Conditions are updated frequently and change nearly daily...
These are just some generals we know for sure.
Sept 6, 2024
QUICK UPDATES/ ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Sylvan Peak Shop hours are 9AM to 7PM - now that its fall!
Weekend weather looks sunny and nice! Cooler evening temps, possibly freezing in higher elevations. No major storms predicted until Wed/THurs of next week
Campgrounds are starting to close for the season.. Beartooth Lake, Island Lake, etc.. are closing Sept 8th. Check your plans before you head out!
Archery hunting season is open as of Sept 3 - hike with bright colors, put bright colors on your dogs etc.
Make certain all campfires are completely put out and cool to the touch (don't assume its good, douse it again. High Fire Danger, Red Flag warnings in effect. ) All dispersed campers must have their own bucket/shovel for this purpose, and be self sufficient with water source, garbage and bathroom facilities such as a toilet system or wag bags. Please keep the woods fire safe and garbage free!! Many fires have been found still burning in the backcountry here lately..
Bears:
Multiple bear break-ins have been reported lately - vehicles and houses. Keep car doors locked. Keep lower windows of houses closed especially in kitchen areas near food sources. Keep a very clean camp both in campgrounds and the backcountry. Food and garbage storage in Bear Boxes, Bear Kegs or proper food hang is required. Zero food or food smells in tents or on clothing in the tents.
East Rosebud Trail:
East Rosebud Trail is under construction. It is highly suggested to stay away until Forest Service can complete the trail rebuild, which includes blasting and trail closures. Blasting schedule includes the remainder of August. Bridge is out at Rimrock, but crossable now that water is very low by hopping the rocks at the outlet.
Bugs:
Mosquitos are still out in the evenings, but getting less and less.. Cold weather has not killed them off yet. Make sure to pack bug spray.
Nichols Trail is back open from both upper and lower trailheads. There is a new lower parking area, and a new road base for 3/4 mile to the original trail. The cut across to Palisades is also open for use from both sides.
Red Lodge Bike Center!
Newish location in Old Roosevelt Building. Visit our shop during our hours (Tuesday 9am-12, Thursday 4-6pm), chat with a volunteer about available bikes, make a donation, and ride off with your newly tuned bike!
Community Thursday night gravel or dirt rides! Check into beartoothvelo on Instagram for details on rides.
West Fork Trails: Basin trail is hike able to both lakes. Watch for multi use users - includes Mountain bikes and horses..
Main trail to Quinnebaugh meadows is good to hike - hike early as the first two miles is very hot... Creek crossing at Quinnebaugh is about ankle deep. Trail is muddy, and a couple creek crossings to the Sundance Bridge.
Gertrude/Timberline Lakes:
Trail to Gertrude is in good shape. A couple of creek crossings requiring wet feet. Bear activity - carry bear spray at all times. Silver Run Lakes are very quiet usually (less people) but very buggy
Silver Run Trails:
Trails are in great shape for hiking and biking. Lots of Moose sightings, some mommas with brand new babies, so leash your dogs! Bears have been seen lately, especially a little bear that has been hanging around for a few weeks in the area.
Beartrack Trail:
Reminder, your only water source is the first creek, not far from the trailhead. Trail is do-able over the top to Silver Run with minimal snow banks.
Nichols Creek Trails:
Nichols trail, including upper and lower trail heads and the Palisades cutoff trail are now back open. Forest Service has built a new lower parking area, and a new road bed for 3/4 mile before reaching the original trail. Be aware of uphill and downhill traffic and multiuse.
Palisades Trail:
Great hiking conditions - Tons of flowers in the meadow! Carry bear spray. As if July 1, Dogs are allowed on Palisades trail
Lake Fork Trail:
Be on bear aware, and moose aware, but trail is not closed and is fine to hike.
Trailhead bridge is in place. Moose hanging out on the trail, not budging and charging when challenged. Leash dogs, don't try to get the moose to move off the trail, it will charge you.
No snow on the trail over Sundance pass. Grizzly seen at September Morn lake and Keyser Brown Lake recently.
Beartooth/Island Lake
Mosquitos are out in the evenings. Trails from both lakes are muddy, some creek crossings require getting your feet wet. Grizzlies have been sighted in the area, carry bear spray
Beartooth Lake and Island Lake campgrounds are open through this weekend, Sept 8th.
Line Creek Plateau:
Mountain Bike Riders have been traversing the Line Creek plateau, and coming down either Corral Creek or Maurice creek trail. Trail is advanced technical terrain at high altitude, so watch the weather patterns - very exposed plateau. Trail is follow-able - take a paper map as well as a GPS. Drainages can be tricky to find. Definitely a shuttle trip.
Glacier Lake Road:
Glacier Lake road is back open, with a temporary repair of the culvert at Hellroaring creeks. One way traffic over the repair. Please drive slow and be aware of walkers and bikes on this road. MK campground is open.
Greenough Lake campground open Through Sept 8th.
Hellroaring Road and Bridges:
Hellroaring road is very rough to the spot where bridges are out - about 3 miles up. Not a ton of room to park, or turn around large vehicles. The creeks really did a number on the valley and dug quite the gorge, but its navigable by scrambling on foot - not possible by 4 wheeler or vehicle. People have been walking or mountain biking the rest of the road past the washout. Bridge replacement and road rebuild timeline is unknown at this time. There are multiple bridges and trails ahead of this project still...
Red Lodge Creek Trail: Trail is in good shape - water crossings are challenging but do able now with lower water levels. Some short snow fields along the plateau. Crow Lake and Sylvan Lakes are very buggy.
East Rosebud:
Please be respectful of private property and cabin owners around East Rosebud and along the road. Make sure you know where Private Lands are and stay on public lands. Boat Ramp at East Rosebud has not been repaired yet, and is not accessible to the public for boat launch. Parking in the forest service parking lot across the road and carrying a paddle board or kayak to the lakeshore is a do-able thing, but no boat launch for bigger boats. Watch the new currents in the river here since the flood.. new boaters will get carried downstream.
Trail to Elk lake is do able, and the new trail is good. Trail above Elk Lake is non existent still from the flood, and Rimrock bridge is still out. Forest Service will be rebuilding this 2 mile section of trail this summer, and expecting to replace the bridge by summer of 2026. There is no stock allowed on this trail until all of these repairs are finalized.
Cooke City to East Rosebud trail (Beaten Path) - High water crossings, some small snow banks around Fossil area. Suggested travel is to start on Cooke City Side, hike as far as you want, and turn around and come back to your vehicle. East Rosebud side is a tough trip right now, with rock travel, river bed travel, blasting closures, and Forest Service needs time and space to work on it. Rimrock Lake bridge is out,
Stillwater Trail/Woodbine Campground:
The rocky gorge trail section is washed out and not passable, but take the stock bypass trail from the trailhead, which connects to the main trail just beyond the gorge.
Work has started replacing the trailhead and parking area from flood damage. This work is expected to finish in August. Parking for the trailhead is in the campground area, which adds about a mile to the hike.
West Rosebud/ Mystic Lake Trail:
Trail is good free to Mystic and around to Huckleberry Creek. Lots of people, so be courteous of fellow hikers and campers. Be aware of the regulations of camping 200ft from the lake, 100ft from the streams. Pick up garbage, keep a clean camp. Bears will come in later in the summer to areas like this that get trashed by people, attracted to the garbage and food left.
Granite Peak:
Climbing season is in full swing on Granite, and multiple commercial guided trips are summitting daily. Carry wag bags for human poop - don't dig holes anymore, as its becoming a big poop problem. Snow and rock travel Marmots and mountain goats have been chewing gear, so keep everything clean and picked up while you are summitting. There will be multiple groups above and below you on routes, so wear a helmet for rock fall injury prevention.
Face of the Mountain: Road is fine, but watch for muddy conditions if its raining. Trail is in good shape, and tons of beautiful flowers! Carry bear spray for sure.. Forest Service has been doing some trail work, so the tread is greatly improved.
Beartooth Ranger District:
Please call the Beartooth Ranger District at 406-446-2103 or stop by the office in Red Lodge 8am to 4:30 pm weekdays with questions
QUICK UPDATES/ ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Sylvan Peak Shop hours are 9AM to 7PM - now that its fall!
Weekend weather looks sunny and nice! Cooler evening temps, possibly freezing in higher elevations. No major storms predicted until Wed/THurs of next week
Campgrounds are starting to close for the season.. Beartooth Lake, Island Lake, etc.. are closing Sept 8th. Check your plans before you head out!
Archery hunting season is open as of Sept 3 - hike with bright colors, put bright colors on your dogs etc.
Make certain all campfires are completely put out and cool to the touch (don't assume its good, douse it again. High Fire Danger, Red Flag warnings in effect. ) All dispersed campers must have their own bucket/shovel for this purpose, and be self sufficient with water source, garbage and bathroom facilities such as a toilet system or wag bags. Please keep the woods fire safe and garbage free!! Many fires have been found still burning in the backcountry here lately..
Bears:
Multiple bear break-ins have been reported lately - vehicles and houses. Keep car doors locked. Keep lower windows of houses closed especially in kitchen areas near food sources. Keep a very clean camp both in campgrounds and the backcountry. Food and garbage storage in Bear Boxes, Bear Kegs or proper food hang is required. Zero food or food smells in tents or on clothing in the tents.
East Rosebud Trail:
East Rosebud Trail is under construction. It is highly suggested to stay away until Forest Service can complete the trail rebuild, which includes blasting and trail closures. Blasting schedule includes the remainder of August. Bridge is out at Rimrock, but crossable now that water is very low by hopping the rocks at the outlet.
Bugs:
Mosquitos are still out in the evenings, but getting less and less.. Cold weather has not killed them off yet. Make sure to pack bug spray.
Nichols Trail is back open from both upper and lower trailheads. There is a new lower parking area, and a new road base for 3/4 mile to the original trail. The cut across to Palisades is also open for use from both sides.
Red Lodge Bike Center!
Newish location in Old Roosevelt Building. Visit our shop during our hours (Tuesday 9am-12, Thursday 4-6pm), chat with a volunteer about available bikes, make a donation, and ride off with your newly tuned bike!
Community Thursday night gravel or dirt rides! Check into beartoothvelo on Instagram for details on rides.
West Fork Trails: Basin trail is hike able to both lakes. Watch for multi use users - includes Mountain bikes and horses..
Main trail to Quinnebaugh meadows is good to hike - hike early as the first two miles is very hot... Creek crossing at Quinnebaugh is about ankle deep. Trail is muddy, and a couple creek crossings to the Sundance Bridge.
Gertrude/Timberline Lakes:
Trail to Gertrude is in good shape. A couple of creek crossings requiring wet feet. Bear activity - carry bear spray at all times. Silver Run Lakes are very quiet usually (less people) but very buggy
Silver Run Trails:
Trails are in great shape for hiking and biking. Lots of Moose sightings, some mommas with brand new babies, so leash your dogs! Bears have been seen lately, especially a little bear that has been hanging around for a few weeks in the area.
Beartrack Trail:
Reminder, your only water source is the first creek, not far from the trailhead. Trail is do-able over the top to Silver Run with minimal snow banks.
Nichols Creek Trails:
Nichols trail, including upper and lower trail heads and the Palisades cutoff trail are now back open. Forest Service has built a new lower parking area, and a new road bed for 3/4 mile before reaching the original trail. Be aware of uphill and downhill traffic and multiuse.
Palisades Trail:
Great hiking conditions - Tons of flowers in the meadow! Carry bear spray. As if July 1, Dogs are allowed on Palisades trail
Lake Fork Trail:
Be on bear aware, and moose aware, but trail is not closed and is fine to hike.
Trailhead bridge is in place. Moose hanging out on the trail, not budging and charging when challenged. Leash dogs, don't try to get the moose to move off the trail, it will charge you.
No snow on the trail over Sundance pass. Grizzly seen at September Morn lake and Keyser Brown Lake recently.
Beartooth/Island Lake
Mosquitos are out in the evenings. Trails from both lakes are muddy, some creek crossings require getting your feet wet. Grizzlies have been sighted in the area, carry bear spray
Beartooth Lake and Island Lake campgrounds are open through this weekend, Sept 8th.
Line Creek Plateau:
Mountain Bike Riders have been traversing the Line Creek plateau, and coming down either Corral Creek or Maurice creek trail. Trail is advanced technical terrain at high altitude, so watch the weather patterns - very exposed plateau. Trail is follow-able - take a paper map as well as a GPS. Drainages can be tricky to find. Definitely a shuttle trip.
Glacier Lake Road:
Glacier Lake road is back open, with a temporary repair of the culvert at Hellroaring creeks. One way traffic over the repair. Please drive slow and be aware of walkers and bikes on this road. MK campground is open.
Greenough Lake campground open Through Sept 8th.
Hellroaring Road and Bridges:
Hellroaring road is very rough to the spot where bridges are out - about 3 miles up. Not a ton of room to park, or turn around large vehicles. The creeks really did a number on the valley and dug quite the gorge, but its navigable by scrambling on foot - not possible by 4 wheeler or vehicle. People have been walking or mountain biking the rest of the road past the washout. Bridge replacement and road rebuild timeline is unknown at this time. There are multiple bridges and trails ahead of this project still...
Red Lodge Creek Trail: Trail is in good shape - water crossings are challenging but do able now with lower water levels. Some short snow fields along the plateau. Crow Lake and Sylvan Lakes are very buggy.
East Rosebud:
Please be respectful of private property and cabin owners around East Rosebud and along the road. Make sure you know where Private Lands are and stay on public lands. Boat Ramp at East Rosebud has not been repaired yet, and is not accessible to the public for boat launch. Parking in the forest service parking lot across the road and carrying a paddle board or kayak to the lakeshore is a do-able thing, but no boat launch for bigger boats. Watch the new currents in the river here since the flood.. new boaters will get carried downstream.
Trail to Elk lake is do able, and the new trail is good. Trail above Elk Lake is non existent still from the flood, and Rimrock bridge is still out. Forest Service will be rebuilding this 2 mile section of trail this summer, and expecting to replace the bridge by summer of 2026. There is no stock allowed on this trail until all of these repairs are finalized.
Cooke City to East Rosebud trail (Beaten Path) - High water crossings, some small snow banks around Fossil area. Suggested travel is to start on Cooke City Side, hike as far as you want, and turn around and come back to your vehicle. East Rosebud side is a tough trip right now, with rock travel, river bed travel, blasting closures, and Forest Service needs time and space to work on it. Rimrock Lake bridge is out,
Stillwater Trail/Woodbine Campground:
The rocky gorge trail section is washed out and not passable, but take the stock bypass trail from the trailhead, which connects to the main trail just beyond the gorge.
Work has started replacing the trailhead and parking area from flood damage. This work is expected to finish in August. Parking for the trailhead is in the campground area, which adds about a mile to the hike.
West Rosebud/ Mystic Lake Trail:
Trail is good free to Mystic and around to Huckleberry Creek. Lots of people, so be courteous of fellow hikers and campers. Be aware of the regulations of camping 200ft from the lake, 100ft from the streams. Pick up garbage, keep a clean camp. Bears will come in later in the summer to areas like this that get trashed by people, attracted to the garbage and food left.
Granite Peak:
Climbing season is in full swing on Granite, and multiple commercial guided trips are summitting daily. Carry wag bags for human poop - don't dig holes anymore, as its becoming a big poop problem. Snow and rock travel Marmots and mountain goats have been chewing gear, so keep everything clean and picked up while you are summitting. There will be multiple groups above and below you on routes, so wear a helmet for rock fall injury prevention.
Face of the Mountain: Road is fine, but watch for muddy conditions if its raining. Trail is in good shape, and tons of beautiful flowers! Carry bear spray for sure.. Forest Service has been doing some trail work, so the tread is greatly improved.
Beartooth Ranger District:
Please call the Beartooth Ranger District at 406-446-2103 or stop by the office in Red Lodge 8am to 4:30 pm weekdays with questions
Give us a call at (406) 446-1770 if you're looking for a more current or specific trail report!
If you would like to be Emailed about Trail conditions Fill out the form below.
If you would like to be Emailed about Trail conditions Fill out the form below.