DESCRIPTION OF THE MAP

The TerraTopo printed map (ISBN 0-9713501-0-8) covers a portion of the Absaroka-Beartooth wilderness, including Mystic lake, Island Lake, Granite Peak and the well-known 'Beaten Path' trail between Cooke City, Montana and Alpine (East Rosebud).  The map also reveals the regions surrounding Granite Peak, East and West Rosebud, Mystic Lake, and Alpine.  The map is folded on waterproof, tear-resistant paper and has an approximate dimension of 24 inches wide by 32 inches tall.  The map is folded with a size of approximately 4 inches x 6 1/2 inches.  The folded size is small enough to fit in your backpack. 

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MYSTIC LAKE, ISLAND LAKE, and SILVER LAKE

To reach the trailhead, take the Columbus exit from Interstate 90, and take Montana Highway 78 through Absaroka and turn west (right) toward Fishtail (approximately 17 miles from Columbus). From Fishtail, drive west and south for 1 mile and turn south (left) on West Rosebud Road. Follow this paved road for 6.3 miles until reaching a fork in the road and a large brown Forest Service sign. The sign will indicate West Rosebud Lake Road #2072. Turn left here and follow the dirt road for 14.4 miles until reaching the trailhead.

 

Hiking to Mystic lake (from West Rosebud) provides the unique opportunity to see a hydroelectric dam in action.  The power-generation facility is located near the trailhead.  Island lake offers a getaway from the summer crowds that linger near Mystic lake though the trail to Island Lake is one of the busiest trails in the Beartooths.    Expect lots of crowds, especially on weekends.

From the trailhead and parking area, hike past the Mystic Lake hydroelectric plant.  Cross the bridge that crosses the piping conduit for the power plant and continue uphill.  The trail continues to climb through Lodgepole Pine forests.  The trail takes you over a bridge crossing the West Rosebud Creek, and leads you through more Lodgepole Pine stands, spotted with Aspen trees.   Next, the trail ascends through an impressive boulder field, with boulders the size of large trucks.  This boulder field is approximately a mile long and contains a good number of switchbacks.   Looking west, you can also see the pipeline structure that is used as a conduit to move water from Mystic lake down to the hydroelectric plant.  Crest the top of the trail and you are greeted with beautiful overlooks of Mystic Lake.  During a "normal" year with average precipitation, Mystic Lake is the deepest lake in the Beartooths, at more than 300 feet.  In years of drought, the lake is much less impressive.  Mystic lake is considered the largest lake in the Beartooths, at over 2 miles long (during a "normal" year with average precipitation).   In drought years you can virtually walk across the lake, not far from Island lake.  The trail wraps around the lake for an additional three miles once you are down at the lake level.  Numerous camping sites are situated along the lake's shore.

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