The first section (8 miles) is a pleasant, mostly level walk into Heart Lake. If you're taking the counterclockwise route for the loop around the lake, turn right (south) at the junction just past the patrol cabin and stay at one of the six campsites on the west side of the lake. If you plan on hiking up to the summit of Mount Sheridan (and you'll be sorry if you don't), reserve the campsite for two nights.The hike along the west side of the lake climbs slightly away from the lakeshore after 8H6 and then drops back to the shoreline before 8H1. You climb a little hill when leaving the lake before dropping into Sheridan Lake, a small, marsh-lined lake off to your right (west). In the spring, the trail gets boggy in spots near the lake.The trail continues through mostly open terrain and meadows along Basin Creek. At the junction with the Basin Creek Trail, go left (southeast) and continue following Basin Creek through mostly burned timber until you see the Snake River and the junction with the Heart River Trail. The trail through this section is well-defined with frequent stream crossings.Here, turn left (northeast) and hike along the Snake River through a big meadow for about 1 mile until you reach the ford. The trail is a little rocky, but in fair shape. Early in the season, the ford might be hazardous, but after mid-July, it's usually knee-deep. After fording the Snake, the trail angles away from the river into a heavily burned area until you reach the junction with the trail going south to the headwaters of the Snake. Turn left (north) and head toward Heart Lake on the Heart River Trail. You ford the Snake River again just before the junction, but it's an even smaller stream because the Heart River hasn't joined it yet. This section of trail is in good shape as it closely follows the Heart River and passes through lightly burned forest most of the way to Heart Lake. About halfway to the lake you ford this river and then again, as well as Outlet Creek just before reaching Heart Lake. All of these fords are easier than the Snake River ford.When you reach the Trail Creek Trail, go left (west) and finish your circle of Heart Lake back to the junction atthe patrol cabin. The trail is in great shape through this section. It stays in the timber much of the way, but a fewopenings in the trees provide for some great views of the lake with its incredible backdrop, Mount Sheridan.From here, retrace your steps to the Heart Lake Trailhead.

Drive 5.2 miles south of Grant Village Junction and park in the trailhead parking area on the east side of the road.

This trail penetrates Yellowstone's most remote region. The Heart Lake Loop is a superb, moderately difficult backpacking trip beloved by anglers--and one trip that doesn't require any annoying vehicle shuttle.