Yellow Belly Lake and Hiking Trails

Total Miles
3.4

Elevation

2,176.83 ft

Duration

--

Technical Rating

3

Easy

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall

Trail Overview

This is an out-and-back 4x4 trail that runs along Yellow Belly Lake through the trees. There are no views of the lake from the trail; views of the lake can only be seen from the hiking trails. There are a few glimpses of blue water through the trees on the driving trail and that's about it. Air down for comfort; it's a bumpy rocky trail with some moondust mixed in. Full-size vehicles can use this trail, but it is narrow with limited areas to pass. If traveling in spring, expect down trees and bring equipment to clear them. The first half mile of Yellow Belly Trail is an easy dirt road with lots of beautiful dispersed campsites that can be accessed by passenger car. These are close to Pettit Lake and give great access to spend time over there. The furthest any non-4x4 vehicles should adventure would be to the first Yellow Belly Lake Hiking Trailhead and parking lot. There is a sign and a parking offshoot to the right. The main trail continues to the left and this is where it becomes narrow and rocky--4x4 only. At the end of the trail, you are rewarded with a 0.5-mile hike to the lake. There are a few small dispersed campsites just before the driving trail ends with room for one vehicle.

Photos of Yellow Belly Lake and Hiking Trails

Yellow Belly Lake and Hiking Trails
Yellow Belly Lake and Hiking Trails

Difficulty

This is a rocky and bumpy narrow trail. Moondust is in lots of areas with hidden rocks. These sections would become muddy and difficult when wet.

Technical Rating

3

Access Description

Take State Highway 74 from Ketchum or from Stanley and follow signs for Pettit Lake. Drive all the way to Pettit Lake, and at the T, turn right, following signs towards the Pettit Lake Campground. Before you get to the campground, there will be an option to take a right up a dirt road with signs for group equine camping and Yellow Belly Lake. Take the right and you're starting the trail.

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