Line Creek Plateau Trail

Overview

This is Beartooth country at its most honest: a steady grunt up to a windswept alpine plateau where the horizon just keeps going. Most hikers tackle it as a hard out‑and‑back via the Mount Maurice side: 9.9 miles total with roughly 3,218 feet of gain. If you’ve got a shuttle and strong legs, a longer point‑to‑point traverse across the plateau to the Red Lodge side runs about 16.8 miles and finishes with a big descent.

What You’ll See

Below, the trail weaves through conifer forest and switchbacks. As you near the top, trees fade, wind picks up, and you step onto high alpine tundra between roughly 9,350 and 10,000 feet. Summer brings pockets of alpine wildflowers and constant, big‑sky views. Near Mt. Maurice, the rock character shifts to volcanic textures. On the long traverse variant, you drop to sage and open conifer on the valley floor.

Trail Experience

Expect an “uphill the whole first half” feel on the out‑and‑back, then a knee‑testing return. Tread is singletrack with rocky bits; the last couple miles to the plateau are exposed and often windy. On top, the path can be faint and cairn‑marked, with side tracks (including horse and game trails) that make inattention costly. A notable early‑exit junction is the Corral Creek turnoff—easy to take by mistake if you’re not watching your line.

Best Time to Hike

The season is brutally short. Snow typically melts out in late June or early July, and fresh systems can dust the plateau by mid‑September. Aim for the mid‑summer window, start early for calmer winds, and bring layers—there’s no real shelter up high. Crowds are light compared to better‑known day hikes, especially given the effort and altitude.

Logistics

For the popular out‑and‑back, start from the Mount Maurice Trail (#6) trailhead near Red Lodge; there’s a small roadside pullout with no water or restrooms. For the full traverse, start high near the Beartooth Highway and stage a vehicle on the Rock Creek/Red Lodge side. Pets are allowed on leash.

Wildlife and Ecology

Elk frequent this country, and you’re in bear country—carry spray and make noise. The Line Creek plateau supports classic alpine tundra with cirque basins and ponds, which is part of why this area feels so pristine.

Tips and Tricks

• Navigation matters: carry a map/GPS and follow cairns carefully on the plateau.
• The air is thin and the weather turns fast; pack layers, extra food, and be self‑reliant. Exit options are limited once you’re up high.
• Poles help on the long descent; if you’re doing the traverse, plan a shuttle and commit.

Comparable Options

Want a shorter window into the same views? The Corral Creek approach reaches the plateau with a stout climb. For a different angle along the same massif, the Face‑of‑the‑Mountain route skirts the east side of Mt. Maurice and links into the Line Creek network.