THING TO DO

Pelican Creek Nature Trail

A creek flows through a wetland into a large lake with mountains in the distance.

This short but diverse trail travels through the forest to the lakeshore before looping back to the trailhead. It is a scenic introduction to a variety of Yellowstone’s habitats and is a good place for birding.

Safety notes: Always be aware of your surroundings and look for signs of grizzly bears.

Trailheads: West end of Pelican Creek Bridge, 1 mile (1.6 km) east of Fishing Bridge Visitor Center.

Details
This is a 0.6-mile (1-kilometer) loop trail that begins and ends at the same trailhead.
Easy hike
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
This trail is located in the central part of the park, with the trailhead just east of the Fishing Bridge developed area.
A creek meanders into Yellowstone Lake with mountains in the distance.
Pelican Creek flows into the northern side of Yellowstone Lake

NPS/Diane Renkin

Hikers standing on the rocky top of Avalanche Peak with Yellowstone Lake in the background.

Yellowstone Day Hikes

Lace up your boots and explore some of the over 1,000 miles of trails in Yellowstone National Park.

Hikers rest and look out at Yellowstone Lake from atop a mountaintop.

Lake Area Day Hikes

Explore trails that traverse a variety of Yellowstone ecosystems and provide stunning views of Yellowstone Lake.

Tags: yellowstone national park pelican creek pelican creek nature trail fishing bridge trail day hike easy hike less than an hour hiking

Last updated: June 29, 2018