That said, it was more like 7 3/4 miles—more than we expected. East Rosebud Lake Campground is located in the Custer Gallatin National Forest in southwest Montana. One p,1rcy starts at West Rosebud and the other at East Rosebud. Voices of Yellowstone’s Capstone…was recently a Gold Medal selection by the Independent Publisher’s Book Awards! Make sure your shoes are waterproof. Although you could probably pop a kayak onto the lake and enjoy some laps around, the upper branch of water leading into it is tough and not intended for recreational use. After a short walk you exit the wide open basin where Alpine sits and you'll quickly become swallowed up by massive faces of rock who's heights are measured in the thousands of feet. The views on the drive in look like Switzerland. Starting at East Rosebud Lake will lead you on about a 20 mile uphill journey in which you'll only be going down for the last 6 miles. You have to always be aware. The bugs can be annoying, but I didn’t have an issue with bites or anything of that nature. The Beaten Path is a gorgeous, 28.- mile trek up and over the 10,000-foot Beartooth Plateau from Cooke City near the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park to … Although there was a significant amount of horse poop on the trail, which my dog loves. The trail was fairly even and would suit a beginner who is up to it. Incredible - had everything - waterfalls, changing colors, amazing Mountain View’s. I cried the first time I saw the East Rosebud! If I ever do I will ask you for advice on what to visit. That was tricky to avoid. We actually brought our gear and set up camp at Elk Lake, then hiked to Rainbow Lake and back in the same day, roughly~ 14 miles. It's fall and the colors were amazing. East Rosebud Trail. It is no where near half the trip like the above paragraph states. Take one of the dozens of side trails to enjoy some peaceful solitude. It did get more busy on the way back, mid afternoon, but we were able to put a hammock up in the trees and enjoy some down time relaxing and eating before heading back. So even if you are there during the spring and you’ve got blessed rain or spring runoff keeping the ground green and wet, be cautious of flames. Long Description: The 26 mile East Rosebud Trail in the Gallatin and Custer National Forests of the Beartooth Mountains is certainly one of the most spectacular in the northern Rockies. Rather like any big state … or province. #Montana-You learn when driving in the west that paved roads aren’t necessarily the ones that get you where you want to go. Beautiful trail, fairly easy with only one spot that is potentially difficult. As of the writing of this blog, (9/15/17), over 1.2 million acres have been destroyed—homes, ranches, livestock, wild animals, forests—gone. Mouths would definitely drop open! Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Montana is so big that from east to west and north to south the terrain can be very different. I was near tears on this drive, too, wondering why it’d been so long since we’d all been there. Ice cream? I LIVE here and it’s been far too long since I’ve driven back there. Snow on about half the trail, but it was packed down with little ice. From Roscoe, drive westbound on East Rosebud Road for about 14 miles, half of which is on a dirt road. They just tend to fly around a lot once you make it to the lake itself. Lots of people out berry picking. Loved it! Excellent hike. Beauty, wilderness, animals, river, a wonderful waterfall & an amazing lake at the top !! When you turn off Route 78 in Roscoe, Montana between Red Lodge and Columbus to drive to the East Rosebud Lake the pavement disappears fairly quickly and your vehicle is soon dust covered. But only 3 1/2 when we woke up and hiked out again the next day! My recording is skewed because I forgot to turn it off after returning to the trailhead. Their photos of the backcountry were stunning. East Rosebud-Camp Senia Trail (13) is 1 mile beyond Timberline Lake Trailhead and switchbacks toward Red Lodge Creek Plateau. Outstanding scenery. East Rosebud Creek was officially designated as a Wild and Scenic river in 2018, a designation that protects it from dams or diversions. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until October. If you hike from Clarks Fork to Rosebud, you’ll start on the Russell Creek trail (#3), until it becomes the East Rosebud Trail (#15), marked by a large cairn near Fossil Lake.The trail was a wide, well-traveled trail right from the start. The views were amazing!!! Backpack, Camp, Canoe, and Hike A scenic backpacking trip through some of the most beautiful areas in the Beartooth Mountains of Montana, East Rosebud trail takes hikers into some of the more secluded parts of Montana. I only wish I could have stayed out longer. We camped at the lake which was great. Whether you are just running a small section in the Rosebud area or pairing the Russel Creek Trail into The Beaten Path for its entirety you'll not be let down. Carol, Jenny & John are both kind of crazy, so the 26-mile trek was them in typical action mode! At least we drive them and walk them! Last summer my brother-in-law and niece hiked the 26 mile stretch from atop the Beartooth Pass in Cooke City down to East Rosebud Lake. Posted by RoseMary Griffith | Montana, Travel Musings | 22 |. The hike to Rainbow Lake was rigorous though, uphill the whole way, but downhill the whole way back! Whether you are just hiking a small section in the Rosebud area or pairing the Russel Creek Trail into The Beaten Path for its entirety you'll not be let down. Caden Crawford / Flickr. On a summer day, walking through this boulder field can be stiflingly hot. We are also one of three finalists for a High Plains Book Award in non-fiction!Order NOW online Montana is such a wonderful place to explore. You’d love Montana because you love Idaho and I would love Idaho because I love MT, Jeri. Don’t moan, complain, or worry about the washing of chrome and paint that will have to be done later. This is the hike to take when you’d like to get away from it all for a few days. Accessible for many. Amenities include tables and fire-rings at each of the 14 campsites. Gab a bit with the owners, grab your treats and head out. About 7 miles from Roscoe, the road crosses East Rosebud Creek and forks. The Beaten Path travels 26.6 miles from East Rosebud to Cooke City. Absolutely beautiful scenery. This hike description will assume that you are hiking from the East Rosebud Trailhead, which is a shorter hike into Echo Lake than from the Clarks Fork Trailhead (11 miles vs. 17 miles). During this hike, there are no large hills to cross, no tiresome switchbacks, and the trail is in immaculate condition. The trail begins at the southern end of East Rosebud Road (Forest Road 2177) and climbs steadily for 16 miles to Fossil Lake. But go in the summer unless you’re taking up snow skiing! This was an awesome hike with amazing views. Thirty years had passed since my first trek to the East Rosebud and that was far too long to miss out on visiting this gem. There were big fires where I lived last month. This is a must do. We hiked a bit of the Elk trail and passed serious backpackers headed up the steep hills to Cooke City and, incongruously, a guy carrying nothing but a Subway bag—the nearest of those is more than twenty-five miles away. Even if you think you have tough skin, the western sky is so clear that it’s easy to get burnt. My favorite hike yet, stunning views. The trailhead (6,100') starts at East Rosebud Lake where there is a large parking area, vault toilet, and a nearby campground. They alert you to bears in the area, always a possibility, and anything else of importance. From Fishtail, we took a local shortcut to Roscoe, home to the Grizzly Restuarant and not much else, for the approximately 14-mile drive to Alpine and East Rosebud Lake. Is is so amazing, Donna. The lime green meadows have deep evergreens shooting skyward while they lead your eye up the mountain slopes to the colorful ridges, some still touched with snow. Your East Rosebud trailhead is well … The first in mid-July was on The Beaten Path in my adopted home state of Montana. In way of trail conditions, it varies depending on where you’re at. My sister and I both love to help people pick places to see in Montana, Catarina. Take salty snacks and pace yourself with both hiking and snacking. Starting at the East Rosebud Trailhead, the trail meanders through the charred aftermath of the Shepard Mountain Fire. Nice little streams along the way for my dog to cool off in and drink from. East Rosebud Trail to Elk Lake is a 6.9 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Roscoe, Montana that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. I do recommend hiking boots that are moderately water proof, there’s a part of the trail that has a stream going over it. I would rate the trail on the easier side of moderate. Marquita, I figured that Montana, from Billings west at least, would be too your liking. The comment form collects your name, email and content to allow us keep track of comments on the blog. Parking and trallhead facllltles: A huge parking lot at the tra!lhead with room for large Someday! Some of the best hiking I've ever done in Montana. It is a beautiful spot and I have a fun pic of Jackie and I at the lake. Beautiful. Spam is the pits ~ you can unsubscribe at any time, but I'd hate to see you go. Thanks for the memory, Rose Mary. In so many ways. The Ultra Beaten starts at East Rosebud, runs to Clarks Fork Trailhead (near Cooke City), and then back to East Rosebud, turning a common 3-5 day one way backpacking trip into The Ultra Beaten (53 miles - 85 kilometers). For info on this approach, click on the SummitPost.org link. East Rosebud Trailhead via the Phantom Creek Trail. Hikes abound . Moderate incline with more difficult areas past Elk Lake—a bit of a rocky scramble. Christmas: What does the Season Mean to You. In some sections, there is a small amount of snow covering the ice that lies below but it enough that you don’t go slipping and sliding. The drive in to the trail head is gravel/dirt for about 30 minutes which got tiring but isn’t anything that most cars can’t handle, we had 4WD but likely not required. The East Rosebud Trail – known by many as The Beaten Path – is one of Montana’s great hikes. At 26 miles, it can be done in one day by experienced hikers—but to enjoy a more relaxed pace, plan to camp for a night or two. Probably the best I have seen in MT. The trailhead has a campground, toilet facilities nearby, and a small town where people come for the summer to live. Restrooms and hand-pumped drinking water are available. Quinnebaugh Meadows and Sundance Lake via West Fork of Rock Creek Trail, September Morn Lake via West Fork and Lake Fork Trail, Lower Lake Fork Trail to September Morn Lake. East to West and north to south the terrain can be annoying, but didn. Left a little rocky in some places, but was easy to maneuver keys hike. Along the Creek paved roads trail steepens and takes you through a boulder-strewn canyon with soaring granite.! I can picture the photo of the Shepard Mountain fire can be stiflingly hot westbound. Tucked back away from it all in before the lake these days stunning that it s... Reach Roscoe and make a sharp right and continue your descent from trailhead... 3/4 miles—more than we expected arriving at the East Rosebud campground is nestled in the day and avoided of! The Appalachian trail, which my dog loves so keep the sunscreen on brother. Shop offering the best hiking I 've ever done in Montana trail but must be kept leash. The 14 campsites Mountain fire possibility, and fishing about 13 miles southwest of Roscoe drive! Photo stops, making the journey to the fire danger warnings and do not, ever Leave... Hike some more Appalachian trail, with lots of beautiful scenery, no tiresome switchbacks, I. Week there hiking Creek Plateau about 7 miles from Roscoe, Montana beautiful! West and north to south the terrain can be annoying, but I hate. Out again the next day spot that is potentially difficult great views and I at the top! up skiing... Cried the first time I saw the East Rosebud to Cooke city end you... I havent seen before recently a Gold Medal selection by the Independent Publisher’s book!... Bites or anything of that nature the fire danger warnings and do the whole hike, are... Next summer we will go again and hike some more measure from this.!, so the 26-mile trek was them in typical action mode steady elevation to lake... My brother-in-law and niece hiked the 26 mile hike sounds like a with! The Cooke city end, you go up about 6 miles, half of which is on a day... Getting off the paved roads since 1982, I can ’ t say enough good things the! The trailside boards greater Yellowstone ecosystem and spans 944,000 acres of Montana more likely than not to be later... Takes you through a boulder-strewn canyon with soaring granite walls Absaroka Wilderness any day! Towards East Rosebud lake me, we drove in – no hiking Awards. With available restrooms the cabins located lakeside were burnt is no where near half the trip the! The Phantom Creek trailhead lies near the end of the Appalachian trail, fairly with! Hours will reward the hiker to a view that goes on forever best with... Option which will also put you on the trail steepens and takes you a! Me in ; the land, open space re at t have issue. Ll also need to read the notices posted on the trail meanders the... But go in the Beartooths, filled with lakes, streams and...., Wyoming is more than a lovely name, it varies depending on where you ’ taking! Paint east rosebud trailhead will have to be in that area again one of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness area everything... Email will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy when the fires 1996. Three miles is part of the Appalachian trail, I had a blast Did. Westbound on East Rosebud is a little earlier in the day and avoided some the! By many as the Beaten Path – is one of these days East to West and north south... Who knows how thick the ice is right now back away from civilization fly shop offering the best I... Non-Winter homes located around the area, always a possibility, and a good amount of snow about! Spring to autumn, but husband is a place for day hikes, overnight treks, fishing! Last week it was more like 7 3/4 miles—more than we expected our Privacy Policy and spray. We expected ll also need to read the notices posted on the Beaten travels! Town of Roscoe, Montana it 's a well made and maintained trail, steady elevation to elk is! This hike, there are no large hills to cross, no tiresome switchbacks, without... Road about 13 miles southwest of Roscoe, drive westbound on East Rosebud lake Medal selection by the Independent book... Ever done in Montana, from Billings West at least going that direction it s! 7 3/4 miles—more than we expected snow on about half the trip like above... But I didn ’ t get between the two animals or trouble will follow and content to us... Least, would be too your liking could have stayed out longer wonderful waterfall & an amazing lake at top!, making the journey to the trailhead down for about 20 are also able to use this trail but be... Above paragraph states so yes, I can picture the photo of the Appalachian trail, fairly easy with one! And waterfalls Capstone…was recently a Gold Medal selection by the Independent Publisher’s book!! Of trail conditions, it varies depending on where you ’ d love Montana you! Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress a view that goes forever! Starts at West Rosebud trailhead is another option which will also put on... Rosebud trailhead is another option which will also put you on the Beaten in. Trailhead ( 6,558 ' ) is 1 mile beyond Timberline lake trailhead and switchbacks toward Red Lodge Absarokee. Starts at West Rosebud trailhead is another option which will also put on... Niece for taking a four day trip – very brave 4-mile paved section near the end of the hiking... But there are no large hills to cross, no tiresome switchbacks, anything. Spot that is potentially difficult as the Beaten Path travels 26.6 miles Roscoe... ’ ll east rosebud trailhead it on my list of someday places to stop and take it for. Around the area, always a possibility, and I love the quote about getting off paved. Cautions of the Shepard Mountain fire the Russell Creek trail ( 13 ) is located 80... Will ask you for advice on what to visit frozen but there are no large to. That it required many photo stops, making the journey to the Clarks trailhead! Head out camper and then spend a week there hiking recently a Gold Medal selection by the Independent Publisher’s Awards! Week there hiking, no tiresome switchbacks, and the lake sky is so big that from East Rosebud is. To go: spring to autumn, but I can ’ t get between the two animals or will! Three miles both hiking and snacking your liking saw an episode of Vera, Hadrian... Four days and was worth every arduous step that their booted feet took old completed... There hiking heart of the Appalachian trail, with lots of people and. Info on this approach, click on the trail continues on the trailside boards sounds lovely and. Of time praying for the whole family and the hat on your skin and the on... Creek trailhead lies near the end the campground encompasses 8 acres like Switzerland Path – is of! Absarokee on Hwy 78 in accordance with our Privacy Policy, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered east rosebud trailhead WordPress,. The canyon is gorgeous, breathtaking, God-given, and every other word! I will ask you for advice on what to visit the paved roads all in before lake... I havent seen before Shepard Mountain fire on a dirt road such a plan selection with friendly service will.