Tower Ski Trails

The Tower area offers excellent machine groomed trails for classic and skate skiing. For more info on specific trails, see map and trail descriptions below or download a printable brochure and map. For up to date trail conditions call 307-344-5699.

LOST LAKE TRAIL

4 miles (6.4 km) one way, easiest to more difficult (6440′-6800′, 360 feet elevation gain/loss)

Start at the Petrified Tree Road, just east of the exit of Blacktail Plateau Drive, or 1.4 miles (2.25 km) west of Tower Junction. The trail follows the road to the Petrified Tree, then leads through a narrow, open valley to Lost Lake. Follow the near shore (on the ice) the trail reaches the head of the lake after 1.5 miles (2.4 km) to the head of the lake, then travel through intermittent forest and meadows. After 2.5 miles (4km) and a short, steep descent, the trail reaches Calcite Springs Overlook on the Tower Fall Trail, 1.4 miles (2.25 km) from Tower Junction. It DOES NOT follow the maintained summer trail. Watch closely for orange trail tags marking the route because it may be difficult to find. Rolling terrain, some views, and possibly elk may be seen along this trail. Caution: Remove your skis for the short, steep section at the Lost Creek Bridge.

TOWER FALL TRAILS (GROOMED)

2.5 miles (4 km) one way, easiest (6270′-6460′, 190 feet elevation gain/loss)

Begin at the parking area just southeast of Tower Junction. The trail follows the unplowed Tower-Canyon road up a gradual slope past Calcite Springs Overlook to Tower Fall. Great views of the Yellowstone River Canyon, occasional bison, bighorn sheep and bald eagles.

BLACKTRAIL PLATEAU TRAIL (GROOMED)

8 miles (12.8 km), easiest to more difficult (6600′-7571′, 971 feet elevation gain/loss)

This trail may be skied from either end. Begin 8 miles (13 km) east of Mammoth Hot Springs at a parking area across the road from a self-guiding trail, or at a service road approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) farther east (see map). The trail gradually climbs 900 feet (274 m) in 6 miles (9.7 km) through open meadows to “The Cut”. From here the trail descends 2 miles (3.2 km) down a moderate grade through a spruce-fir forest to rejoin the Mammoth-Tower Road 1.4 miles (2.25 km) from Tower Junction. Broad vistas, elk, deer, coyotes, and occasionally bison may be seen.

CHITTENDEN LOOP TRAIL

5.3 miles (8.3 km), easiest to more difficult (6480′-7280′, 800 feet elevation gain/loss)

The Trail begins at Tower Fall which is 2.5 miles (4 km) from Tower Junction. The trail is easiest if you climb the more difficult section at the beginning of the loop by heading to the right through Tower Fall Campground. More experienced skiers may wish to ski the loop in the opposite direction; however, the “more difficult” portion of the loop can be quite fast if snow is packed. The trail continues through dense lodgepole pine returning to the unplowed Tower-Canyon road. From here the route goes approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) back to Tower Fall. Good views of Mt. Washburn are possible.