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The Lost Lake Loop

4 Hours

AVAILABLE ALL YEAR!

Tucked away behind the hustle and bustle of Roosevelt Lodge and Roosevelt Junction, you’ll find a trail that is largely overlooked. Showcasing the region’s natural beauty, from hidden waterfalls and lakes to wildlife-watching opportunities for bears, bison, and elk, the Lost Lake Loop may quickly become a favorite adventure in Yellowstone.

The trek is less than five miles, gains under 1,000 feet of elevation, and still seems to feel incredibly wild and remote. You’ll walk along a canyon rim and gaze upon a waterfall you may not have known existed minutes earlier. You’ll come across a lake frequented by all of Yellowstone’s wildlife. You’ll see the famous petrified tree, then head up a hill and take in a sweeping view that will leave you in awe before hiking back to your car.

If conditions allow, you’ll also have an opportunity to see the waterfall you saw from above, up close.

All of this is possible on the Lost Lake Loop trail, found within minutes of Tower Falls or Lamar Valley.

THIS IS A PRIVATE TOUR FOR YOU AND YOUR GROUP!

More About the Trail

The Lost Creek Loop Hike is an adventure that, despite the number of people who see Roosevelt Lodge and the Petrified Tree, is largely overlooked. The trail is well-maintained, offers a waterfall viewing, a canyon, lake and mountain views, and is a good spot to see wildlife. During the spring and early summer months, bear sightings are pretty common in this area, making it a truly special adventure if you are lucky enough to see one at a distance while hiking. Bison and elk like to linger around the lake, as do coyotes and the rare wolf.

If you have ever wanted to get to know the backcountry of Yellowstone, this trail is a wonderful introduction to what can be found when going beyond the boardwalks of the park.

Highlights

  • Waterfall view
  • Potential wildlife sightings
  • Geology
  • Panoramic views
  • A unique way to see Roosevelt

What the Adventure Will Look Like

Day 1:
The Lost Lake Loop

We will meet at the parking area near the pit toilets at Roosevelt Junction. After a quick safety talk and gear check, we will head up a rarely used trail up to a plateau above the Roosevelt Lodge area. From here, we will continue to hike and gain elevation, eventually emerging on a canyon rim. From here, we will see the stunning Lost Creek Falls, the Roosevelt Area, and some pretty cool geology. After crossing the creek on a bridge, we follow the other side of the canyon and make out way toward Lost Lake.

As we hike along Lost Lake, you’ll look for wildlife, which range from bison and elk, to coyotes, bears and even wolves. After the lake, we hike to the parking area of the Petrified Tree, see the tree in a cage, and start climbing once again. As we get to the top of the hill, the entire Northern Range comes into view, giving plentiful opportunities to spy wildlife and mountains.

We then make our way down a game trail to the ranger area of Roosevelt, walking the pavement back to the cars at the parking area. If conditions allow, we can delay the trip back to the car and hike up to the base of Lost Creek Falls, deep in the canyon. This side adventure adds a mile in distance and about 300 feet of elevation.

Without the waterfall detour, the trek is just under 5 miles in length and has ~700ft of elevation gain.

What You Get/Don't Get

Includes

  • Bear spray, access to gallons of water before the hike, use of binoculars, an expert guide, wildlife tips, trekking poles, a few prepackaged snacks (jerky, nuts, etc...)

Excludes

  • Hiking shoes, backpacks, water bladders/water bottles, meals

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

The Lost Lake Loop
From $ 175
/ Adult
From $ 100
/ Child