If you are heading to Yellowstone National Park from the original jumping off point you may notice a sign on the east side of the road that talks of no National Forest Access, there has been a change in the way that one can access this area. If you continue south for a short while there is a new access road that heads up to the northeast and eventually to a parking lot. This road is definitely a one lane so hope that you don't meet another car when heading up or down. I would not really even drive a recreation vehicle or a trailer up there as there are some sharp turns. Anyhow enough with the access lets get to the trail.
As the photo above suggests this is the access point of the Cedar Creek Trail, but it is also the access point for the OTO Dude Rance, the first in Montana. The trails starts up a road that heads eastwards into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness and the Gallatin National Forest. The great thing about trials in these areas is that you can take your pets with you, but ALWAYS be BEAR AWARE! The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is home to Grizzly and Black Bears as well as Cougars (Mountain Lions), Lynx, Bobcats, Wolves, Coyotes, Badgers, Wolverines and other predators, just be careful if you are not accustomed to hiking in this area. Carry bear spray, be loud and always alert.
As you head up the road eventually you will hit a trail on the north side of the road, then you will end up back on the gravel, eventually you will find a sign that says trail on the south side of the road. If you wish to head into the wilderness and get some solitude this is a beautiful walk. If you wish to check the OTO Dude Ranch out keep heading down the road. There are many different trails out here including a shuttle to the Joe Brown Trailhead, just drop one car down there and loop around, that is if you have two vehicles.
Eventually is you keep heading down the road you will come upon some old buildings. There is an old barn (may be on private land, not quite sure but there were no warning signs that we saw besides the private residence east of the lodge), there is also a cabin near this. As you continue east on the road you will come to the historic lodge and cabins. Please be respectful of this place as there are restoration processes going on. Practice Leave No Trace ethics, if you find something please enjoy it where you found it and leave nothing but footprints.
There are beautiful views in all directions. Its a great place for anyone from a novice to experienced hiker, just take your time and enjoy the scenery.
Cabin with the roof caved in, OTO lodge in background.
Bridge over Cedar Creek.
Ice on Cedar Creek.
OTO South entrance, Lions guarding the place!
OTO lodge looking east.
Old cabin!
Looking west heading back to the trailhead.
Eventually you will probably head back to your car and look back on photos of you and your hiking mates having lunch on the steps of this historical Montana ranch. I hope you enjoy this brief look at this amazing place in photos and I hope that you can visit someday!
Looking east into the wilderness!
Thanks for reading and have a great hike!!!
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