Around Yellowstone - Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks - page 298

A couple of miles further toward Yellowstone look for the roadside hot springs, which
were once channeled into an elegant, turn-of-the-century resort at nearby Corwin Springs.
Across the river is the headquarters of the Church Universal & Triumphant (CUT), which
built a huge underground nuclear shelter here in the 1980s after their leader Elizabeth
Prophet predicted the end of the world.
Further south, a pullout offers fine views of the Devil's Slide , a superbly named
salmon-pink landslide area consisting of 200-million-year-old rock. Keep an eye out for
bighorn sheep here.
Activities
Hiking & Backpacking
Paradise Valley's most popular trail is the 10-mile round-trip hike to Pine Creek Lake .
The trail starts from the Pine Creek Campground parking area and leads 1.2 miles to Pine
Creek Falls and then another 3.8 miles to Pine Creek Lake, gaining around 3000ft en
route. Budget at least four hours for the return hike.
Further south, down Mill Creek Rd, is the trailhead for Elbow Lake , 3500ft above the
trailhead at the base of 11,206ft Mt Cowen, the highest peak in the Absaroka Range. The
strenuous 18-mile, round-trip hike (along trails 51 and 48) is possible as a long day hike,
but it's better to overnight at the lake. From the lake you can continue northeast to a
second lake and ascend the ridge on the left for views of Mt Cowen.
Further south, there are more hiking opportunities on the east side of the Gallatin
Range. A popular day hike from Tom Miner Campground takes you 2.5 miles up Trail
Creek to meadows at Buffalo Horn Pass . A viewpoint five minutes' walk south offers
excellent views of the Gallatin Valley; Ramshorn Peak (10,289ft) beckons to the north.
The USFS Gallatin Forest East Half map (scaled 1:126,720) provides a good overview
of the valley's routes but lacks contours.
Other Activities
The Yellowstone River winds past 19 fishing access sites along Paradise Valley, most of
which have boat ramps. Experienced anglers can pit themselves against challenging
private spring creeks such as Nelson's, Armstrong's and Depuy's. For bookings, fees and
conditions contact Livingston's fishing shops ( Click here ) .
The Montana Department of Fishing, Wildlife & Parks runs basic campgrounds
( www.fwp.mt.gov ; sites $7, without a Montana fishing license $12) at the Mallard's Rest,
Loch Leven and Dailey Lake fishing access sites. Simple overnight camping is permitted