Beartooth High Lakes Trail

Overview

If you want big alpine scenery without a brutal climb, this is your move. The Beartooth High Lakes Trail (USFS #620) strings together clear blue lakes, open granite, and long views across the Beartooth Plateau. The standard point‑to‑point between Island Lake and Beartooth Lake runs about 5.3–5.7 miles one way and typically uses a short connector on the Beauty Lake Trail (#621) to descend. Expect elevations around 9,300–10,000 feet with modest grades that feel tougher at altitude.

What You’ll See

Right from Island Lake you’re walking lakeshore singletrack through marshy basins and scattered boulders, with Night Lake arriving quickly and broad granite benches beyond. On clear days you’ll spot big silhouettes like Beartooth Butte and Lonesome Mountain, plus classic Beartooth ridgelines framing the plateau. Summer brings wildflower‑fringed meadows; late season offers crisp air, golden light, and calmer water crossings.

Route Options

• Point‑to‑point: 5.3–5.7 miles one way Island Lake → Beartooth Lake (or reverse). A simple shuttle keeps it mellow and maximizes scenery per mile.
• Out‑and‑back to the junction: From Island Lake to the Beauty Lake/High Lakes junction is roughly 3.5 miles one way; turn around for a ~7‑mile day.
• Longer variations: A lollipop/loop via #620/#619/#621 comes in around 9 miles. Popular spurs head to Becker and Albino Lakes for bigger views with minimal extra effort.

Terrain, Crossings, and Navigation

Trail tread is mostly gentle singletrack with short steeper bits, granite slabs, and occasional rocky steps. Early in the hike from Island Lake there’s a meaningful ford that can be knee‑deep in early July; farther along are wider crossings and some rock‑hopping where the trail splits around a small lake. Trekking poles and waterproof boots pay off. The corridor is well‑traveled but junctions in open country can be subtle—download an offline map and watch for the Becker/Albino spur near Night Lake. Cairns appear in places but don’t rely on them exclusively.

Wildlife and Bugs

You’re in Greater Yellowstone country. Marmots are common; grizzlies live here—carry bear spray, make noise, and store food properly. Mosquitoes can be fierce in midsummer across the marshy basins; they drop off markedly by late season.

Best Time to Hike

Access depends on the Beartooth Highway, typically open late May to mid‑October, weather permitting. Early season (June–early July) brings lingering snow and higher, colder fords. Mid‑summer delivers peak wildflowers along with peak mosquitoes. Late summer into fall usually means lower water, fewer bugs, clearer navigation, and stable tread. Start early or go midweek to sidestep crowds near Island and Night Lakes; mornings and late afternoons give softer light on the water and granite.

Tips

• Waterproof boots + poles for fords and slick granite.
• Strong bug defense in midsummer; a head net isn’t overkill if you linger by lakes.
• Pace for altitude—even easy grades bite at 9,500–10,000 feet.
• If you prefer minimal logistics, do the out‑and‑back to the junction; if you have two vehicles, shuttle the point‑to‑point for maximum views per effort.