Hike
The Beaten Path Trail (East Rosebud Trail), Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, Montana
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East Rosebud Trail (# 15) is 16 miles long. The East Rosebud Trail is also known as “The Beaten Path”. Elk Lake, which is 3.5 miles from the trailhead, is a popular day-hiking destination.
The trail begins at the southern end of East Rosebud Road (Forest Road 2177) and climbs steadily for 16 miles to Fossil Lake. The trail continues on the Russell Creek Trail (Gardiner Ranger District) for another 10 miles to the Clarks Fork Trailhead. One of the most scenic trails in the Beartooths, this trail has a multitude of trout filled lakes, waterfalls, and cascading streams. Elevation change: 3400 feet. The trail is open for the following uses: hiking, horseback riding.
*Please be aware that travelling in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness comes with additional regulations. Please know what is expected of visitors before entering the wilderness.
Distances to:
Elk Lake 3.5 miles
Rimrock Lake 6.0 miles
Rainbow Lake 8.0 miles
Lake at Falls 9.0 miles
Big Park Lake 10.0 miles
Duggan Lake 12.5 miles
Twin Outlets Lake 12.8 miles
Dewey Lake 14.0 miles
Fossil Lake 16.0 miles
Windy Lake 17.1 miles
Skull Lake 17.8 miles
Bald Knob Lake 18.4 miles
Ouzel Lake 18.8 miles
Russell Lake 20.0 miles
Kersey Lake 24.5 miles
Clarks Fork Trailhead 26.0 miles
*No campfires are allowed from Twin Outlets Lake to Fossil Lake.
Directions from district office to East Rosebud Trailhead:Drive north on US Hwy 212 for 2.1 miles. Turn left (west) onto MT-78 and drive 19.7 miles. Turn left (south) onto Roscoe Rd. Drive 2.3 miles, cross the bridge and turn right (south) onto East Rosebud Rd. Drive 10.6 miles and until you dead-end at the trailhead. There is ample parking and room for horse trailers. There is a vault toilet at trailhead.
Directions from district office to Clarks Fork Trailhead:Drive south on US Hwy 212 towards Cooke City for 59.3 miles. Turn right into the trailhead (follow signs).
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