THING TO DO

Roller Coaster Ski Trail

Several skiers skiing out of view along one of the rolling sections of the forested Roller Coaster Trail.
The Roller Coaster Trail is a more difficult trail with steep ups and downs that meanders through forested rolling hills in the Canyon Campground area.

NPS / Diane Renkin

The Roller Coaster Ski Trail is a more difficult 1.8 mile (2.9 km) roundtrip forested trail taking skiers on a rolling course with several steep drop-offs. From the Canyon Visitor Education Center, go east along the North Rim Drive for 100 yards (91 m). Turn left 90-degrees and continue up a service road for approximately 0.3 miles (0.5 km). Ski down a short, moderate slope into a meadow and veer right, off the service road and up into the pine forest. From here the trail is well-defined through the trees with a series of moderate to steep ups and downs. The trail merges with the Canyon Rim Trail. At the junction you can turn right to return to the Canyon Visitor Education Center, or left to continue along the Canyon Rim Trail. The Roller Coaster is fast and fun.

Notes: CAUTION: some parts of the trail have steep drop-offs and can be hazardous when icy.

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

Skiers make their way down the trail on the rolling hills of the forested Roller Coaster Ski Trail.

Canyon Skiing & Snowshoeing

Discover the skiing and snowshoeing opportunities around the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.

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Two backcountry skiers look onward with mountain views in the background.

Skiing & Snowshoeing

Make tracks in a winter wonderland.

Details
The duration will vary depending on fitness level, snow conditions, and length of time spent at Cascade Lake.
No fees are required, however, one-way or round-trip skier shuttles may be offered to specific trails in the park for a fee.
From the Canyon Visitor Education Center, go east along the North Rim Drive for 100 yards (91 m). Turn left 90-degrees and continue up a service road for approximately 0.3 miles (0.5 km). Ski down a short, moderate slope into a meadow and veer right, off the service road and up into the pine forest.
Skier shuttle reservations may be required to access this trail. Reservations and information are available at park hotels and at: 307-344-7311, Toll-free: 866-439-7375, TDD: 304-344-5395.
Accessibility Information

This skier-tracked trail starts off on a service road for the first 200 yards, following a wide path after that, eventually narrowing as it approaches a lodgepole pine forest. The trail then winds through the forest eventually coming to a narrow bridge crossing. Total elevation gain/loss is 150 feet. Service dogs allowed with backcountry access permit.

Last updated: February 1, 2018