The trail is very clear and leads to a moderate eight mile hike to Heart Lake. This hike has many possibilities. Day hikers need to push their time to make sure they are on the trail early to allow enough time to enjoy the lake, and then get back on the trail before dark. Backpackers can hike into a campsite near the lake and/or you can hike to and around the lake and camp out for a couple of days. Many hikers have said that if you plan to spend more than a couple of days that hiking to the summit of Mount Sheridan is a must, which may add an extra day to your trip. 

The trail leads you to great thermal features and is very scenic. You will see deep blue pools, fumaroles, steam vents and Rustic Geyser. Remember to use caution and respect when around these fragile features, especially since the ground can be very unstable.  

The fishing from the drainage of Heart Lake is remarkable. This is one of the reasons why this location is popular. If you catch a native fish to the park, you can catch and release it. If it is nonnative, there is no limit to how many fish you can catch. Native fish include the cutthroat trout, mountain whitefish and Arctic grayling. Nonnative fish include: brown trout, brook trout, rainbow and lake trout. Fisherman are asked to only fish with single, pointed, barbless hook and lead-free artificial lures. All watercraft needs to have a permit purchased from the park service. 

Due to bear activity, the trail is closed from April 1 to June 30 each year. You should carry bear spray and make noise as you hike to keep wildlife away.