2 miles Difficulty II: This trail begins at the picnic area. If you travel in a counter clockwise direction and cross through the fence, the trail will lead you to a connection with Gayfeather Trail. Along this portion of the trail, the elk can often be viewed along the hillside west of the trail. The best time to hike here is early in the morning to view the morning sunshine glistening off the backs of the elk calves. Hike in late September or October and listen to the occasional bugle of the majestic bull elk. This portion of the trail also provides access to the backpack camp. If you travel clockwise on the trail, it will carry you through the campground and across the small footbridge. This portion will take visitors back to a connection with Drovers Trail and eventually to the visitor center. If hikers choose to connect to a portion of Drovers Trail and Gayfeather Trail, they can make the entire three-mile loop.