Early Morning Hike to Horseshoe Lake
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
Moose frequent the lake and surrounding willows, especially at dawn. Give them at least 25 yards of space — a cow with a calf will charge if she feels cornered, and the dense brush here limits your escape routes.
The descent from the overlook to the lake is steep enough that a stumble could mean a tumble. Take it slow, especially on the return climb when tired legs make footing less reliable.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Start before 7 AM to beat the tour bus crowds that flood this trail mid-morning — you'll likely have the lake to yourself and dramatically better odds of spotting moose feeding in the shallows.
The steep section between the overlook and lakeshore can be slick with mud and loose gravel, especially after rain. Trekking poles or shoes with aggressive tread make the descent and return climb significantly more comfortable.
Bring binoculars and park yourself on the southwest shore for ten minutes — beaver lodges are visible from there, and early-morning light turns the lake into a mirror that photographers will not want to rush past.
Photos
NPS