Rescue Creek Trail (U.S. National Park Service)

Pine needles in the foreground, with the yellowish valley of the Yellowstone River in the background. — Enjoy scenic views of the Yellowstone River along this trail.
NPS/Diane Renkin

Climb gradually through aspens and meadows, then descend through forests to sagebrush flats that lead to a footbridge across the Gardner River.

Safety notes: Return by the same route (another 8 miles), or have a vehicle shuttle arranged.

Trailheads: 7 miles (11.3 km) east of Mammoth on the Grand Loop Road or 1 mile (1.6 km) south of the North Entrance Station.

This is an 8-mile (12.8-kilometer) through-hike trail that begins and ends at different trailheads. Either plan on leaving a vehicle at one end, arrange for being shuttled back to the start, or plan on the hike being twice as far if doing it as a there-and-back hike.

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

This trail is located in the northern part of the park, with two trailhead options: the first trailhead is located about a 1/2-mile south of the North Entrance Station, while the other trailhead is located at the Blacktail Creek Trailhead parking lot 7 miles east of Mammoth Hot Springs.