East Rosebud Trail

Hike Name: East Rosebud Trail Location: south MT Length: 26 miles Submitted by: Jerry 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 or four 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 anyway.

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 it's 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
From Billings, MT, take U.S. 212 south to Red Lodge, MT. Continue south on 212 over the spectacular Beartooth Pass (11,000 ft) toward Cooke City, MT. About 2 miles before Cooke City (48 miles south of Red Lodge) you will come to Chief Joseph campground of the Gallatin National Forest. The East Rosebud trailhead is just across the highway. The trailhead has a sizeable parking lot with restroom and picnic facilities.

Contact Information
Custer National Forest,
PO Box 2556, Billings, MT 59103 (406)657-6361

or

Gallatin National Forest
PO Box 59715, Federal Bld,
Bozeman, MT 59715
(406) 587-6701

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