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Run through beautiful meadows and then ascend through forest to a mountain pass.


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Map Key

5.4

Miles

8.6

KM

87%

Runnable

8,385' 2,556 m

High

6,699' 2,042 m

Low

1,782' 543 m

Up

96' 29 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

34%

Max Grade (19°)

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Need to Know

This is bear country to be bear aware with bear spray and groups over four if possible

Description

This trail starts at the Watkins Creek TrailHead, about 18.5 miles and 35 minutes from West Yellowstone. Any vehicle should be able to drive down USFS Road 167. Look for the short single lane road to the trailhead right after the second cattle guard. There should be plenty of parking for this infrequently used trail.

Start running south along singletrack shared with horses. The first two miles are nearly all in meadows dotted with sage bushes and tons of flowers. This section is easy going as it only gradually gains elevation. You'll enjoy excellent views of the mountains ahead, and occasional views to Hebgen Lake. At about 2.25 miles you'll see the trail leading to the horse forge over Watkins Creek (it seems like most horse traffic takes this route, but crossing by foot could require route finding or getting your feet yet in early summer).

After the fork with Coffin Lakes Trail #209 the trail will cross the creek and ascend up to a mountain pass. Thereafter you can continue on Lionhead Trail #217. If you've done this section of trail please "Add Information".

Flora & Fauna

Grizzly bear, moose, deer, various wild flowers among the sage brush in the meadows

Shared By:

Karl W

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 1 vote

#15252

Overall
  4.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#353

in Montana

#15,252

Overall
2 Views Last Month
667 Since Aug 9, 2019
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Spring flowers in the snow.
Apr 23, 2015 near West Ye…, MT
Open views to the mountains that surround the Coffin Lakes
Aug 16, 2019 near West Ye…, MT
Spring hiking in the snow.
Apr 23, 2015 near West Ye…, MT

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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