Crater Lake Trail is a 2.9 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Elk Mountain, Wyoming that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from June until November. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
dog friendly
hiking
lake
views
wildlife
Directions from Arlington: Travel 11 miles south on Forest Road #111, 1.5 miles south on Forest Road #101 and 2 miles northeast on Primitive Road #113.
The hike was gorgeous and well worth it. Short hike but even though it says hard; a large part of the trail is moderate to easy until you get to the overlook. Then the trail gets hard headed down to the water. So even a beginner could see the beautiful lake from the top. There’s also a couple really nice areas to camp. We plan to back pack next time and set up camp.
Don't be fooled by the "hard" level. 95% of the trail is easy. The overlook of the lake is worth the trip, which you can hike to for the photo opp then turn around for an easy day hike. The color of the water from the lookout is worth The trip. You'll be amazed how blue looking the water is. No picture will do it justice. The "hard" portion is from the overlook down to the lake itself, which probably should be classified as "very damn hard". The trail is lightly traveled, so there is some downed trees in the trail, but you can easily get around them. We set up camp near the lookout and enjoyed an easy overnight trip. You should too.
Awesome hike. But a lot of trees down on trail. But all in all it's a great hike some good fishing and places to tent camp if you wanted. Would definitely do it again
Pretty easy hike for the first part of it, but once you hit the overlook of the lake it gets a bit tougher. Especially when you have to come back up! Beautiful hike though, plus the lake is a sight to see. Definitely a hike I'll do again!
allot of trees down across the trail. but worth the hike.
beautiful!
As said before the first 1.8miles pretty easy if you are use to hiking at altitude. The hill down is hard and of course you have to go back up. That is about .5 miles. Beautiful place. There is also a campground on the opposite side and the trail from that campground is easier but twice as long. 4 miles one way. Also, come through the town of Arlington. Much shorter trip. The map took us through elk mountain which is longer but pretty none the less.
Great trail awesome views
Great short hike. Good brookie fishing in the lake.
Great day hike! Went late June and there was still snow. My dog and I were the only ones on the trail that day (out and back). The trail was easy unless you make the descent to the lake, which is all switchback, coming back up was strenuous but short. There is also a developed campsite at the lake. It is one of the most peaceful places I have been in my life. Saw a moose driving to the trailhead.