Lake Louise Wyoming: A Beautiful Hike Near Dubois
When we started looking for hikes near Dubois, Wyoming, Lake Louise quickly caught our attention. At just under five miles round trip with about 1,000 feet of elevation gain, it looked like a good moderate hike and a perfect introduction to the mountains around Whiskey Basin.
What we didn’t expect was how much variety could be packed into a relatively short trail.
The Lake Louise Trail begins in a dry, exposed landscape before climbing into shaded forest, following rushing water and eventually crossing sections of open rock. The final approach involves some easy rock scrambling before reaching Lake Louise, tucked into a rugged mountain basin.
We hiked the trail on a beautiful August morning and took our time getting there. By the time we headed back several hours later, Lake Louise had become one of our favorite mountain lakes we’ve hiked to.
If you’re looking for a moderate hike near Dubois with varied terrain, beautiful mountain scenery and a destination worth lingering over, the Lake Louise Trail is hard to beat.
Quick Answer: Is the Lake Louise Trail Worth It?
Yes. Lake Louise is one of the best moderate hikes we found near Dubois, Wyoming. The trail packs a surprising amount of variety into about five miles, starting with an exposed climb before entering forest, following Torrey Creek and finishing with a fun scramble across open granite.
The real payoff is Lake Louise itself. Surrounded by rugged granite cliffs, the lake was larger and more impressive than we expected. We enjoyed this hike from beginning to end and would recommend it to families and most hikers comfortable with a moderate mountain trail.
Lake Louise Trail Details
Location: Whiskey Basin near Dubois, Wyoming
Trailhead: Trail Lake Trailhead
Distance: 4.97 miles round trip (our recorded distance)
Elevation Gain: 974 feet (our recorded gain)
Moving Time: 2 hours, 44 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours, 19 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: Out and back
Parking: Free trailhead parking with space for larger vehicles and trailers
Restrooms: Yes
Road to Trailhead: Well-maintained gravel
In this Post:
Getting to the Lake Louise Trailhead
The Lake Louise Trail is located in the Whiskey Basin area of the Shoshone National Forest, a short drive east of Dubois, Wyoming. From the highway, turn onto Trail Lake Road and follow the signs toward Whiskey Basin and the Trail Lake Trailhead.
Trail Lake Road is gravel, but don’t let that discourage you. When we drove it in August, the road was in excellent condition and easily handled by our 24-foot camper van. The drive itself is beautiful, with mountain views opening up as you travel farther into Whiskey Basin.
The trailhead has a good-sized parking area, and although there were quite a few vehicles when we arrived around 8:30 a.m., we had no trouble finding a place to park. There is also additional space for larger vehicles and trailers, which made parking Alice much easier than at many mountain trailheads we’ve visited.
Restrooms are available at the trailhead.
Finding the Lake Louise Trail
There are multiple trails leaving the parking area, which can make the start slightly confusing. We took the trail from the north side of the parking loop toward Lake Louise.
Along the hike, you’ll also encounter a junction with the trail leading toward Bomber Basin. We took a short detour in that direction to a bridge over Torrey Creek, where we found one of the prettiest waterfalls of the hike.
If you’re planning more than one day in the area, this is worth remembering. We returned the following morning to hike the Bomber Basin, making Whiskey Basin a great base for two very different hikes.
Our Hike to Lake Louise
We started hiking around 8:30 on a beautiful August morning. The sun was already out, the sky was blue, and there was only a slight haze from wildfire smoke in the distance. It was about as good of a morning for hiking as we could have asked for.
Climbing Above Whiskey Basin
The first part of the Lake Louise Trail was much more exposed than I expected. The landscape was dry and almost desert-like, with a loose-rock trail cutting through sparse vegetation as we gradually climbed above the parking area.
At one point, we looked back and could see Alice far below us in the trailhead parking lot. We both commented on how high we seemed to have climbed in such a short distance.
The trail wasn’t particularly steep, though. The steady grade made the elevation gain feel manageable, and neither of us had any trouble with the altitude. Since this was one of our first Wyoming hikes of the trip, I wasn’t sure how we would react to hiking at a higher elevation. Fortunately, it never became an issue.
From Dry Hillsides to Forest and Torrey Creek
One of the things we enjoyed most about the Lake Louise Trail was how often the landscape changed.
After the exposed beginning, we entered areas of trees and green vegetation. Torrey Creek became part of the scenery, with rushing water and a series of small cascades breaking up the hike.
Near the junction with the trail toward Bomber Basin, we walked over to the bridge across Torrey Creek. From there, we had a great view of a larger waterfall rushing through the rocks below.
Then the landscape changed again.
We moved in and out of forest before eventually reaching more open granite and increasingly rocky terrain. There were a few short scrambles along the way, which only made the hike more enjoyable for us.
The Final Scramble to Lake Louise
The last portion was my favorite part of the hike.
The established trail became much less obvious as we crossed the granite. There appeared to be several possible routes toward the lake, so rather than looking for one exact trail, we simply kept moving in the direction we knew we needed to go.
We stayed on the lower side of a rock ridge, which worked well for us. None of the scrambling was particularly difficult, but it required a little more attention than the well-defined trail we’d followed earlier.
Gail gradually pulled about 100 yards ahead of me while I stopped to take pictures.
I watched as she climbed over the final section of rock and suddenly saw her reaction change. She was visibly excited about whatever was on the other side.
A few minutes later, I climbed over the rocks myself.
Then I understood.
Lake Louise was stunning.
The lake was much larger than I expected, surrounded by rugged granite cliffs with patches of lingering snow tucked high along the mountainsides. After hiking through dry hillsides, forest, rushing water and open granite, reaching that big blue mountain lake felt like a fitting reward.
Taking Our Time at Lake Louise
We weren’t in any hurry to leave.
There were surprisingly few people around considering the number of vehicles we’d seen at the trailhead. For much of the hike, we’d had the trail almost completely to ourselves.
At the lake, a man was fly fishing from a rock while his partner relaxed and sunbathed nearby. Otherwise, it was remarkably peaceful.
We found our own place along the lake and ate a long lunch Gail had carried in her Osprey backpack and enjoyed the scenery in front of us. Eventually, we stretched out and even took a short nap.
Sometimes the best part of a hike isn’t reaching the destination and immediately turning around. Lake Louise was one of those places that made us want to stay awhile.
One Last Cold Stop on the Way Back
Eventually, we packed everything up and headed back toward the trailhead.
On the return hike, we found a quiet place along Torrey Creek just off the trail that looked too inviting to pass up. We stopped for a quick swim.
The mountain water was cold. Very cold.
But after hiking in the August sunshine, it felt great and was a fun way to finish one of our first hikes in Wyoming.
By the time we made it back to Alice, we’d covered just under five miles. It wasn’t our longest or most difficult hike of the trip, but between the constantly changing terrain, the granite scrambling and that first view of Lake Louise, it quickly became one of the most memorable.
How Difficult Is the Lake Louise Trail?
We recorded 4.97 miles and 974 feet of elevation gain. Most of the climbing comes at a steady, manageable grade rather than one long, steep push. We noticed how quickly we gained elevation during the exposed section near the beginning, but neither of us found the climb particularly difficult.
The terrain adds some challenge. The trail starts with loose rock underfoot, moves through forest and becomes increasingly rocky as you get closer to Lake Louise. The final section involves scrambling across open granite, and this is also where the established trail becomes harder to follow.
We actually enjoyed that part. The scrambling wasn’t technical or especially difficult, and there appeared to be several reasonable ways through the rocks. We stayed on the lower side of the rock ridge and continued in the general direction of the lake.
For families, I think Lake Louise can be a great choice for kids who already have some hiking experience. The distance is manageable, and the changing terrain keeps the hike interesting. Younger children may need some help during the rocky sections near the lake.
One other consideration is the elevation. Even though neither of us noticed any effects from the altitude, hikers arriving from lower elevations may feel it differently. The beginning of the trail is also exposed to the sun, so an early start can make the climb much more comfortable.
Overall, I would consider Lake Louise an easy-to-moderate hike for experienced hikers and a solid moderate hike for most everyone else. If you’re comfortable hiking about five miles and don’t mind a little rock scrambling, there is nothing on this trail that should feel overly intimidating.
Camping Near Lake Louise and Whiskey Basin
One of the advantages of hiking Lake Louise is that you don’t necessarily have to drive back to Dubois when you’re finished.
We saw at least three established areas being used for dispersed camping along Trail Lake Road. We chose a large parking area overlooking Trail Lake and spent the night there for free. It also put us in a perfect location to return to the trailhead the following morning for our hike toward Bomber Basin.
Our campsite turned out to be more than just a convenient place to park Alice.
A short walk from the van took us down to Trail Lake and a shallow inlet along the shoreline. The water ranged from only a few inches deep to around two feet, with a sandy bottom and a small sandbar separating the inlet from the deeper water of the lake.
After hiking Lake Louise earlier that day, it was exactly what we needed.
We carried our chairs down to the water, put our feet in and spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing along the shoreline. With the mountains around us and shallow water at our feet, it was a pretty good ending to an already memorable hiking day.
A Great Base for Exploring Whiskey Basin
Camping along Trail Lake Road also made our plans for the next morning incredibly easy. Instead of breaking camp and driving back into the mountains, we were already close to the trail system when we woke up.
For anyone planning more than one hike in Whiskey Basin, dispersed camping in this area can make a lot of sense. Lake Louise can easily fill the first day, followed by another hike in the area the next morning.
Camping Note: Dispersed camping rules and restrictions can change. We recommend checking current Shoshone National Forest regulations before choosing an overnight spot and using established sites whenever possible.
What to Know Before Hiking Lake Louise
The Lake Louise Trail doesn’t require any special preparation beyond what you’d normally expect for a moderate mountain hike, but a few things are worth knowing before you go.
Start Early
We started around 8:30 a.m., which worked well for us. The first portion of the trail is exposed with very little shade, so an early start is especially helpful during the warmer summer months.
Mountain weather can also change quickly. Check the forecast before leaving and carry an extra layer even when the morning looks clear.
Bring Plenty of Water
Although the trail follows Torrey Creek for part of the hike, don’t depend on the creek for drinking water unless you’re carrying an appropriate filtration or purification system.
For a five-mile hike, we carried enough water to spend several hours on the trail and still had plenty left while relaxing at Lake Louise.
Expect Some Rock Scrambling
Most of the Lake Louise Trail is easy to follow, but that changes as you approach the lake.
The final section crosses open granite where the established trail becomes less obvious. We found several possible routes through the rocks and stayed below the rock ridge while continuing toward the lake.
The scrambling wasn’t difficult for us, but shoes with good traction are helpful.
Don’t Miss the Torrey Creek Waterfall
Near the junction with the trail toward Bomber Basin, a short detour leads to a bridge across Torrey Creek. The bridge provides a great view of the water rushing through the narrow rocky channel below.
It’s a small diversion from the Lake Louise hike and one we thought was well worth taking.
Be Prepared for the Elevation
Lake Louise is a mountain hike, and visitors arriving from lower elevations may notice the altitude more than we did.
Neither Gail nor I experienced any problems, but we kept a comfortable pace and weren’t trying to rush the hike. If you aren’t accustomed to hiking at elevation, give yourself extra time and pay attention to how you’re feeling.
This Is Bear Country
Whiskey Basin is in bear country, so hikers should be prepared accordingly. Keep food secured, stay aware of your surroundings and check current Shoshone National Forest recommendations before heading onto the trail.
Leave Time to Enjoy the Lake
This might be our most important recommendation.
Don’t plan your Lake Louise hike so tightly that you have to turn around as soon as you arrive. We ate lunch, relaxed along the shoreline and even took a short nap before starting back.
The hike is beautiful, but Lake Louise is the reason to make the trip. Give yourself some time to enjoy it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Louise Wyoming
How long is the Lake Louise Trail in Wyoming?
The Lake Louise Trail is roughly five miles round trip. Our recorded hike was 4.97 miles with 974 feet of elevation gain. We spent 2 hours and 44 minutes moving, but our total time was 3 hours and 19 minutes because we took our time at the lake.
How difficult is the Lake Louise Trail?
We consider the Lake Louise Trail a moderate hike. Most of the elevation gain is gradual, although the trail becomes rockier as you approach the lake. The final section includes some easy scrambling across open granite where the established trail can be difficult to follow.
Is the Lake Louise Trail good for families?
Yes. We think Lake Louise is a good family hike for children who already have some hiking experience. The distance is manageable and the changing terrain keeps the hike interesting. Younger children may need some assistance with the rocky sections near the lake.
Where is Lake Louise in Wyoming?
Lake Louise is located in the Whiskey Basin area near Dubois, Wyoming, in Shoshone National Forest. The trailhead is reached from Trail Lake Road, a gravel road that was well-maintained and easy to drive when we visited.
Are there restrooms and parking at the Lake Louise Trailhead?
Yes. Restrooms are available at the trailhead, and there is a good-sized parking area. We also found space suitable for our 24-foot camper van, along with additional parking for larger vehicles and trailers.
Can you camp near the Lake Louise Trail?
Dispersed camping is available in the surrounding national forest, subject to current regulations and restrictions. During our visit, we saw several established camping areas along Trail Lake Road and spent the night overlooking Trail Lake for free.
Our location made it easy to hike Lake Louise one day and return to the Whiskey Basin trail system for another hike the following morning. Always check current Shoshone National Forest regulations before camping.
Final Thoughts: Is Lake Louise Worth the Hike?
Lake Louise turned out to be one of our favorite hikes near Dubois and one of the most beautiful mountain lakes we visited in Wyoming. The hike was challenging enough to be interesting without feeling overly difficult, and we loved how the landscape changed from dry, exposed hillsides to forest, rushing water and open granite. But the moment we climbed over those final rocks and saw Lake Louise was what made the hike memorable. Add in an afternoon relaxing at Trail Lake and a free place to camp nearby, and this was exactly the kind of Wyoming hiking day we had hoped to find.
Lake Louise was one of our favorite Wyoming hikes on this trip, along with our hike to Popo Agie Falls near Lander.
Have you hiked Lake Louise or explored another trail near Dubois or Whiskey Basin? We’d love to hear about it. Leave a comment below and tell us which Wyoming hike we should add to our list.
This post contains an affiliate link, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you.
Leave a Reply