Geneva Lake

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This trail is a local (Sheridan folks, etc.) classic. You get a lovely stream, alpine environment, pristine lake, and beautiful views. Many of the big mammals retreat up into the high country, so keep an eye out for moose, bighorns, elk, etc. Along the way, you can enjoy a piece of the mining history of the region.

The mosquitoes can be fierce here in warm weather, and snow can stay here a long time.

This is a good trail for running with a few cobbles and some rock hopping.

From the parking lot, take the obvious trail to the south. Pass the Rhinehart Lakes Trail to the right and continue on the flat, even trail. Continue through the thick forest until just above the East Fork Big Goose Creek. After a short run, you arrive at the Solitude Loop Trail #038.

Continue straight on the trail to pass the broken skeletons of a defunct mining operation.

When the mines peter out, you turn the corner to the left and have the option of taking Duncan Lake Trail that heads uphill to the left.

A half mile after the turnoff, you'll arrive at a stream crossing that you can rock hop through or decide to wade.

From here, the environment seems to become more alpine with the trees getting a bit smaller, the land getting sparser, and the trail becoming a bit rockier with short sections on steep incline. In the right season, huge mushrooms pop up along the trail.

When you arrive at the marshy tip of Geneva Lake, turn right and head along the edge of the lake. You'll be pinned closely to the lake as steep terrain becomes bald, rocky cliffs, but it's all manageable. When you arrive at the far end, enjoy the views before cutting left to the other side of the lake to reunite with the Solitude Loop Trail #038.

Moose, elk, bighorns, and a multitude of alpine birds can be found in this area.

An old mining operation along the trail features derelict mines and log cabins.