Yellowstone National Park is an unbeatable destination for dramatic natural landscapes and wildlife. It's one of the best parks to see bison roam, and it's home to spectacular scenery like the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Old Faithful geyser, and the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring. For these reasons, it's extremely popular -- the park had 4.7 million visitors in 2024. There are several common tourist mistakes people make in Yellowstone, but one of the most significant is limiting their experience
to the hotspots. Head into the less-traveled parts of the park and you'll find peace and tranquility in nature. One of these spots you can't miss is Trout Lake in Wyoming.
Trout Lake is situated about 10 miles inside the boundary of Yellowstone National Park, with epic views of the Beartooth Mountains. It's on Northeast Entrance Road, between Soda Butte and the Northeast Entrance. It's a remote part of the country -- the closest town is Cooke City, about a 25-minute drive across the border in Montana, and the nearest airport is Yellowstone Airport, which is about a 2-hour drive away.
Read more: The 5 Best Parks Where You Can See Bison Roam (Other Than Yellowstone), According To Visitors
Explore The Trails Around Trout Lake
Trout Lake is the perfect destination for exploring without the crowds. The lake is only 12 acres, so it's a small, calm spot. The route from the trailhead and around the lake is only 2.5 miles round-trip, and will take about 1 to 2 hours. There's also a small parking area at the trailhead. The route starts by climbing about 150 feet through meadows and trees. If you visit in early summer, you'll be able to see wildflowers. The trail then loops around the lake before returning to the trailhead on the same path.
Anglers should bring their poles and cast a line for cutthroat trout. As it's off the beaten path, you might even have the lake to yourself. A solo expedition on Trout Lake? You couldn't ask for quieter fishing conditions. If you want to fish here, you'll need a Yellowstone National Park fishing license; 3-day, 7-day, and seasonal fishing passes are available. Extend your adventure along "the most beautiful roadway in America," Beartooth Highway, to experience more of the West's stunning landscapes.
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