Thing to Do

Bannock Ski Trail

Yellowstone National Park

Ski tracks travel through a forest.

The Bannock Ski Trail is a 2 mile (3.2 km) easy ski that follows the old road bed that once used to supply the mining town of Cooke City, Montana. Begin at Warm Creek picnic area, one mile west of the Northeast Entrance. This trail takes its name from the Bannock band of the Shoshone, who used this route to reach the buffalo grounds of the Great Plains. After crossing Soda Butte Creek, the terrain is mostly flat and the trail traverses open meadows and mixed conifer forests. You will reach the North Absaroka Wilderness approximately one mile (1.6 km) from the trailhead. At two miles (3.2 km) you come to Silver Gate, Montana. From here the road bed is used as a snowmobile route and is good skiing to Cooke City, 3 miles (4.8 km) to the east.

Notes: Bison and elk frequent this trail. Federal regulations require you to stay at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves, and at least 25 yards (23 m) away from bison and all other wild animals.

Check out the ski trail details and accessibility information at the bottom of this page.

Details
The duration will vary depending on fitness level, snow conditions, and length of time spent along the trail.
Easiest
Qualified service animals are welcome throughout the park and in all park facilities. However, they must be leashed and under your control at all times. This trail requires a backcountry access pass for service animals.


 
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
The trail begins at Warm Creek picnic area and ends in Silver Gate, Montana.
Reservations
No
Season
Winter
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility Information

This skier-tracked easy trail follows a fairly flat old road after crossing a narrow bridge over Soda Butte Creek at the trailhead. The trail elevation gain/loss is 132 feet. Service dogs allowed with backcountry access permit.

Yellowstone National Park

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Pillows of snow top rocks and trees along Soda Butte Creek as seen from the Bannock ski trail.
Northeast Skiing & Snowshoeing

Discover skiing and snowshoeing opportunities in the northeast part of Yellowstone National Park.

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Two backcountry skiers look onward with mountain views in the background.
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Last updated: April 21, 2025