Nine Great Alternatives to The Beaten Path
Still hoping to hike The Beaten Path this year? You're not alone.
Ever since the historic floods of June 2022 destroyed much of the East Rosebud Trail and washed away the bridge at Rimrock Lake, The Beaten Path—arguably the most popular and sought-out hike in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness—has been all but inaccessible to the countless hikers and backpackers hoping to check the iconic route off their backcountry bucket lists.
The dangers of navigating a blown-out trail and crossing the raging torrent of water at the outlet of Rimrock Lake hasn’t quelled the popular desire to hike The Beaten Path, and the ABWF office and inbox regularly receive messages from Beaten-Path-hopefuls looking for advice on how to get around the dangers of the current situation.
And we get it: It’s one of the most iconic backpacking routes in the world, crossing the heart of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness and showcasing endless alpine lakes and stunning scenery. But iconic doesn’t mean advisable. Two tragic deaths in the last year—not to mention the half-dozen abandoned backpacks found tangled in the rocks nearby from folks who’ve abandoned their ill-advised attempts—only serve to underscore the wisdom in putting this particular trail on the backburner until the bridge and trail repairs are complete.
Here’s the good news: there are great alternatives.
ABWF isn’t in the travel planning business, but we get enough calls each week about The Beaten Path that we thought we’d share a few other of our favorite trails that offer the same AB magic, even if they aren’t as well known to the hiking blogosphere. So ask yourself, what is it about The Beaten Path that calls to you? Then check out our handy dandy list below and find an alternative trail that offers what you are looking for.
Hidden Lake on the Lower Beartooth Plateau is just one of the incredible spots waiting for those bold enough to stay off The Beaten Path
I Want to Do It for the ’Gram
If it’s dramatic views, stunning backdrops, crystalline streams, and picturesque campsites you’re after, these two trails pack some serious aesthetic punch. Go, snap, post, and consider yourself an influencer.
Sundance Pass – 18 miles
Slough Creek to Buffalo Fork – 36 miles
I want to do something I’ve never done before
The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness is big—really big—and The Beaten Path barely scratches the surface of what this landscape has to offer. If it’s a novel experience you are after, one of these gems may be the ticket, all with a side of trout.
West Rosebud to Red Lodge Creek – 30 miles
Lake Plateau via Columbine Pass – 34.5 miles
I’m looking for the “through-hike” experience
If it’s the sense of accomplishment that comes with traversing a majestic landscape you are after, this hike offers plenty of ruggedness without the life-threatening river crossing. This end-to-end route crosses a magnificent stretch of the AB and boasts a sense of wildness even East Rosebud can’t match.
Stillwater River Corridor – 26.5 miles (mostly downhill from Daisy Pass to Woodbine)
I need lakes. Lots of lakes.
If it’s the “lake every few miles” vibe that has you interested in The Beaten Path, this route packs in near endless opportunities for lake-gazing, trout fishing, and cold plunging. Come check out some of the most beautiful lakes you’ve never heard of.
Lower Beartooth Plateau – 26.8 miles
I was gonna run the dang thing
For energetic trail runners, these 20 to 30 mile routes offer (mostly) solid tread, one big pass to cross, and the satisfying bonk of a day well spent.
West Boulder to East Fork Mill Creek – 26 miles
Sundance Pass – 18 miles
It’s the Beaten Path or nothing for me
We’ve given you eight other options and you STILL want to hike The Beaten Path?! Okay, we will let you in on a little secret: you can still experience most of this trail by doing The Beaten Path as an out-and-back from the Clarks Fork Trailhead. This means going in the way folks usually come out, but bypassing the trail construction and bridge uncertainly of Rimrock Lake by turning around at Rainbow Lake (or anywhere before that) and doing the trail as an out-and-back. The perks? No key exchange or shuttle required, and there are many off-trail side attractions along the way.
Beaten Path to Rainbow Lake – up to 19 miles one way
Need even more ideas?
Looking for more trip ideas or updated conditions? Visit our trusted outdoor partners:
Absaroka side: Dan Bailey’s in Livingston
https://www.danbaileys.com/Beartooth side: Sylvan Peak Mountain Shoppe in Red Lodge
https://www.sylvanpeak.com/
You can also sign up for the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Foundation mailing list to stay in the loop about volunteer opportunities and wilderness updates. From trail maintenance to solitude monitoring to hands-on education programs, we’ve got ways for you to experience the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness safely, responsibly, and with purpose.