Montana · Hiking · Lee Metcalf Wilderness · Near Emigrant

Lava Lake

5.4 mi
round trip
1,603 ft
climb
7,145 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jul–Sep
best months

Is Lava Lake open right now?

Closure reported

The Forest Service lists a closure that covers Lava Lake.

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

Lava Lake is a 5.4-mile out-and-back hike in the Lee Metcalf Wilderness, part of the Bozeman Ranger District of Custer Gallatin National Forest in Montana. The trail rises from about 5,500 feet to 7,145 feet, a climb of 1,603 feet, and is rated moderate. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is natural-surfaced and open year-round, with a parking area named Lava Lake. Horses are allowed, but bikes are not. The most comfortable months for a visit are July and August, when typical averages from a nearby weather station run around 78°F for highs and 41°F for lows. That station sits about 550 feet lower than the high point, so temperatures on the summit run cooler. The Dregs and the Libido Formation climbing areas are both within a mile. The Gallatin River offers fishing about a mile away, and the Pioneer Lakes Trail is about 1.5 miles off.

Around this trail

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  • Sleep close

    Hwy191-38 Mm60.2

    Campground

    Campground · 0.4 mi from the trail

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More in Emigrant
  • Best time to go · Jul–Sep

    Best time to visit Lava Lake

    Best months: July–September. 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

      30° / 9°

      13 wet

    2. Feb

      34° / 9°

      11 wet

    3. Mar

      42° / 17°

      12 wet

    4. Apr

      48° / 23°

      11 wet

    5. May

      58° / 30°

      14 wet

    6. Jun

      67° / 36°

      14 wet

    7. Jul

      78° / 41°

      11 wet

    8. Aug

      77° / 39°

      11 wet

    9. Sep

      68° / 33°

      10 wet

    10. Oct

      53° / 25°

      10 wet

    11. Nov

      37° / 16°

      11 wet

    12. Dec

      27° / 9°

      14 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Big Sky 2wnw, MT, 9.9 mi away at 6,590 ft. The station sits about 600 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.

    Closures we've recorded since August 2026

    • Lava Lake (Lee Metcalf Wilderness) Campfire Restriction

      Custer Gallatin National Forest · Order dated April 27, 2000; seen Aug 23, 2026, no lift recorded · Forest Service

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