Jade Lakes Loop

The Jade Lakes Loop is a scenic 5.5-mile loop that takes hikers past two beautiful lakes that are blue green in color. This hike is located in Shoshone National Forest in the southern Absaroka Range near Togwotee Pass. The trailhead is located near the boat launch at the Brooks Lake Campground. The road (Brooks Lake Road) to the campground is a well maintained 5-mile-long gravel road that is about 30 miles northwest for the town of Dubois, Wyoming off U. S. Highway 26. The trailhead and a parking lot are located along the left side of the loop road by the boat landing.This hike starts at the southwest side of the 234-acre Brooks Lake and heads north. The Pinnacle Buttes rise to the east and scenic volcanic cliffs along the Continental Divide can be seen to the west. This loop starts by following the Yellowstone Trail through meadows. There are a number of somewhat parallel paths on this portion of the hike as the Yellowstone Trail is also used by horseback riders. Watch out for horse manure.At the 1.8 mile mark the Jade Lake Trail branches off to the left of the Yellowstone trail. Shortly after joining the Jade Lake Trail, the trail crosses a shallow stream then soon enters a wooded area. The trail climbs up here via a number of switchbacks. At around the 3 mile mark the trail brings hikers to the north end of Lower Jade Lake. The trail then follows the west side of Lower Jade Lake. After the trail leaves Lower Jade Lake, it is about a quarter of a mile to the north end of Upper Jade Lake. The trail follows the eastern shore of Upper Jade Lake. There are great views here as cliffs tower in the distance above the lake. Just past the southeast end of Upper Jade Lake, the trail reaches its highest point at an elevation of 9621 feet, which is over 550 feet higher than the trailhead.The trail heads south past a scenic pond and then reaches a ridge high above the meadow. There are great views of Brooks Lake here. After following the ridge for a bit, the trail makes a fairly steep descent back into the meadow and joins the Yellowstone Trail that leads back to the trailhead.There are no fees to take this scenic hike and dogs on a leash are allowed. Be aware that you are in bear country, bring bear spray.