Divide Trail

Dogs No Dogs

This trail begins on the Old Faithful to West Thumb road at a large pullout just west of Craig Pass and ends at the site of a former fire lookout tower. Prior to the Divide Lookouts removal in 1991, it was possible to climb the stairs of the metal tower to just below the lookout station and see above the trees south to Shoshone Lake and the Tetons beyond. Since its removal, there is little reason to take this trail, other than for the exercise (which apparently still makes it a popular cross-country ski trail in the winter).

From the trailhead, the trail quickly crosses Spring Creek and begins a healthy 710-foot climb through the forest to the top. Along the way look for examples of knotty pine in the lodgepole trees you pass. This area of Yellowstone is known for these unusual shaped knots or burls in the trees. Similar knotty pine was used as ornate trimmings in the Old Faithful Inn. At the 1.3-mile mark, it is possible to obtain obstructed views of Shoshone Lake through the trees to the south. The trail ends at the site of the former Divide Lookout tower, so named because it lies close to the Continental Divide.

Thanks to guidebook author, Tom Carter, for sharing this trail description. To learn more about visiting Yellowstone, check out his book, Day Hiking Yellowstone.