Heart Lake Trail
One of the most picturesque trails in Yellowstone National Park.
Plan Around Heart Lake Trail
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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Heart Lake Trail Details
One of the most picturesque trails in Yellowstone National Park, this trail experiences a wide variety of scenery and wildlife, and is very popular among hikers and anglers. The path begins level, crossing meadows and a lodgepole pine forest before gently ascending a long plateau ravaged by the 1988 fires. From here it drops into Witch Creek Valley, a unique area filled with a combination of marsh meadows and thermal areas. Highlights of the valley include a pretty, 120-feet wide pond filled with simmering turquoise water, Deluge and Spike Geysers, and a number of mud pots, steam vents, and sulphurous springs. The two-day hike ends on the stony shores of Heart Lake, a large, typical Yellowstone lake surrounded by forested hills. This trail is closed annually between April and June due to high levels of bear activity.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
16 miles
Estimated time
48 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Heart Lake Trail
Compare nearby parks around Heart Lake Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Heart Lake Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Heart Lake Trail while the map context is still fresh.
2.8 mi away
Lewis Lake Campground
A generator-free campground located on the southeast shore of Lewis Lake.
3.0 mi away
Riddle Lake Trail
One of the easiest ways to see classic Yellowstone scenery at its finest.
3.9 mi away
Lewis Falls
The falls drop approximately 30 feet (9.1 m) and are easily seen from the road.
