Sheepherder Lakes

Distance: 4.2 - 6.3 miles (round trip)

Shoshone National Forest, near Cooke City in Beartooth Mountains

Upper Sheepherder Lake and Peak 11,701-ft.

Upper Sheepherder Lake and Peak 11,701-ft.

 

This little known hike travels through lovely meadows to seven scenic lakes along the east side of the Beartooth Plateau. The hike follows use/social trails and then travels cross country. Route finding skills and a map are essential.
See Trail Detail/Full Description

  • Distance: 4.2 miles (round trip) to Sheepherder Lakes
    6.3 miles (round trip) to Snyder, Promise and Z Lakes
  • Elevation: 9,675-ft. at Trailhead
    9,830-ft. at Sheepherder Lakes
    10,260-ft. at Snyder, Promise and Z Lakes
  • Elevation Gain: 155-ft. to Sheepherder Lakes
    585-ft. to Snyder, Promise and Z Lakes
  • Difficulty: moderate
  • More Hikes in:
    Cooke City / Red Lodge / Beartooth Mountains

Why Hike Sheepherder Lakes

This hike follows use/social trails and then travels cross country to visit seven pretty lakes tucked beneath the eastern slopes of the Beatooth Plateau. Along the way the trail crosses pretty meadows sprinkled with wildflowers and enjoys views of the ridges and peaks rimming the eastern edge of the plateau.

Don’t attempt this hike if you are not comfortable following routes that fade in and out. The upper end of the hike requires good navigation skills. Never attempt this route without a map.

Elevation Profile

Elevation Profile for the Sheepherder Lakes hike

Trail Resources

Trail Detail/Full Description / Trail Photo Gallery / Trail Map

Basecamp(s) Information:
Cooke City / Red Lodge

Region Information:
Beartooth Mountains

Other Hiking Regions in:
Montana