Lightning Creek
- 10.7 mi
- round trip
- 2,252 ft
- climb
- 8,565 ft
- high point
- Out and back
- route
Is Lightning Creek open right now?
Closure in the area
There's a closure order in Custer Gallatin National Forest. It doesn't name Lightning Creek, so check the source for the area it covers (16 listed).
NFSR #1700 South Plateau Road Closure
Agency closure covering Custer Gallatin National Forest · USFS · Custer Gallatin National Forest
Lonesomewood Prescribed Fire Area, Road, and Trail Closure
Agency closure covering Hebgen Lake Ranger District · Order 01-11-07-26-03 · USFS · Hebgen Lake Ranger District
South Plateau Road #1700 Opening Delayed
Agency closure covering Hebgen Lake Ranger District · USFS · Hebgen Lake Ranger District
Hyalite Porcupine Buffalo Horn Summer Interim Travel Order and Map and Order # 01-11-00-26-02
Agency closure covering Custer Gallatin National Forest · Order 01-11-00-26-02 · USFS · Custer Gallatin National Forest
Hyalite Porcupine Buffalo Horn Winter Interim Travel Order and Map Order Number: #01-11-00-26-01
Agency closure covering Custer Gallatin National Forest · USFS · Custer Gallatin National Forest
As of · Source: USFS · Custer Gallatin National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.
Lightning Creek is a hard out-and-back hike in Montana's Custer Gallatin National Forest, on the Hebgen Lake Ranger District. The trail stretches about 10.7 miles, with a total elevation gain of 2,252 feet, climbing from a low point of 7,312 feet to a high of 8,565 feet. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail's natural surface and horse-friendly access make it a route that works for riders as well as hikers. The Taylor Fork parking area serves as the trailhead, and the hike is open year-round. Plan for a long day on foot, with plenty of elevation to cover. Taylor Falls lies about 1.8 miles away, and Taylor Creek and Alp Creek are both within about 2 miles. For an overnight stay, Wapiti Cabin is roughly 4.8 miles off.
Local outfitters
- Yellowstone Safari Company49 mi away
Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.
Keep exploring — more trails worth the drive
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