Emerald Lake via Edelman Trail

Starting from the Coffeen Park Trailhead, the Edelman Trail winds its way through a remarkable Wyoming valley. Following, and occasionally crossing small streams and rivers, this trail offers simply remarkable tranquility and solitude. Towering peaks and jagged cliffs provide the backdrop for a section of this hike. Near the end, you walk through a celestially beautiful valley before climbing some 200ft to Emerald Lake. The route is trafficked primarily by backpackers en route to Golden, Emerald, or Shell Lake. The trail may disappear or become difficult to follow periodically due to snow cover and/or low maintenance. A topographic map and foundational trail-finding skills are more than enough for a safe trek. Often, particularly towards the end, the trail is unmistakable. Due to the relative remoteness of the Bighorns and the desire to retain natural scenery, bridges are few and far in between. Trail 025 (Edelman Tr.) crosses Edelman Creek shortly after branching off of Trail 038 (Solitude Tr). The creek requires some care to cross though an individual crossing, but isn't particularly hazardous. There are more occasional small stream crossings throughout the remainder of the hike. The last creek crossing is aided by a bridge, which is peculiar insofar as it appears to be the least demanding crossing. There are many raw campsites near Emerald Lake. Water sources are, obviously, abundant. A mountain to the South, titled "Spear" by USGS Topo, provides an appealing, easy ascent for a layover day. Thunderstorms are common at this location. The fly fishing at this location is unparalleled even by Mead Lake. Emerald Lake is in a group of lakes collectively called "Lakes of the Rough." Any of these lakes should provide ample fishing on a halfway decent day. The trail shown for this route is an out-and-back originating/culminating at Coffeen Park Trailhead. However, the Edelman Trail continues past Emerald Lake down to Upper Medicine Lodge Lake (ends at Paint Rock Lake Trailhead). Either route offers remarkable scenery. One can camp at any of Golden Lakes, Emerald Lake, Shell Lakes, etc. Bring bear spray.