Ft Gain Near Hebgen

Q: Is this trail kid-friendly?

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

Q: Is there potable water along the trail?

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

Q: Do I need a permit or park fee?

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

Q: What about cell service?

Not reliable; plan ahead with maps and offline navigation.

+2 more

Distance

2 mi

Elevation Gain

520 ft

Est. Time

45 minutes–1.5 hours for fit hikers; longer for casual hikers

Route Type

Out-and-back

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

Late summer through early fall (August–October)

Overview

About This Trail

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.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Moderate; uneven footing with short steep sections; some sources flag as intermediate/difficult

Trail Highlights

Two lakes in a fir forest; the upper lake hosts lily pads and osprey activity; a quiet refuge with solitude.

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.

Best Season to Hike

Late summer through early fall (August–October)

Hiking Tips

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.

Family Info

Described as kid-friendly by some sources, but mud and insects can hinder; supervise children near marshy areas

What Hikers Say

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.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 2 miles

Elevation Gain: 520 ft

Duration: 45 minutes–1.5 hours for fit hikers; longer for casual hikers

Difficulty: Moderate; uneven footing with short steep sections; some sources flag as intermediate/difficult

Route Type: Out-and-back

Surface: Mostly packed dirt and gravel; marshy or muddy in sections

Getting There

Trailhead: 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: Small, mostly unpaved pull-off

Fills Up: Limited parking; arrive early, especially peak season; no published times

Restrooms at trailhead

Requirements

Permit Required

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

Shuttle Available

No shuttle service

Trail Rules

Dogs: Not available

Biking: Not available

Trail Markers: Well-marked; GPS is advisable due to limited service

Map/GPS recommended

View on AllTrails

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Carry water; no potable water at trailhead; lakes can serve as water sources only after treatment

Shade: Mostly shaded by tall fir trees; some open sun exposure

Cell Service: No reliable cell signal

Hazards:

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

Emergency: Yellowstone National Park dispatch and rangers; call 911 in emergencies; carry local numbers

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Generally less crowded than many Yellowstone trails

Peak Times: Mornings on weekends during peak season; go early to beat crowds

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Rooted and uneven terrain; not wheelchair accessible; moderate fitness required

Family 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

What Hikers Say

Reviews

★★★★☆

4.2 /5

Based on 9 Google reviews

Based on 9 guest reviews

" 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."