Shadow

Difficulty: Hard
Trip Type: Day Hike
Distance: ~5 miles round trip
Elevation: 9,604 feet
Coordinates: 45.10152, -109.58507
Time: ~4 hours round trip
Access: Severely compromised trail due to burn damage. Departs from East Rosebud.
Bugs: Minimal (little to no bugs)

Getting there

Park by the bridge at East Rosebud. The road leading out of the neighborhood is marked with a no trespassing sign, but walking on it is permitted as long as you do not drive a vehicle through.

The hike

Once past the neighborhood, the route begins a relentless uphill climb that persists for the entire hike. The path cuts through a severe burn area on the west side of the drainage. Because of the fire damage, the route is overgrown with dense brush and littered with fallen logs hidden beneath the ground cover, making the hiking arduous and punishing on your legs. Follow this steep, unmaintained terrain for 2.5 miles and 3,000 vertical feet to reach the shore of Shadow Lake.

Tips & safety

• Trail Hazards: The effects of the burn have elevated this hike to nearly expert status. Expect to navigate thick, scratchy overgrowth and constant downed timber. Wearing long pants is highly recommended to protect your legs from cuts.

• Navigation: The trail is heavily complicated by wildfire recovery and can be difficult to track through the deadfall.

• Fishing: FWP and GNIS data listed for Yellowstone Cutthroat, but we didn't catch any fish.