Crescent Lake–High Lake Trail

The route starts under conifers along Specimen Creek, then climbs out of the forested valley toward Crescent Lake. The lake approach gains roughly 800–900 feet before the trees open onto a small basin beneath an about 800-foot cirque wall. Give yourself a pause at the shore: the cliff and the water together are the defining view here. A low view from the shore keeps both in frame.

From Crescent, the trail climbs, drops past a small pond, then gains about 700 feet over the next few miles toward the ridge. This is the open stretch, with Lion Creek Canyon to the north and the Gallatin Range to the southeast. The route between Crescent and High lakes can be hard to follow, especially around this high country, so this is a poor place to press on after losing the tread.

High Lake sits at about 8,774 feet, tucked below steep slopes. It is small, around seven acres, with cutthroat trout and two backcountry campsites. Past the lake, the route continues south, briefly outside the park boundary, then follows East Fork Specimen Creek through meadows and woods to the Sportsman Lake Trail. From that junction, the trail returns to the highway access; the lower Specimen Creek stretch is walked again.

The ridge follows or crosses Yellowstone’s northwest boundary. This corner was added to the park in 1927, bringing the Gallatin Petrified Forest and elk winter range inside it. Whitebark pine grow above Crescent Lake; their seeds are an important fall food for grizzlies.

Start at Specimen Creek Trailhead on U.S. 191. Pets are not allowed on hiking trails or in the backcountry. If you make this an overnight, Yellowstone requires a backcountry permit for every night and assigns a designated campsite. Trailhead parking capacity and facilities were not confirmed.