Sportsman Lake Trail

Overview

This is a big, remote Yellowstone backcountry trek through the Gallatin Range to one of the park’s most isolated lakes. The trail is commonly listed as a challenging 24.6-mile point‑to‑point with about 3,782 feet of gain and an estimated 11 hours of moving time. A popular variation is an out‑and‑back to the lake around 25.9 miles with roughly 5,800 feet of cumulative gain. Expect solitude, a stout climb over Electric Pass, and serious wildlife country.

Route Options

• East approach (Mammoth/Glen Creek): From near Mammoth Hot Springs, follow Glen Creek through Gardners Hole and climb over Electric Pass on Electric Peak’s shoulder to drop into the Sportsman Lake basin. It’s roughly 13 miles to the lake with a long, no‑camp stretch across the Gallatin Bear Management Area, so plan your day carefully.
• West approach (US‑191 corridor): Trailheads like Specimen Creek, Fan Creek/Fawn Pass, Bighorn Pass, or Bacon Rind reach the basin from the Gallatin side. The Specimen Creek option pairs well with the scenic High Lake–Crescent Lake loop; visiting Sportsman Lake adds a spur to that circuit.

Scenery and What You’ll See

Electric Peak (10,969 ft) towers above the basin, with views toward Joseph, Gray, Bannock, and Antler peaks. Meadows, lodgepole forests, and high‑country passes deliver big‑sky vistas, and the Sportsman Lake basin feels wild and far from the road.

Wildlife Reality Check

This is grizzly and black bear country, with a real chance of seeing sign—or the animals themselves—plus elk and moose. Carry bear spray, make noise in brush and meadows, and give wildlife ample space. The area sits within the Gallatin Bear Management Area, which limits off‑trail travel and camping and effectively forces longer on‑trail days between legal sites.

Camping and Permits

Designated camps sit near the lake: a backpacker site (WD3) and a stock site (WD2). On the east approach, 1G3 and 1G4 along the Gardner River are the last practical camps before the long push over the pass to Sportsman Lake. Backcountry permits are required for all overnights, and a separate park entrance fee applies. If you plan to fish, you’ll also need a park fishing permit and to follow current regulations.

Conditions, Water, and Crossings

Expect creek crossings; early season can mean fords, while late season often has logs or stepping stones. Tread can be muddy and wet, and snow can linger or return near the pass even into October. The trail may be intermittently marked—bring a map and GPS. Water is generally available along the way, but near Sportsman Lake you may need to walk to an inlet or outlet to find good flowing water for filtering.

Best Time to Hike

July through September is the sweet spot for clear passes, more reliable bridges/stepping stones, and fewer lingering snow issues. Start early to beat afternoon storms near the pass and to give yourself margin on the long, no‑camp segments. Dogs are not permitted.

Tips

• Build your itinerary around Bear Management Area restrictions; they dictate where you can legally camp and often make day two the crux over Electric Pass.
• Trekking poles and crossing footwear pay off at the Upper Gardner and other fords.
• If you want more alpine water without extra crowds, link High Lake and Crescent Lake from the west side; some sites prohibit campfires, so know your campsite rules before you go.