Lost Lake Trail

Starting behind the rustic Roosevelt Lodge, this loop wastes no time gaining elevation — you'll climb a modest but noticeable hill onto a sagebrush-covered bench where the views open up across the Yellowstone backcountry. The trail joins a horse path (watch your step) before dropping to Lost Lake itself, a quiet, reflective pool ringed by conifers where you're as likely to spot a beaver slapping its tail as a great blue heron stalking the shallows. From the lake, the route contours around a hillside to the Petrified Tree parking area, then loops back behind Tower Ranger Station and down to the lodge. The whole thing feels like a greatest-hits sampler — wildflowers in the meadows, creek crossings, petrified wood, and an almost unreasonable chance of seeing black bears browsing in the open. Perfect for hikers who want real Yellowstone magic without committing to an all-day death march.