Bighorn Pass - Indian Creek Trailhead (1K5)

NPS / Jacob W. Frank

Quick Facts

Location:

Mammoth Hot Springs Area

Amenities

4 listed

Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Picnic Table, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Trailhead

This trailhead is located at the small picnic area/winter warming hut just after the turn-off from the Grand Loop Road. This trailhead provides access to these trails:

• Bighorn Pass Trail
• Bighorn Loop Ski Trail
• Indian Creek Loop Ski Trail
• Sheepeater Ski Trail

Parking is available near the vault toilets. Winter access is available via a snowcoach ride from the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel.

Bighorn Pass Trail

A strenuous 19.4-mile (31.2 km) one-way trail with lot of open meadows and good opportunities to see wildlife. The trail crosses the Gallatin Range and ends at Highway 191 on the west side of the park. The trail goes through a bear management area and no off-trail travel is allowed from May 1 through November 10. CAUTION: Grizzly bears frequent this area.

Bighorn Loop Ski Trail

This is a 5.5 mile (8.85 km), easy to more difficult trail taking skiers on a loop through rolling terrain with outstanding winter landscape views. Begin at the Indian Creek Warming Hut and follow the Indian Creek Loop for the first mile. Continue west, making a loop through rolling terrain with outstanding views of the Gallatin Mountains, Gardners Hole, and the surrounding country. After completing the loop, return to the Indian Creek Warming Hut by the same route. There is also a cut-off which heads west from the Indian Creek Warming Hut and the Indian Creek Ski Loop 0.12 miles (0.2 km).

Indian Creek Loop Ski Trail

The Indian Creek Loop Ski Trail is a skier-tracked, easy, 2.2 mile (3.5 km) ski trail suitable for any ability level. Begin at the Indian Creek Warming Hut and follow the campground road north, then west through the campground along Indian Creek. About 0.5 miles (0.8 km) west of the campground, the trail turns left (south) through gently rolling, timbered terrain, past the cutoff and on toward Obsidian Creek where it follows an old wagon road north back to the hut. This trail is mostly very gentle. It offers glimpses of the Gallatin Range to the west and travels through the forest.

Sheepeater Ski Trail

The Sheepeater Ski Trail is a skier-tracked, easy, one-way 5 mile (8 km) trail that provides scenic views of Swan Lake Flats. Begin at the Indian Creek Warming Hut, ski along the road 0.5 miles (0.8 km) north to Sheepeater Cliffs picnic area. The trail skirts the east side of Swan Lake Flats through interspersed forest and meadow with views of the Gallatin Range and the Gardner River Canyon. The trial connects with the Bunsen Peak Trail and continues approximately 1.6 miles (2.5 km) west to the Mammoth-Norris road.

Backcountry Regulations

Permit required for fishing, boating, riding, and overnight camping. More information at the Center Backcountry Office: [phone].

Hiking

Hike in groups of 3 or more; keep your group together. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Know your route, carry a map, and be able to navigate. Do not hike after dark. Stay on established trails; off-trail travel prohibited in thermal areas.

Fishing and Boating

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) inspection required for all watercraft including boats, float tubes, and stand up paddle boards. Felt soles prohibited.

Riding and Packing

Proof of negative Coggins test within last 12 months required.

Food Storage and Camping

These regulations apply to ALL backcountry users. Sleep 100 yards (91 m) from your food storage and cooking areas. Do not leave food, trash, toiletries, backpacks, coolers, water bottles, or any potential attractant unattended. Store food in an approved bear resistant container or hang on a food pole 10 feet (3 m) above the ground and 4 feet (1 m) from sides. Carry a minimum of 35 feet (11 m) of rope. Campfires allowed only in designated campsites within established fire rings. Extinguish campfires completely before leaving site.

Follow LEAVE NO TRACE travel and camping techniques. Enjoy the backcountry and help keep it clean for others to enjoy. Bury human waste and toilet tissue in a 6–8 inch (15–18 cm) deep “cat hole” at least 100 feet (30 m) from water and trails.

River Crossings

Park waters are swift and cold. Swimming in park rivers is not recommended. River crossings are hazardous.

Lightning Safety

During thunderstorms, descend to lower elevation, avoid open areas and isolated tall trees. Assume lightning position: feet together, crouch on foam pad or sit on pack, hands over ears.

Regulations

• Leave What You Find: Do not collect anything from the park.
• No Pets: No pets on trail. Obtain service animal regulations at backcountry offices.
• No Hunting: No hunting or discharge of firearms.
• No Motorized Vehicles: No motorized vehicles on trails.
• Wheeled Vehicles Restricted: No bicycles, strollers, or wheeled vehicles (except wheelchairs), except where specified.

In an emergency, dial 9-1-1 or contact the nearest ranger station.

Animals are Dangerous

• Do not approach or feed any animal.
• Bison and elk have injured people.
• Stay 100 yards (91 m) from bears and wolves.
• Stay 25 yards (23 m) from all other animals.

Be Prepared for a Bear Encounter

Grizzly and black bears inhabit all of Yellowstone National Park.

Be Alert: Watch for signs of bear activity: scratches in trees, tracks, scat, or dig sites. Avoid dead animals.

Make Noise: Avoid surprising a bear by calling out and clapping your hands at regular intervals to make your presence known.

Carry Bear Spray: Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Keep it immediately available, not inside your pack.

Hike in Groups: Travel in groups of 3 or more is recommended. Stay with your group at all times.

What to do...

If You Encounter a Bear: Stay calm, do not run. Quietly detour or back away; stop if this seems to agitate the bear. Stay at least 100 yards (91 m) from bears. Do NOT feed bears or other animals.

If a Bear Charges You: Stand still, do not run. Stand your ground and use your bear spray. Spray when the bear is 60 feet (18 m) away or closer. If a bear charges, it may be a bluff charge.

If a Bear Makes Contact: Drop to the ground; play dead. Lie face down and clasp your hands over the back of your neck; stay still and silent. Wait several minutes after the bear leaves before getting up and leaving the area.