Garnet Hill Loop Trail

Garnet Hill Loop is a moderate circuit through sagebrush meadows, along Elk Creek, and around Garnet Hill above the Yellowstone River. From the large Tower Junction parking area, the mapped walk is about 8.1 miles and takes around 4 to 5 hours. The trail listing gives 7.6 miles for the loop; another mapped route from the parking area measures 8.2 miles. Plan for roughly eight miles, including the access walk, and bring water for the open sections.

The first stretch follows a dirt stagecoach road through sagebrush to a shelter associated with the Roosevelt Old West Dinner Cookout. Beyond it, the route heads north along Elk Creek through meadows and trees, then drops into a forested canyon with rocky walls. The creek corridor opens as it nears the Yellowstone River.

At the fork near the river, the west branch joins the Hellroaring Trail; the east branch is the Garnet Hill loop. Take the east fork for the river route, then follow the grassy, wooded shelf and climb back through trees to broad sagebrush meadows. The open side of the hill looks across the Yellowstone River toward Buffalo Plateau and Hellroaring Mountain. For a photo, include the near slope and a strip of river to give the view depth.

A side trip on the west branch reaches the Hellroaring suspension bridge. Published figures differ on whether the detour adds about half a mile or a mile, so treat it as extra distance beyond the loop.

Bison and pronghorn use the open meadows; bears, elk, badgers, mule deer, and wolves also occur in this area. Horseback riders use the trail. If horses approach, move to the downhill side and stay still until they pass.

The shelter is used for the separately operated Roosevelt Old West Dinner Cookout; it is not a walk-up trail café. No drinking water or toilet facilities along the route were confirmed. The meadows have little shade and can be hot and dry. Pets are not allowed.