Trail of the Shadows

The Trail of the Shadows is a short and sweet hike near Longmire that offers a chance to learn about the history of the town while enjoying nature. This hike begins from the ranger station, where you’ll cross the road and pick up the trail on the other side. Keep left at the fork and begin hiking through the trees.

A sign marks the site of an old hotel, which was part of a resort established in 1890 by James Longmire. Continue on to Soda Springs. These springs were, like others in the area, previously thought to have healing powers and were developed as part of the resort. These days, they’ve been allowed to return to a more normal state. You’ll soon pass another spring called “Iron Mike.”

To the left past the springs, watch for a viewpoint of a marsh. An interpretive sign details the process by which the visible travertine mounds are formed. From this point, you’ll soon reach the junction with Rampart Ridge Trail. Take the trail to the right and circumnavigate the marsh, reaching Longmire again in 0.2mi.