Gallatin National Forest

Photo Essay: Hiking the Andes with Mountain Lodges of Peru

advertisement

WEST SIDE

ACCESS POINTS FROM THE GALLATIN CANYON

1. SQUAW CREEK - This is an undeveloped site at the end of Squaw Creek road. The trail from the end of the road leads to the Hyalite Peak area with access to the Gallatin Crest Trail. The last two miles of the road are not recommended for low-clearance vehicles.
   
   
2. GARNET MOUNTAIN - The trail begins at a small parking area along Squaw Creek road and climbs to the top of Garnet Mountain offering spectacular views of the Spanish Peaks and the Gallatin Range. The lookout at the top is available for rent through the Forest Service recreation cabin rental program.
   
   
3. WINDY PASS/GOLDEN TROUT LAKES - Trailhead with parking for both the Windy Pass trail (along the Gallatin Range Divide) and the Golden Trout Lakes trail. Routes from this access point have the potential for several good "loop" trips. The trailhead for the Hidden Lake trail, which connects with these other trail systems, is also nearby. The historic cabin near Windy Pass is available for nightly rental.
   
   
4. PORCUPINE CREEK - Trailhead with parking for trail going up the Porcupine Creek drainage. This trail intersects several other trails and has the potential for several good loop hikes.
   
   
5. TWIN CABIN - Developed trailhead with horse ramp, picnic table and toilet. The Twin Cabin Trail ties into the Porcupine Trail after about two miles. This trail is closed to all motorized use.
   
   
6. STORM CASTLE LOOP TRAIL - This trail, which begins on the Lime Creek logging road, leads to Storm Castle Rock and provides an excellent view of the surrounding mountains.
   
   
7. HIDDEN LAKE TRAIL - This trail is perfect for family outings, especially if you enjoy looking for wildlife. Many small mammals and birds live in this area, and five of the eight hidden lakes contain rainbow and/or golden trout.
   
   
8. HIDDEN LAKE TO PORCUPINE TRAIL - This trail, a moderate to difficult hike, passes through a winter elk range and involves several stream crossings.
   
   
9. PORCUPINE CREEK TO RAINBOW RANCH TRAIL - This relatively short trail is located in a winter elk range. Although the trail is well-worn, you may want to bring a map and compass because there are very few trees with blaze markings along the path.

SOUTH

1. ELKHORN CREEK - Developed trailhead at the south end of Red Cliff Campground provides trail access to Elkhorn Creek. Drinking water and toilet facilities are available within the campground.
   
   
2. BUFFALO HORN CREEK - Trailhead with a horse ramp and toilet. This trail provides access to many other trails up the drainage with good opportunities for a loop hike.
   
   
3. TEEPEE CREEK - Trailhead with parking for a trail that provides access to the area between Buffalo Horn Creek drainage and Yellowstone National Park. No other facilities are available.
   
   
4. GALLATIN DIVIDE TRAIL(S) - Covering the southern half of the Gallatin Divide Trail will usually take two to three days, so pay special attention to the weather before attempting this high-elevation hike. The trail passes through the Gallatin Badlands and the Gallatin Petrified Forest.