Mount Sheridan Trail

Mount Sheridan Trail is a 7.17-mile out-and-back from the west shore of Heart Lake to the 10,308-foot summit and its fire lookout. The mapped climb is about 3.55 miles each way, with roughly 2,840 feet of elevation gain. Allow about six hours for the summit route itself. Reaching its start from Heart Lake Trailhead 8N1 adds about 7–8 miles each way, making the full road-to-summit outing roughly 21.5–23 miles. Many hikers camp at the lake before climbing.

From the lakeshore, the trail heads toward the Rustic Geyser area, then climbs a ridge toward the summit. It stays in trees for much of the ascent and opens near the top. The route is steep and passes 10,000 feet; take a steady pace and leave time to descend before afternoon storms. Surface and crossing details are not well documented, so check with the park before setting out and carry a map and know how to navigate.

Near the summit, Heart Lake lies below you, with the Tetons and Shoshone, Lewis and Yellowstone lakes spread across the distance. A fire lookout marks the top. For a photo, keep Heart Lake in the foreground and the far ridges behind it; that shows the height and scale of the view.

The nearest road access is Heart Lake Trailhead (8N1), in the South Entrance area. The walk from 8N1 to the summit trail is about 7–8 miles each way; the summit route begins on the west side of Heart Lake. A vault toilet and information kiosk are at 8N1, but no food service was found along the route. Overnight camping at the lake requires a backcountry permit. The Heart Lake Trail approach closes each year from April 1 through June 30 because of bear activity. Pets are not allowed on park trails or in the backcountry.

Mount Sheridan is named for General Philip H. Sheridan, who later commanded U.S. forces in the West. He advocated expanding Yellowstone to the south and east and influenced the decision to send troops to protect the park in the 1880s.