Lava Lake Trail
Elevation
Ascent:
1,581'
482 m
Descent: -1,579' -481 m
High: 7,103' 2,165 m
Low: 5,532' 1,686 m
Grade
Avg Grade: 11% (6°)
Max Grade: 21% (12°)
Weather
Popular runs nearby
Spanish Creek and Jerome Rock Lakes Loop
20.3 mi 32.6 km • Loop • 3,721 ft Ascent 1134.15 m Ascent
Ousel Falls
1.6 mi 2.5 km • Out and Back • 260 ft Ascent 79.21 m Ascent
Emerald and Heather Lakes
10.8 mi 17.3 km • Out and Back • 2,106 ft Ascent 641.9 m Ascent
Summit Climb (Bone Crusher)
2.3 mi 3.7 km • Out and Back • 1,903 ft Ascent 580.15 m Ascent
Mt. Ellis
10.8 mi 17.3 km • Out and Back • 3,573 ft Ascent 1089.2 m Ascent
Bridger Ridge Traverse
18.7 mi 30.1 km • Point to Point • 4,060 ft Ascent 1237.47 m Ascent
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“A popular 5.7 mile out-and-back run close to both Bozeman and Big Sky.”
— samh Haraldson
Features
Birding · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife
Overview
Description
Starting from the trailhead along the Gallatin River, make your way into dense coniferous forest on wide tread, following alongside Cascade Creek—keep an eye out for many small waterfalls along the way. The elevation gain for the first three quarters of the length of the trail is mellow but a good workout. Savor the micro scenery along the way. The last quarter of the trail is along switchbacks, but they are worth the workout. Reach the top and find yourself treated to the expansive Lava Lake nestled in among its mountainous surroundings.
At the lake, explore the perimeter, but be sure to stay on maintained trails—this is a fairly popular run, so be respectful of the area.
Run this trail?
We need help with the following missing trail information:
Need to Know, Flora & Fauna, Runner Notes, History & Background
Contacts
Land Manager: USFS - Gallatin National Forest Office
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