The most beautiful place on Earth...

On our first trip to Yellowstone National Park in June of 2010, we were too busy, too unprepared and too scared to hike.  We limited our walks to the boardwalks and a few short steps from the roads.  When we returned in June 2011, we had much more time, were much more prepared and at least a bit less scared.  In the months leading up to the trip we scoured the internet, park literature and multiple books to select hikes that would allow us to experience a different aspect of the park.  We chose several different hikes that we potentially wanted to do.  As we looked at our options, the Trout Lake Trail came up again and again.  It was a short trail which added to its appeal.  The round trip is less then two miles.  When we returned to the park in August 2012, the only trail that we repeated was the Trout Lake Trail.

On our first trip, there was still snow on the mountaintops and we could feel the cold in the valley.  We checked the information at the trailhead and started up the trail.

Up is certainly a good way to describe the start of this trail, though it is short, it climbs a fair bit in the first half mile.  Once at the top though, any doubt about whether the trail will be worth it are quickly erased.  The lake sits in what has to be one of the most beautiful spots on Earth.  Mountains are reflected in the still water as wildlife seem to enjoy the idyllic setting.

In June 2011, there was still much snow on the mountains.  There was only a bit of green ringing the lake.

In August 2012, the snow was all gone.  The areas surrounding the lake were covered in green.

A stream feeds the lake and then exits at lower end.  There is a long footbridge across the outlet from the lake allowing you to make a complete circuit around the lake.

At the inlet to the lake, there is a much shorter footbridge spanning the creek.  There was still some snow around the lake when we visited in 2011.

In 2012, the snow around the lake had been replaced by lush grass and greenery.

Climbing a small hill beside the lake gives long views into Lamar Valley.  Far away, in the middle ground, you can just make out Soda Butte Cone in the photo below.

Even though the lake is only a short hike away from the road, it is secluded enough that wildlife abounds.  In 2011 we were hoping to see otters, but had to make due with a Goldeneye instead.

In 2012, we were lucky enough to see two otters at the lake.  We watched them swim for several minutes before leaving the lake and heading down the outlet creek.

 The water is clear enough to see the namesake trout of the lake.

Heading back down the trail shows views of the upper reaches of Lamar Valley.

The combination of seclusion, setting and wildlife makes Trout Lake one of our favorite spots in one of our favorite spots.  If all goes as planned, we hope to have 2013 photos of the lake after our next visit to the park.