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Primitive trailhead with access to motorized Grizzly-Helena Trail as well as Mount Zirkel Wilderness. The Lone Pine Trail is easy to follow though a few sections are fairly steep. This trail is difficult for horses. The Lone Pine Trail up to the Continental Divide and the route to Bighorn Lake are unimproved trails and maintained on a periodic basis. Campsites are scarce along the trail. This trail is very popular, so the opportunity for solitude is low. Lone Pine Trail is managed by the Parks Ranger District and is located in the Mount Zirkel/Parks Range.
From Walden. Drive west on Hwy 14 approximately 1/4 mile and take County Road 12W heading west. Drive approximately 5 miles and take County Road 7 heading north for approximately 2 1/2 miles. Turn left on County Road 12W. After driving approximately 4 miles take the left fork heading west on County Road 16. Drive approximately 6 miles. The road will turn into Forest Road 640. The Lone Pine South is encountered first, on the left side of the road. Approximately 1/2 mile farther is the Lone Pine North Trailhead located on the right hand side of the road.
Awesome sunrises and stellar night sky's plus you might see Elk or Big horn sheep!
I was fortunate to enjoy a magical day out alone in early July 2022 when everything was vibrant and alive. The first mile or so of the trail is my least enjoyable but once you get deeper in, it is smooth and pristine. What’s incredible is the health of the ecosystem. Pine Beetle and fires haven’t touched a thing. I ultimately went almost 9mi in, making 20 total knee-deep creek crossings, almost to the western boundary of Lone Pine Creek with the Maxwell Ranch. There’s only one brutal bill at about 6mi that will not look forward to climbing again, but gaining the western side of it is incredible. I can’t wait to get back this coming season.
Have only experienced this pace in the off(hunting)season but it is beautiful!
