Distance:
Fern TR to Yost Lake: 4.8 miles round trip
Fire Station TR to Yost Lake: 9.2 miles round trip
Fire Station to Fern Lake TR:  7 miles one-way

Time Needed:
Fern TR to Yost Lake: 2.5/3.5 miles
Fire Station to Yost: 4.5 hours-5.5 hours
Fire Station to Fern Lake TR:  4-5 hours

Fern Lake Trial head to Yost Lake
Yost Lake sits at 8,960 and is a small lake glacier formed lake that sits at the bottom of an impressive slide. The shortest way, but with more elevation change, is from the Fern Lake Trailhead, down canyon off of Highway 158. The trail from that direction climbs steadily for about 2 miles, passing the cut-off to Fern Lake at about 1.4 miles. Shortly after that cut-off the trail crosses the creek coming out of Fern Lake, by way of a log bridge. The last half-mile of the hike is more level, with a cut-off to Yost Meadow just before reaching the lake. There is water for dogs along the way, both from Fern and Yost Lake outflows. Fern Trailhead to Yost Lake is 1720′ of elevation gain. This is best hiked in the morning or late afternoon in the summer months.

Fire Station to Yost Lake
The trailhead is located across from the Fire Station/ Balancing Rock in the Village. From the trailhead hike past the last set of houses; please respect the residence privacy and remain on the trail.   The trail steadily climbs up the ridge, eventually crossing the June Mountain ski area, after which it levels off to some degree. Taking the trail from this direction you reach Yost Meadow before reaching the lake. There is a cut-off to the lake from the trail just after you cross the outflow from the Yost Lake. There is no water for dogs until you pass June Mountain ski area, where a creek runs down from June Mountain, and again at Yost Meadow.