East Rosebud Trail

Hike Name: East Rosebud Trail Location: south MT Length: 26 Submitted by: jerry Kessler Date Submitted: 0/0/00 Rating:	more Montana trail reviews Montana national parks Montana state parks
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Description
The 26 mile East Rosebud Trail in the Gallatin and Custer National Forests of the Beartooth Mountains is certainly one of the most spectacular in the northern Rockies. This hike through the heart of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness area has everything. High moutain peaks (12000+ ft) including views of Granite Peak, Montana's highest, considerable above treeline hiking (real Alpine tundra), dark forests, numerous waterfalls, too many lakes to mention, great fishing and a descent through a canyon that rivals Yosemite's walls. It's good trail all the way and you are likely to see a variety of wildlife including black bear, elk, big horn sheep and mountain goats not to mention the assorted rodents from pikas to marmots.

Its best to start at the southern trailhead and work your way north. That way two thirds of the hike will be downhill.

This hike is not as solitary as many in Montana and you will probably meet other parties - three other groups in a day would be typical in August - but it won't seem crowded. If you want real solitude, just walk a half mile off trail and you'll certainly be by yourself and off trail hiking really is the essence of hiking in the Beartooths.

Most folks take five days, but it's an easy three. However there are so many opportunities for exploring off trail in every direction, that you can make it as long as you like.

The trail is generally in good shape after July 4 and reaches its highest elevation at Fossil Lake at just about 10,000 ft.

One word of caution, weather can be extreme and it can freeze and snow anytime of the year. Come prepared with good three season gear.

Directions to Hike
Take U.S. 212 south from Red Lodge, MT (this highway is spectacular and worth the trip in itself)to Cooke City, MT. A few miles before reaching Cooke City (about 50 miles south of Red Lodge), you'll come to the trailhead just across the highway from the Gallatin National Forest's Chief Joseph Campground. There is a sizable parking lot with restroom and picnic facilities at the trailhead.

Contact Information
Custer National Forest,
Beartooth District, Rt 2, Box 3420, Red Lodge, MT 59068
406/446-2103

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