Rescue Creek Trail

NPS / Jacob W. Frank

Trail Alert! The bridge across the Gardner River was washed out in the 2022 flood event and fording is unsafe. The trail is only accessible from the trailhead near Blacktail Pond.

Climb gradually through aspens and meadows, then descend through forests to sagebrush flats.

Safety notes: Return by the same route (another 8 miles).

Trailheads: 7 miles (11.3 km) east of Mammoth on the Grand Loop Road.

Details

Duration

4-6 Hours

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.

Activity

Hiking

Moderately strenuous

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Mammoth Hot Springs

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.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Any Time

Accessibility Information

Rescue Creek Trail is not accessible to persons using mobility devices, due to topography.

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