East Rosebud–Camp Senia Trail

This is a 14.1-mile point-to-point traverse from the Camp Senia and West Fork trailhead to East Rosebud Campground, not a loop. Allow roughly 9 to 10 hours for a hard day crossing the Red Lodge Creek Plateau. The line measures 14.08 miles; published access-to-access figures range from 13.5 to 15 miles, so plan around the long end. Set up a pickup or second vehicle before you start: the trailheads sit in different valleys.

At the West Fork trailhead, follow the West Fork Trail a short distance to the signed right turn for Camp Senia Trail #16. The first 2.5 miles are described as a steep climb of about 2,000 feet to the plateau. The full Camp Senia segment reaches the Red Lodge Creek Trail junction after about 7 miles. Stay with the route toward Spread Creek; the Red Lodge Creek Trail is a different branch.

Red Lodge Creek Plateau is the open high-country payoff, with a broad view across the surrounding Beartooth peaks. The route is a natural-ground trail, not a surfaced walk. If you stop for a photo, keep the broken rock in the foreground with the snow-streaked peaks behind it; that gives the landscape its scale.

At the plateau junction, continue on Spread Creek Trail #13. From this direction, the Crow Lake spur comes first, followed by the Sylvan Lake spur; both are optional side trips and add distance. The main trail crosses East Rosebud Plateau and descends about 7.5 miles to the back of East Rosebud Campground. The reported elevation change on that side is 3,200 feet. If the lakes are your goal, allow time for the spurs rather than assuming they are on the through-route.

The West Fork start shares the West Fork Trailhead and is reached from US Highway 212 by West Fork Road; the last 5.5 miles are dirt. Cars cannot reach this end from December 2 through April 14. The East Rosebud finish is at Spread Creek Trailhead behind the campground, where parking is limited; the nearby East Rosebud Trailhead has more parking and vault toilets. This route enters Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, where additional rules apply. It is bear country, so carry certified bear spray where you can reach it quickly. Dogs may come if kept under control; pack out pet waste. If you only want the plateau, the steep 2.5-mile Camp Senia climb can be done as an out-and-back, but it is a separate, shorter outing.