Montana · Hiking

Johnson Lake

5.5 mi
round trip
1,040 ft
climb
8,095 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Aug
best months

Is Johnson Lake open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Custer Gallatin National Forest. It doesn't name Johnson Lake, so check the source for the area it covers (16 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Custer Gallatin National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Johnson Lake is a hard hike in the Hebgen Lake Ranger District of Custer Gallatin National Forest in Montana, about 5.5 miles long with a one-way elevation gain of 1,040 feet. The trail is an out-and-back that climbs from a low point of about 6,800 feet to a high of about 8,100 feet, and it is managed by the Forest Service. The route is on natural surface, and it is open to both horses and bikes. The trailhead parking is named Johnson Lake, and the trail is typically open from June 1 to September 30. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station run to highs around 80°F in July, with lows near 39°F. That station sits about 1,400 feet lower than the high point, so temperatures on the summit run cooler. Nearby, Dutchman Basin and Whits Lake are both within a mile, and Rainbow Point Campground is about 2.5 miles away. Duck Creek, a canoeing spot, is about 3 miles off.

  • Best time to go · Jun–Aug

    Best time to visit Johnson Lake

    Best months: June–August. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      27° / 0°

    2. Feb

      31° / 1°

    3. Mar

      40° / 9°

    4. Apr

      48° / 21°

    5. May

      59° / 29°

    6. Jun

      68° / 34°

    7. Jul

      80° / 39°

    8. Aug

      78° / 36°

    9. Sep

      68° / 30°

    10. Oct

      51° / 21°

    11. Nov

      36° / 11°

    12. Dec

      26° / 3°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at W Yellowstone Gateway, MT, 11.1 mi away at 6,679 ft. The station sits about 1,400 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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