Lost Lake Trail #617

Lost Lake Trail #617 is a 2.4-mile mapped trail line from an unpaved track junction to Lost Lake. The best-supported visit is an out-and-back of about 4.8 miles, returning to the southern end. The published length describes the trail corridor and does not say whether visitors usually hike one way or round trip, so treat 4.8 miles as a planning estimate, not a confirmed itinerary. Allow about 3½ hours; a coarse elevation sample suggests roughly 900 feet of total climbing on the return route.

The mapped line starts where it meets an unpaved track, but no designated trailhead or legal parking is recorded. Whether visitors can drive to that junction is unconfirmed; check with Shoshone National Forest before setting out. The mapped trail ends at the lake, and no through-exit is established, so expect to retrace it.

The tread is native material, about 18–24 inches wide, with typical grades of 12–20%. The route runs around 7,700 to 8,350 feet. It is a short hike with enough steepness and altitude to slow many people; allow the extra time and do not judge effort by the corridor's 2.4-mile figure alone.

About two-thirds of the line lies in Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, where bicycles are not allowed; hiking and horse/pack-stock use are listed for the trail. The accessibility notes conflict: one says the full 2.4 miles were evaluated as accessible, while another says only at least one segment meets Forest Service accessibility guidelines. Do not assume the whole route is accessible. Pet rules are not established.