Either the start or end to the incredibly popular Beaten Path. The trail gets the hype for good reason. The Rosebud side of the trail from Fossil Lakes is more majestic. That's and the difference is why most like to start from the Cooke City side. I might propose skipping the Cooke City side and do an out and back route. Then you could have a day with just a day pack for a day hike up to Fossil Lakes. But hey that's just me. I ran the trail and it was fun too for...
   Read moreCannot rate this hike to Elk Lake high enough. Absolutely stunning views and landscapes. Hands down the best hike I've ever done between Colorado and Montana. It is rated easy on the All Trails hiking app. I would say more moderate. We are MN Flatlanders though. Lol. It was a 2 hr hike each way for us (app said 1 3/4 hr each way). Just can't express how beautiful and worth it...
   Read moreOnly given this one a four, is because the lake is privatized. Other than this it is an amazing spot. Both a beaten path and the right trailhead. Going to mystic is amazing although one is uphill 95% of the way. And one of them is 40 down and 60 up. They are both amazing, both pretty and a great place to go. If your party is trying to camp at East rosebud and you were...
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