Mystic Lake Trailhead — Attraction in Red Lodge

This hike is fantastic and quite doable for beginners. I took my 7 and 4 year old children on this hike this year and they handled it very well. There are bear in the area so awareness and preparation is important, but should not be a deterrent from hiking this amazing trail. The trail is very busy during the summer months which helps lower chances of an animal encounter. The parking area also fills up fast in the summer, so getting there early is recommended. The fishing at the lake is really good, and there are about 4 or 5 ideal camping spots as well as a handful of less ideal spots near Mystic Lake if you plan to do an overnight hiking trip. You also have access to 2 different approaches for a summit of Granite Peak from this hike, or you can continue west beyond Mystic Lake to access a few other beautiful lakes as well.

To make this hike easier, you could consider carrying a back-country water filter or purification product so you don't have to carry as much water with you for the whole hike. You can top off your water container at the bottom, and then again at the top for the trip back. Just make sure your water container is more than sufficient for your needs between water sources and you are comfortable with drinking water from unconventional sources. I personally use a Sawyers filter with a 32oz. squeeze bag in combination with my 1.5L Camelbak and it is more than sufficient for water for the round trip hike. There is always a risk of getting sick from parasites in the water or a reaction to the purification products, so make sure you pre-test your product well before the hike, follow all instructions, and are capable of properly using your water purifying products before risking it on any back-country trip. Getting sick in remote locations can be...

LEASH YOUR DOG! Connect the leash to your hand. Unleashed dogs are treated as wildlife and will get sprayed.

This trail was amazing. Parking lot was full of cars when I arrived on July 4 at 10am. The trail wasn’t overcrowded, just more traffic than I personally care for. It starts in a lovely little valley and progresses along a raging river for some time. Then through a boulder field where you should have appropriate footwear (NOT sandals!). And then up up up to some amazing views and finally you’re overlooking Mystic Lake (reservoir) with its own waterfall and magic beach trail.

This trail has everything! Take your time. It’s a lot of elevation- but you can do it! Take bear bells and spray, water, and an emergency poncho- it’s mountain weather and can change in an instant.

The gravel road to the trail is narrow in some spots with low visibility around some corners. Don’t hog the road or go speeding past the lovely scenery on the way...

Nice trailhead. Multiple lots with plenteous parking. Came here in July 2022 to begin hiking up Granite Peak. Most people who park here simply go to Mystic Lake and enjoy a nice view on a beautiful beach or just see the dam, but I went all the way to the summit. Went down the West Rosebud Trail to the Phantom Creek trail. Then camped two nights on/near Froze to Death Plateau; climbed over Tempest and began a Class 4+ climb (perhaps Class 5) to the summit. Amazing views. Went back the same way. If you do the whole thing, you will have climbed perhaps the hardest high point in the Lower 48 to summit. Try it out (make sure you hire a guide if you lack experience, though; Beartooth Mountain Guides highly...