Overview

Grassy Lake Road is a rustic, scenic route from Flagg Ranch near the southern entrance of Yellowstone and over the state line to Idaho. It is a great launching point for many day hikes, wildlife viewing, fishing and snowmobile tours, when the road is closed for the winter. The dirt road passes through beautiful wilderness and connects to Fish Lake, Grassy Lake, and Loon Lake trailheads. The area it bisects sees heavy snowfall during the winter and as a result is teaming with waterfalls. But this can also leave trails swampy and wet until mid-summer.

Driving Directions

From Grand Teton National Park, take US 89/191 to Flagg Ranch, just south of Yellowstone, then head west onto Grassy Lake Road.

Time/Distance

This scenic road is 49 miles long and takes anywhere from an hour and a half to three hours to drive. It is the far backcountry, so be prepared for varied road conditions and slow drive time. Also, be mindful of wildlife while traveling this road. The opportunities to view wildlife increase where there is less traffic. Visitors must be cautious and respectful of the habitat.

Highlights

• Look out for trumpeter swans, moose and rhyolite rock formations on a hike to Fish Lake.
• Stop at Cascade Creek trailhead and hike roughly 4 miles to watch waterfalls crashing from heights of 20-30 feet.
• Avoid summer crowds that can clog the streets of Jackson by traveling this alternate route from Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks to Idaho and the Targhee National Forest.
• Meander through hills of lodgepole pines and Aspen groves on a hike to Loon Lake.
• For the fishing enthusiast, Grassy Lake Reservoir is a popular spot for catching rainbow, cutthroat and lake trout.