Silt Lakes

Difficulty: Moderate
Trip Type: Day Hike / Multi-Day Backpacking
Distance: ~8.8 miles (Lower) & ~9.1 miles (Upper) from trailhead
Elevation: 9,794 feet (Lower) & 9,988 feet (Upper)
Coordinates: 45.09642, -109.59623 (Lower)
Time: ~4 to 5 hours from trailhead
Access: Maintained trail. Departs from the West Fork Rock Creek Trailhead.
Bugs: Minimal (little to no bugs)

Getting there

The journey begins at the West Fork Rock Creek Trailhead. Drive past the campgrounds along the gravel access road to reach the primary parking and staging area.

The hike

If you are traveling straight from the vehicle turnaround, the route to Lower Silt Lake spans roughly 8.8 miles from the trailhead and involves almost 2,050 vertical feet of elevation gain. Continuing further up the trail brings you to Upper Silt Lake at roughly 9.1 miles from the trailhead, climbing almost 2,088 vertical feet from the start.

Unlike the off-trail routes into the higher alpine basins nearby, you can follow the main maintained trail up the canyon system past Sundance Lake to reach this lake group. These waters sit along the upper drainage floor, and on the final morning of our backcountry loop, we packed up our camp at the Silt Lakes to head back out to the trailhead.

Tips & safety

• High Country Staging: The Silt Lakes area offers an excellent flat basin layout that makes for a highly viable overnight staging or packing spot before or after tackling the rugged passes above.

• Fishing: FWP and GNIS data listed for Yellowstone Cutthroat at both lakes.