Hiking To Trout Lake In Yellowstone National Park

Trout Lake Trail is a 1.2-mile out-and-back hike in Yellowstone National Park, featuring about 150 feet of elevation gain.

The trail begins and ends at the same trailhead (44.89912, -110.12312), located in Lamar Valley, approximately 1.5 miles south of Pebble Creek Campground on the Northeast Entrance Road, and three miles north of the Lamar River Trailhead.

The parking area is small, and this hike is quite popular, so it’s best to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon for a better chance of finding a spot.

The lollipop loop trail takes you through a Douglas-fir forest on the way to the lake.

The climb to the lake encompasses the entirety of the 150 feet of elevation gain, offering a short but heart-pumping ascent. However, the descent back to the trailhead is an easy walk.

Once at the lake, hikers can enjoy a leisurely walk along its shore, soaking in scenic views of the surrounding forests, meadows, and mountains.

On calm days, the mountains beautifully reflect off the clear, glassy water..

Keep an eye out for wildlife—bison are commonly seen in this area, and during our hike, we had a lovely encounter with a young deer. We also spotted several species of waterfowl at the lake.

Grizzly bears are also known to frequent the area, so be sure to carry bear spray for safety.