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Hikes/United States/Wyoming/Yellowstone National Park
Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Hard
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
435 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
24.0 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
5.5-7.5h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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Heart Lake Trail

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Table of contents

The Heart Lake Trail is a gorgeous route in Yellowstone. This trail can either be done as an ambitious day hike or broken up over a couple of days by camping at Heart Lake. This route is accessible year-round but best hiked in the summertime between June and September.

Route Description for Heart Lake Trail

The Heart Lake Trail is a fantastic route in Yellowstone. This is a long hike that can be challenging to complete in one day. If you are planning to hike the length of this route in one go, start early in the morning and bring a headlamp in case you wind up finishing in the dark. This trail can get quite buggy, especially in the early summer; pack some bug repellent or wear long layers to combat the mosquitoes. Mosquitoes aside, this trail is amazing. With gorgeous views the whole way and wonderful campsites and fishing spots at Heart Lake itself, the Heart Lake Trail is a great way to spend some quality time exploring the Wyoming wilderness.

Beginning at the Heart Lake Trailhead, follow the Continental Divide Trail southeast past the Heart Lake Geyser Basin and Double Spring to the shores of Heart Lake.

Enjoy your time lakeside at Heart Lake. Then, when you are ready to head home, simply retrace your steps back to the Heart Lake Trailhead, where you began.

Getting to the Heart Lake Trail Trailhead

This trail begins at the Heart Lake Trailhead on South Entrance Road, approximately 5.0mi south of Grant Village.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground:

    Campsites at Heart Lake: Sheridan Trail, West Shore, Hideaway, South Bay, East Shore, Beaver Creek.

  • When to do:

    July to September

  • Pets allowed:

    No

  • Family friendly:

    No

  • Route Signage:

    Average

  • Crowd Levels:

    Moderate

  • Route Type:

    Out and back

Heart Lake Trail Elevation Graph

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