Winding its approach from thick lodgepole forests to excessive alpine meadows, and down by way of plunging canyons to the sting of Montana ranch nation, the Crushed Path is without doubt one of the most iconic Montana trails outdoors Glacier Nationwide Park.
Positioned a stone’s by way of from Yellowstone within the Beartooth Mountains, the Crushed Path is a point-to-point path working from the Clark’s Fork Picnic Space outdoors of Cooke Metropolis to the East Rosebud Trailhead locally of Alpine.
Used as a jumping-off level for alpine adventures within the Absorka-Beartooth Wilderness, the Crushed Path is an effective way to rapidly entry the excessive nation the realm is thought for. The path is extensive, well-traveled, and sometimes well-maintained.
Whereas sections can change into muddy from horse visitors, the path is usually in nice form throughout the summer season and early fall months. Huckleberries line the trail in season and it’s not unusual to see bears and moose alongside the best way.
The Beartooth Mountains obtain essentially the most snow of any mountain vary in Montana, that means that the season for this path is later than these present in lower-elevation ranges.
Mosquitos may be prolific within the spring and early summer season and it’s not unusual for it to snow within the excessive nation at any time of yr. Regardless of these challenges, the Crushed Path is a good looking tour into probably the most wild and distant corners of the Mountain West.
That is an superior journey and is without doubt one of the dozens of backpacking journey guides we put collectively primarily based on our wilderness journeys.
Fast Details
- Distance: ~27 miles
- Days Wanted: 2-3
- Sort of Path: Level to Level
- Elevation Acquire: ~3,500’
- Finest Time to Journey: Finish of June to mid-September
- Permits: No allow required
- Problem: Reasonable
Highlights
- Alpine surroundings
- Effectively maintained path
- Considerable lakes and waterfalls
- Alternatives to increase the journey
- Ample fishing alternatives
- Internet elevation is downhill (southwest to northeast)
Lowlights
- Mosquitos
- Habituated mountain goats at sure campsites
- Brief season
- Afternoon thunderstorms
- Difficult automobile shuttle
Finest Time to Hike
The close by city of Cooke Metropolis is the snowiest in Montana with a mean snowfall of over 2 hundred inches. Whereas this helps keep a few of the final glaciers in Southwest Montana, it makes the alpine climbing season quick.
The very best time to hike the Crushed Path is usually the tip of June by way of mid-September. Whereas the path doesn’t cross any steep passes, it does go as much as 10,000 ft. After the snow recedes, the path can change into very moist and muddy which often coincides with the primary important hatch of mosquitos. Mountaineering later in the summertime ensures drier circumstances. The primary snow sometimes falls in September however the early fall may be the proper time to hike with cooler temperatures and fewer guests.
Problem of Path
At roughly 27 miles in size, the Crushed Path is greatest suited to one to 2 nights. Whereas many ultra-distance fans do hike and run it in a day, a slower tempo could match others higher.
The path is usually in good situation and is extensive and well-traveled. Going as much as an elevation of 10,000 ft, altitude could also be a consideration if that you’re inclined.
Doing the path from the Clark’s Fork aspect and ending on the East Rosebud aspect signifies that it has a internet lack of elevation ending decrease than the place you began. This makes for an ideal final day on the path that’s nearly utterly downhill.
We take into account this to be a reasonably difficult path. Whereas it’s all on a well-traveled path, its remoteness, chance for wildlife encounters, and altitude make it barely tougher than trails in much less distant areas.
Climate Situations
At an altitude upwards of 10,000 ft, inclement climate is at all times a chance. In the summertime, intense afternoon thunderstorms construct to unleash downpours and hail storms. We advocate coming ready with stable rain gear and heat layers regardless of the time of yr. Know lightning protocol and be ready to squat out a storm if want be. Wildfires are additionally a consideration later in the summertime. Adhere to all burn bans and guidelines on campfires.
Wildlife
The Crushed Path traverses a distant part of the Beartooth Mountains of Southwest Montana, making it a hall for giant animals like grizzly bears and moose. We advise climbing with bear spray and maintaining all meals in a bear-proof container or hanging it at camp. Many campsites alongside the path include established bear dangle poles.
Lots of the increased altitude campsites additionally include mountain goats that can method (and eat) your meals if it’s not correctly saved. In addition they search out human pee spots to lick up the salt (and by the way, additionally take pleasure in licking trekking pole grips). They’re usually docile however it’s greatest to keep away from habituating these animals to people greater than they already are.
Terrain
The rolling terrain on a well-traveled path makes it appropriate for many hikers. Nonetheless, it’s nonetheless necessary to be ready in case of an emergency, particularly in a distant spot reminiscent of this. Carry a primary support package and a private locator beacon (PLB) and know learn how to use each. As in most backcountry emergencies, essentially the most dependable evacuation is a self-evacuation. It might take a very long time for assist to reach.
Planning Your Journey & Methods to Get There
The Crushed Path is situated in one of many extra distant corners of the nation. The closest massive airport is in Billings, MT (BIL) three hours from the beginning. Renting a automobile is smart as there isn’t any public transportation to both trailhead.
The city of Pink Lodge is taken into account the bottom camp of a lot of the Beartooth Vary and has all of the facilities wanted for gearing up for a backcountry tour. There are not any permits wanted for this path. The Clarks Fork trailhead is situated inside the Gardiner Ranger District and the East Rosebud finish is situated inside the Beartooth Ranger District. Name both for path circumstances.
The Crushed Path Route
The Crushed Path is a point-to-point hike with trailheads on the Clarks Fork Picnic Space outdoors of Cooke Metropolis and the East Rosebud Trailhead close to Alpine. Whereas the East Rosebud aspect has the extra dramatic surroundings, the Cooke Metropolis aspect begins at a considerably increased elevation. By beginning at that aspect, you’ll be able to take pleasure in a internet downhill hike right down to East Rosebud.
Distances between locations are immense in Montana and that is no exception – there’s a ninety-five-mile automobile shuttle over Beartooth Move and across the mountains. Many events discover somebody to commerce automobile keys with or determine a automobile shuttle choice nicely prematurely. Each trailheads are distant with no cell service, so planning forward is essential.
Ranging from the Clark Fork Picnic Space, take the Russell Creek Path. It crosses the attractive Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River instantly after leaving the parking zone. The path winds by way of the dense Lodgepole Pine forest for the following six miles. This part of path is frequented by horses, so anticipate it to be muddy. Huckleberries are plentiful alongside this part of the path. At about 8 miles round Ouzel Lake, the trail begins to open up with a wonderful campsite alongside the lake.
The subsequent part reaches the very best level close to Fossil Lake. Right here you’re greeted with expansive views of the Beartooth Plateau and a few of the highest mountains within the state. The strolling right here is clean and straightforward with numerous alternatives to discover the alpine. A myriad of lakes and creeks crammed with cutthroat trout glitter round each nook of this stunning part. You’re allowed to camp round Fossil Lake, however fires usually are not permitted on this delicate alpine setting.
After passing Fossil Lake, you begin the lengthy downward journey following East Rosebud Creek because it tumbles and cascades out of the mountains. Lovely waterfalls and cascades line the path because it winds its approach down. Some sections embody unimaginable cabinets and path building because it meanders alongside ledges and cliffs above stunning waterfalls. Now beneath treeline, huckleberries and campsites are considerable.
Now on the East Rosebud Path, the Crushed Path begins to alter in character. The path turns into rockier and the partitions of the canyon soar above because the creek carves its approach by way of the canyon. After passing Rimrock Lake, the path descends by way of the hovering granite partitions of the East Rosebud Canyon. This spectacular canyon was closely flooded in June 2022 (as was the remainder of the Yellowstone Area). After passing Elk Lake, the river has eroded the path in components requiring side-hilling by way of dense lodgepole forests and over boulders in spots to keep away from the river. At occasions, the best approach is strolling down the river, water ranges allowing.
The ultimate few miles of the path go by way of thick lodgepole forests of identically aged timber that grew after the 1996 Shepard Mountain hearth. In scorching temperatures, this part may be uncovered to the solar, however isn’t lengthy to go earlier than the trailhead at East Rosebud Lake. End your hike with a burger and beer down within the small city of Roscoe on the Grizzly Bar.
Backpacking Gear – What to Pack
Gear Listing
Be sure that to take a look at our Final Backpacking Guidelines so that you don’t overlook one thing necessary.
Under you’ll discover our present favourite backpacking gear. If you wish to see further choices, our curated gear guides are the results of a few years of intensive analysis and hands-on testing by our group of outside consultants.
BACKPACK
Conclusion
The Crushed Path is a good looking path that passes by way of a few of the most distant and rugged corners of the nation. Positioned close to Yellowstone Nationwide Park, its quiet remoteness stands at odds with the crowds discovered inside the park. It is a nice path for somebody wanting to realize expertise in a distant setting whereas nonetheless being on a well-established path. Finest performed mid-summer to early fall, the Crushed Path delivers iconic Montana mountainscapes, plentiful swimming and fishing holes, and great wilderness seclusion.
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