Glen Creek Trailhead (1K3)

NPS / Jacob W. Frank

Quick Facts

Location:

Mammoth Hot Springs Area

Amenities

3 listed

Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto, Trailhead

This trailhead is located south of Mammoth Hot Springs, just slightly north of the Bunsen Peak Trailhead. From this trailhead, you can access the following trails:

• Fawn Pass Trail
• Howard Eaton Trail: Mammoth Hot Springs to Glen Creek Trailhead
• Sepulcher Mountain Trail
• Sportsman Lake Trail

The parking lot for this trailhead is currently under construction. Parking may be available across the Grand Loop Road at the Bunsen Peak Trailhead parking lot. Use caution crossing the road.

Fawn Pass Trail

A strenuous, 19.7-mile (31.7-km) one-way trail crossing from the east side to the northwest side of the Gallatin Range in the park. The trail climbs 2,030 feet (618 m) over the pass through forest and meadows. 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.

Howard Eaton Trail: Mammoth Hot Springs to Glen Creek Trailhead

An easy 3.8-mile (6.1-km) one-way trail that starts south of the Hoodoos and heads north toward Mammoth Hot Springs. The trail loses about 1,000-feet (304 m) elevation on the hike from the Glen Creek Trailhead to Mammoth Hot Springs. CAUTION: Grizzly bears frequent this area.

Sepulcher Mountain Trail

A strenuous 11.2-mile (18-km) there-and-back trail that climbs 3,400 feet (1,000 m) through forest and meadows to the 9,652-foot (2,942-m) summit. Optionally, from the summit the trail continues north and east, descending across another 4.2 miles (6.7 km) to Mammoth Hot Springs near Liberty Cap. You may spot mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and moose along this trail. CAUTION: Grizzly bears frequent this area. Requires a good map for navigation.

Sportsman Lake Trail

A strenous one-way 24-mile (38.5-km) hike that crosses the Gallatin Range through the northwestern corner of the park to join Specimen Creek Trail for 2.1 miles (3 km) and ends at Highway 191. Be alert and you may spot elk, bighorn sheep, and grizzlies as the trail climbs over a pass and through forest and meadows. 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. Hike in parties of four or more.

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.