About This Route
Heart Lake Trail from South Entrance leads 14-20 miles round-trip to a geothermal paradise at Yellowstone's southeast edge, with backcountry sites (9H1-9H5) near Rustic Geyser and hot spring inflows. Towering Mt. Sheridan (10,308 ft) looms; climbs optional. Popular 2-4 day trip; permits via NPS lottery. Fishing rainbow trout thrives, but thermal pollution affects spots. Route crosses meadows, fords Heart River multiple times.