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Hiking – Ben Tyler Trail

12 mile out-and-back winter ascent along the Ben Tyler trail from the Hwy285 trailhead

Hannah Korrell Hannah Korrell
January 19, 2026
  • Road suitable for all vehicles

  • (Interpret route conditions within the context of the historically warm and dry 2025/2026 winter season.)

    Route dry for the first mile aside from scant areas of packed snow. Ice encountered at the stream crossing and occasional ice as the route steepens through the aspen grove. Snow building as the route progresses with good boot pack until the last two miles. The last two miles have heavier snow, ~6-12 inches deep and occasional drifts covering switchbacks and obscuring the trail. You will need to rely on navigation once you approach tree line to find the trail among the drifts. Occasional knee-deep post-holing.

Ample parking at the trailhead at 8:00 am on a Sunday. Encountered two other parties on the way up and two parties on the way down. To get to the saddle and be able to see Lost Creek Wilderness takes the round trip distance to closer to 12.2 miles (just before entering the willows). Snow at about 4 miles in slowed the pace, round-trip time was 8 hours. Recommend microspikes and trekking poles, consider snowshoes pending personal preference for the last two miles. Weather was 17 degrees at the trailhead at the start. High for the day was in the low 40's. Overall the majority of the hike is well-protected from the wind until you achieve the wide saddle at the top. Wind 6-13 mph with gusts around 22 mph.