Reviewed by: Petzel ,  Downhiller

Summary:
The most scenic trail I've ever taken. 11 or so waterfalls and the creek is right there the whole way up and down. I agree that the trail is totally rideable all the up to and past the lake, esp. on a downhill bike. (totally rideable on an xc bike as well) I had one of the most epic rides of my life here due to the combo of terrain and atmosphere. The trail changes from section to section. Buff, rocky, natural jumps, steeps. If you have several bikes bring the long travel one. You will suffer a little on the climbs but it'll be well worth it on the descent.

Recommended Route:
All the way to the top

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Big Sky.

Reviewed by: Chris Brownfield , from San Francisco, CA

Summary:
I had a blast on this trail, and I hear the trail on up to Hyalite Peak from the Lake is pretty good too. I agree with other reviewer's comments about the Falcon trail guide's recommendation that no one ride to the Lake. I saw a lot of hikers and was very nice to them, but there left plenty of room for fun! The views are awesome too, be sure to check out the various waterfalls on the way up, Grotto's just the first...

Recommended Route:
Uh, there is no other route. Maybe a little confusion at bottom of trailhead, as there is a handicapped person trail as well as the singletrack...use the singletrack.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Emerald Lake, History Rock loop via Langohr

Reviewed by: Joe , from Park City, Utah, USA

Summary:
The local guidebook does not recommend this trail. It says it's too steep, too technical and overused. I disagree on all counts. It is a multiple use trail. It is a step up from the Emerald Lake trail, both in technical and aerobic difficulty and length, but definitely easier than Middle Cottonwood or Truman Gulch, both of which caused me great pain. I'm 50 years old and I walked a total of maybe 150 feet in 6.3 miles to the lake. It's a beatiful trail, it is heavily used, but the conditions are such that mountain bike use has minimal impact. The first mile and a half or so to Grotto Falls is a very easy, nice warmup. Beginners could just do the short ride to Grotto Falls and enjoy the ride and view. The rest is quite technical, pretty steep and a blast to attack. It rained on us when we rode it so we turned around at the lake. You can go another 2 miles to the top of Hyalite peak, but you may have to walk it, I'm not sure. You can also come down a different drainage, though I haven't tried it. The lake is at about 9500 feet. I'm guessing that the start is around 7500 feet. There are numerous creek crossings to about 8 inches deep. Some need to be walked. Bring a camera! You probably will see many hikers. Please treat them right.

Recommended Route:
Start at Grotto falls trail head, go to Hyalite Lake and beyond

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Emerald Lake