Ten good summer hikes in the Gallatin, Targhee, and Beaverhead National Forest
This is a brief description on ten hikes in the West Yellowstone area. Please use a Lee Metcalf Wilderness map to find the trailhead locations or ask directions. This map is available at the Hebgen Lake Ranger District.
Trails off Highway 87
1. Sheep Lake. Trail # 218, Distance 13 miles round trip. Elevation gain 2600 feet. This is a long hike to a beautiful high alpine lake. The trail was recently repaired and the views are spectacular.
2. Mile Creek to Targhee Divide. Trail # 214. Distance 16 miles round trip. Elevation gain 3100 feet. Follow the CDT trail to the MT/ ID border 6 miles. Take trail # 27 to the Targhee Divide. Awesome views at 10,000 feet.
Trails off Highway 20
3. Coffin Lake. Trail # 215, # 209. Distance 10 miles roundtrip. Elevation gain 1800 feet. Trail begins in an open meadow and takes you to another high alpine lake.
Trails off Highway 191
4. Cinnamon Mountain. Trail # 6, # 73. Distance 8 miles roundtrip. Elevation gain 2700 feet. This hike offers a 360 degree view and a old Forest Service cabin. Signs are up on the top pointing to the high peaks.
5. Lava Lake. Trail # 77. Distance 6 miles roundtrip. Elevation gain 1300 feet. This is a very popular trail to a wilderness lake
Trails off Highway 287
6. Red Canyon to Cabin Creek Divide. Trail # 205. Distance 9 miles roundtrip. Elevation gain 1900 feet. At the junction of trail 205 & 151 look to the west for awesome view of Skyline Ridge
7. Mount Hebgen. Trail # 111. Distance 6 miles roundtrip. Elevation gain 1600 feet. You are following an old road bed to the top. Great views of Hebgen Lake and the Grand Tetons.
8. Avalanche Lake. Trail # 222, #152. Distance 10 miles roundtrip. Elevation gain 2200 feet. Another beautiful high alpine lake.
9. Hilgard Basin. Trail # 202. Distance 18 miles roundtrip. Elevation gain 2800 feet. This is a long day hike. An overnight trip is suggested. Beautiful lake basin.
10. Indian Creek to No Man Creek Falls. Trail # 328. Distance 8 miles roundtrip. Elevation gain 800 feet. The trail follows a canyon to an 80 foot waterfall.
Happy Hiking! Remember you are in bear country. Ask the Forest Service for more information.
J. G. Visitor Information Assistant