Fall Backcountry Situation Report

 

Last Updated: October 31, 2022

NOTICE

• The West, South and East entrances and nearly all roads in Yellowstone National Park will be closed to regular vehicle traffic Nov. 1. Access to the backcountry will be limited to trailheads that are accessible from open road segments (along the Mammoth to Cooke City Road, Off of Highway 191, in the Bechler area, and starting at the South Entrance).

• A handful of trails/sections of trails and campsites along the northern range of the park will remain closed due to the flooding event that caused extensive damage to some trails and roads. See Overview Map of Flood Closures. Damage assessments and repairs are continuing. Please check the status and conditions for specific trails in the sections below.

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This Backcountry Situation report provides the most up-to-date conditions for Yellowstone’s Backcountry. Conditions are listed by area, then trail.To avoid frustration, even if you are experienced with Yellowstone’s backcountry, please review Camp in the backcountry as the standard process has changed. Before heading out on the trail, make sure to review information about traveling safely in bear country, and familiarize yourself with our bear management areas. Depending on other activities you intend to pursue in the backcountry please reference our fishing, boating, and horse use regulations.

Backcountry Permits:

Backcountry Permits are required for all overnight stays in the Backcountry. Please visit Camp in the backcountry for information on how to obtain a backcountry permit.

Backcountry Office Hours:

Backcountry offices have closed for the season. In order to get your backcountry permit issued contact the Central Backcountry Office at 307-344-2160 no more than 48 hours prior to your travel dates. The Central Backcountry Office is open 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. If 48 hours prior to your date falls within a weekend, please make arrangements to call prior to the 48 hour timeframe.

General Conditions:

Snow Levels:

Some higher elevation passes and trails are beginning to accumulate snow. Please make sure to check out current snow and river conditions before heading into the backcountry.

Water Caution:

River Conditions Post Flooding Event:

Due to the flooding event that occurred on June 13th, many of the river channels within the park have changed course, have new silt deposits and undercut banks. The new silt is like quicksand. Hikers and particularly stock users should scout river crossings for the best possible route and use extra caution.

River Levels:
Yellowstone's backcountry has few bridges - scout out the safest location to cross, the best crossing may not be in the exact location where the trail meets the stream. Above all use caution and be safe around all streams. Yellowstone's backcountry does not have many bridges, please evaluate planned travel routes for any potentially hazardous stream crossings. View river levels of the surrounding rivers.

Fires:

Before deciding to have a campfire, check that your campsite allows for fires, and consider the current weather conditions. Campfires are only allowed in the designated fire ring if it free of snow and can be located. Fire Danger is currently: Moderate (10/24/22)

Fishing Season:

The fishing season closes November 1. Please visit the Catch a fish page for further information.

Boating Season:

Boating Season ends November 1.

Boat permits and inspections for aquatic invasive species are required before launching any watercraft in park waters. Prepare for your boating trip by Cleaning, Draining, and Drying your boats now. Docks have been removed from Eagle Bay, Wolf Bay, Plover Point,and Frank Island. Make sure to view the boating page for information for late season information as to where to get boat permits and Aquatic Invasive Species Inspections (10/13)

Horse Use:

Trails are open to horse use. A free day ride permit is required for all day rides. Overnight backountry permits are required for overnight stock use. Check individual trails in the sections below to view their status. Make sure to review our Ride a Horse page for further information regarding horse riding permit requirements and information.

Pets:

Other than qualified service animals, pets are not allowed in the backcountry.

Bear Management Areas:

In order to reduce human related impacts on bears in high density grizzly bear habitat the park has established several bear management areas. Listed below are the current Bear Management Areas (BMAs) in effect. Some Bear Management Areas are full closures, others are no off trail travel restrictions. Please reference the Bear Management page for further details and locations of closure area.

Richards Pond (BMA B) Several restrictions in place. See Bear Management Area pages.

Gallatin (BMA D) No off-trail travel through November 10.

Washburn (BMA F) Closed through November 10.

Antelope (BMA G) Closed through November 10.

Mirror Plateau (BMA H) Open to day use only through November 12.

Two Ocean (BMA L) No-off trail travel through November 15.

Backcountry Access

Review the park roads page, to see which of the park's roads are open.

Backcountry Map

Click on a region of the map for current backcountry conditions in that area.

 

Yellowstone Backcountry Map: click a region to jump to conditions for that area.

 

Northwest Region

• Off-trail travel prohibited within the Gallatin Bear Management Area through November 10.
• A minimum group size of four people is recommended for hiking and camping within the Gallatin Bear Management Area. BE BEAR AWARE!

Old Yellowstone Railroad Bed (Gardiner)

• Trail open. Use caution as trail may be undercut in spots by recent flooding. (7/1/22)

Beaver Ponds/Sepulcher/Snow Pass area

• Sepulcher and Snow Pass trails are open.
• The Beaver Ponds trail is open. (7/30/22)
• Stock Use: Beaver ponds trail is not suitable for stock (year round)

Glen Creek Trailhead – Fawn Pass & Electric Pass

• The Sportsman Lake trail is open. (8/9/22)
• Fawn Pass trail, Sportsman's Lake trail, and Cache Lake have been cleared of downfall. (6/29/22)
• Stock Use: Open to stock.

Bunsen Peak/Osprey Falls

• Bunsen Peak trail is open.
• Osprey Falls trail is not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)
• Stock Use: Open to stock, except Osprey Falls trail which is closed.

Bighorn trail (Indian Creek)

• Bighorn trailhead is not accessible due to seasonal road closures.The Bighorn Pass trailhead off of highway 191 is accessible as an in and out trail. (10/31/22)
• If you have a backcountry permit for campsite 1B1, please note the trail skirts the South side of the campground and is .3 miles further to the west. No camping is allowed in the Indian Creek Campground which is currently closed. See Map.
• East side of Bighorn Pass trail not recommended for stock due to a boggy section of trail before the trail starts to climb toward the pass. (7/13/22)
• Stock Use: Not accessible due to seasonal road closures(10/31/22)

Mount Holmes / Grizzly Lake area

• Trails from Mount Holmes and Grizzly Lake trailheads are not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)
• Stock Use: is not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)

Norris Geyser Basin Area

• Not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)

Purple Mountain

• Not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)
• Stock Use:Not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)

Monument Trail

• Monument Trail: Not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)
• Stock Use: Not suitable for stock. (year round).

Trailheads along Hwy 191 (from north to south)

Daly Creek/Black Butte/Sky Rim Trail/Shelf Lake

• Lower Black Butte, Daly Creek, and cutoff trail are open. (7/12/22)
• Black Butte Trail has been cleared of downed trees.(8/31/22)
• Daly Creek Trail to Black Butte trail is cleared of downed trees (6/24/22)
• Sky Rim trail and Shelf Lake area open. (7/13/22)
• Stock Use: Open to stock. On the Daly Creek Side(West Side) of the Sky Rim Trail there has been erosion due to heavy rain that is undercutting the trail/ ridge and making it dangerous for stock travel. Not recommended for stock.(6/29/22)

Specimen Creek/High Lake/Crescent Lake/Sportsman Lake

• Specimen Creek Trail and Crescent Lake/High Lake Trail have been cleared of downed trees. Footbridge has been put back in place. (8/21/22)
• Sportsman Lake Trail has been cleared of downed trees (8/21/22).
• Stock Use: Open to stock.

Bacon Rind

• Bacon Rind trail cleared of trees. (6/19/22)
• Stock Use: Open to stock.

Fawn Pass/Fan Creek

• Fawn pass trail is open.
• Fan Creek is crossable on foot. (7/5/22)
• Fan Creek trail has been cleared of downfall(7/12/22)
• Visitors should familiarize themselves with the no off trail travel restrictions of the Gallatin Bear Management Area
• Stock Use: Open to stock.

Bighorn Pass (Hwy 191)

• The road on the east side of the Bighorn Pass Trail is closed to seasonal road closures. Trips must start and end at the Bighorn Pass Trailhead.(10/31/22)
• Fawn Pass to Bighorn Loop cleared of downed trees.(6/15/22)
• Gallatin River is crossable. (7/13/22)
• Visitors should familiarize themselves with the no off trail travel restrictions of the Gallatin Bear Management Area.
• Stock Use: Open.The road on the east side of the Bighorn Pass Trail is closed to seasonal road closures. Trips must start and end at the Bighorn Pass Trailhead. East side of Bighorn Pass trail not recommended for stock due to a boggy section of trail before the trail starts to climb toward the pass.(10/31/22)

Gneiss Creek/Cougar Creek

• Gneiss creek trail is open for in and out trips. The Seven Mile Bridge Trailhead is inaccessible due to seasonal road closures (10/31/22)
• Gneiss creek trail is "primitive" in nature and contains areas where there is no trail tread and limited trail markers.
• Stock Use: Gneiss creek trail is open for in and out trips. The Seven Mile Bridge Trailhead is inaccessible due to seasonal road closures (10/31/22)

Harlequin Lake Trail

• Harlequin Lake trail is inaccessible due to seasonal road closures (10/31/22).
• Stock use: Not suitable for stock (year round)

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Northeast Region

Blacktail Deer Creek Trail/Yellowstone River Trail/Black Canyon

• Due to the flooding damage in the area there are several trails that have partial openings in the area. See Mammoth Area Flood Closure Map and Hellroaring Area Flood Closure Map.
• Yellowstone River Trail: Blacktail Deer Creek Trail and portions of the Yellowstone River trail have reopened.
• The Yellowstone River trail is closed west of campsite 1Y1. There is no access to the Yellowstone River Trailhead at the Eagle Creek Campground.
• Stock Use: The Blacktail Deer Creek trail and portions of the Yellowstone River trail are open to stock. See above for description of trail closures.

Wraith Falls

• Open. There is some flood damage to the bridge, hikers use caution.(6/29/22)
• Stock Use: Closed, Not suitable for stock.

Lava Creek Trail/Rescue Creek Trail

• Rescue Creek Trail is accessible via Blacktail Trailhead to campsite 1A2. The Rescue Creek Trail is closed north of campsite 1A2. The Rescue Creek trailhead along the North Entrance Road near Gardiner is closed until a safe crossing can be identified. See Mammoth Area Flood Closure Map. (7/15/22)
• Lava Creek Trail is closed northwest of campsite 1A3. Campsite 1A3 is accessible from the trailhead at the Lava Creek Picnic Area east of Mammoth. See Mammoth Area Flood Closure Map. (7/19/22)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock.

Lost Lake Loop

• Lost Lake can be accessed from the Petrified Tree Trailhead. The section of trail from Lost Lake to Roosevelt Lodge has bridge damage.Users wanting to access Roosevelt Lodge will need to ford the river on foot. See Tower Area Flood Closure Map. (7/4/22)
• Stock Use: Open to Stock.

Hellroaring Creek/Coyote Creek/Buffalo Plateau

• The Hellroaring Creek Trail is open to hikers. The Hellroaring Creek Trail south of the stock bridge is open to stock.The Hellroaring Creek Stock Bridge is open to hikers and llamas, but closed to horses/mules until a final inspection can be completed. (8/3/22)
• Food poles at campsite 2H5 is down and unavailable. Certified bear resistant containers are required. (8/11/22)
• The Buffalo Plateau Trail is difficult to follow in certain spots along the way to the park boundary. Map and/or GPS recommended. (9/1/22)
• Bull Mountain Loop: Due to the flooding event earlier this spring, two of the Forest Service bridges north of the park that cross Horse Creek and Specimen creek are out. The rivers are crossable on foot, however due to logjams and caved in banks, the creeks are not crossable on stock.(8/8/22)
• Hellroaring Creek is crossable on foot. (7/15/22)
• Stock Use: Open, but see notes above regarding stock closures for Hellroaring Stock Bridge and the Bull Mountain Loop.(8/8/22)

Buffalo Fork

• Buffalo Fork trail is open. (8/14/22)
• Stock Use: Open to stock.

Garnet Hill

• There is a flood damage closure in effect on part of the Garnet Hill trail. See Tower Area Flood Closure Map. (9/3/22)
• Stock Use: Currently closed to stock. (8/14/22)

Tower Fall Trail

• Trail is open. (9/8/22)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock.

Slough Creek

• Open.(10/13/22)
• Due to changing river channels, newly deposited silt, and undercut banks users should use caution around the creek bed. The silt is behaving like quicksand. (7/13/22)
• Stock Use: Open to stock. Due to changes in the river bed and newly deposited silt, the access to campsites 2S7 and 2S8 (crossing near Elk Tongue Cabin) has been rerouted. Riders should look for a flagged route south of the tree line near campsite 2S4. A sign noting the detour is on the left side of the trail, heading up Slough Creek, with an arrow pointing towards the creek. The sign leads you to several blazes and flags on posts which lead to the ford. Follow the flagging, crossing upstream on a diagonal, where you will reach a gravel bar and then cross over from there. There are blazes and flags in the water as well as on both sides of the creek. Once out of the creek head to the foothills / sage and out of the field which is wet and boggy. The reroute is blazed and flagged to the point where you reach to the trail junction to access the campsites. (7/13/22)

Pebble Creek

• The Pebble Creek trailhead and trail is open to foot traffic. The trail between Pebble Creek Campground/Trailhead and campsite 3P2 is closed to stock travel until additional repairs are completed.See map (10/15/22)
• Stock Use: Partially open to stock: Stock can enter in from the Warm Creek trailhead or up and over Bliss Pass.No stock travel south of campsite 3P2. See map (10/13/22)

Bliss Pass (between Slough Creek and Pebble Creek)

• Bliss Pass is open, likely snowy. (10/31/22)
• Stock Use: Open to stock. (10/13/22)

Trout Lake

• The Trout lake trail has reopened. (10/15/22)
• Stock Use: Closed, Not suitable for stock (year round)

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Central Region

Specimen Ridge/Agate Creek/Yellowstone Picnic Area trailhead

• The Specimen Ridge Trailhead and Yellowstone Picnic Area Trail have reopened. (10/12/22)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock.

Lamar River Trail - Soda Butte to Mist Creek Pass

• The Lamar River trail has reopened to travel. There are some closures to stock along Miller Creek Trail.Due to seasonal road closures there is no through travel into Pelican Valley, out and back through Lamar River Trailhead only. See Miller Creek Section below. See Pelican Valley Map and Overview map (10/15/22)
• Stock Use: The Lamar River trail has reopened to stock. Limits on travel in the Miller creek area.See map. (10/15/22)

Cache Creek/Thunderer

• Cache Creek Trail has reopened.(10/15/21)
• Stock Use: Open to stock.

Miller Creek

• Miller Creek, Canoe Lake, Bootjack Gap, and Hoodoo Basin have reopened to foot traffic.See map (10/13/22)
• Stock Use: Partially open to stock. The section of trail between campsite 3M3 anto 3M5 is closed to stock travel due to unsafe conditions. See map. (10/13/21)

Frost Lake

• The Frost Lake Trail has reopened to travel (10/15/22)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock.

Avalanche Peak

• Avalanche Peak not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)
• Stock Use: Not suitable for stock (year round)

Wapiti Lake trail/ Wrangler Lake/ Broad Creek/ Howard Eaton trail

• Trails not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)
• Howard Eaton Trail from Canyon to Fishing Bridge not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)
• Stock Use: not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)

Pelican Valley/Turbid Lake

• Pelican Valley Trailhead is not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)
• Follow Pelican Valley Bear Management Area restrictions.
• Stock Use: Open to stock.

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Canyon Region

South Rim and North Rim

• Trails not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)
• Stock Use: Not suitable for stock (year round)

Mount Washburn

• Not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)
• Stock Use: Not suitable for stock (year round)

Wrangler Lake/ Ribbon Lake

• Not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)
• Stock Use: Not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)

7-Mile Hole

• Not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)

• Stock Use: Not suitable for stock (year round)

Cascade, Grebe, Wolf & Ice Lake

• Not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)
• Stock Use: Not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)

Mary Mountain/Hayden Valley & Cygnet Lakes

• Not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)
• Stock Use: Open to stock.

Solfatara

• Not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)
• Stock Use: Not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)

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Old Faithful Region

Fairy Falls/Mystic Falls/Fountain Flats

• Not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)
• Stock Use: Not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)

Mallard Lake

• Not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)
• Stock Use:Not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)

Mary Mountain

• Not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)
• Stock Use: Not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)

Summit Lake

• Not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)
• Stock Use: Not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)

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Southeastern Region

Elephant Back, Natural Bridge, Storm Point, Pelican Creek Natural Trail

• Not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)
• Stock Use: Not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)

Nine Mile Trailhead: Thorofare Trail / Mountain Creek

• Not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)
• Stock Use: Not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)

Heart Lake

• Not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)
• Stock Use: Not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)

South Boundary Area/Snake River/Two Ocean Plateau

• All Snake River fords are crossable by foot and stock (7/18/22)
• South Boundary Trail , Snake River Trail, and Two Ocean Plateau trail are cleared of downed trees. (7/18/22)
• Only one food pole at campsite 8C7. Large parties with a lot of food not recommended. (8/27/22)
• Campsite 8C6 reminder: The campsite was relocated earlier this season from the north side of the Snake River to the south side. The new site is marked with signs and sits on the east side of the trail about 250 feet south of the ford of the Snake River. Lat/long is 44.17295 x -110.57111 (WGS84). See 8C6 Campsite Relocation Map. (7/4/22)
• Stock Use: Open to stock.The section of the Heart Lake Trail between 8C6 and 8B2 has re-opened to stock. (7/26/22)

Riddle Lake

• Not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)
• Stock Use: Not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)

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Southwest

Shoshone Lake/Lewis Lake

• Not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)
• Stock Use: Not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)

Lone Star Trail & Howard Eaton Trail

• Lone Star Trail and campsites are open. Lone Star and Howard Eaton Trailhead are not accessible due to seasonal road closures. Travel is only in and out through Bechler. (10/31/22)
• Stock Use: Trail is open to stock.Lone Star and Howard Eaton Trailhead are not accessible due to seasonal road closures. (10/31/22)(7/1/22)

Bechler Area

• Cave Falls and Grassy Lake roads are not plowed.
• Travel is only in and out through Bechler. Lone Star, Howard Eaton, DeLacy Creek, and Lewis Channel& Dogshead Trailhead are not accessible due to seasonal road closures. (10/31/22)
• All fords are crossable. (10/31/22)
• Stock Use: Open to stock, with above mentioned considerations. (10/31/22)

Robinson Creek

• Food pole at campsite 9A6 is down and not available. Certified bear resistant container required. (9/19/22)

Union Falls/Mountain Ash Creek

• Grassy Lake Road from Ashton, ID to Grassy Lake is not plowed. Conditions unknown.(10/31/22)
• Stock Use: Partially open to stock. Trail from Bechler Ranger station to Union Falls via the Mountain Ash Creek trail is closed to stock due to impassable and dangerous beaver dam. Visitors can get from Bechler Ranger Station to Union falls using the South Boundary trail at Cave Falls.

Pitchstone Plateau

• Pitchstone Plateau trail is accessible in and out from Grassy Lake Trailhead. The Pitchstone Plateau Trailhead is not accessible due to seasonal road closures.(10/31/22)
• Stock Use: Open to stock with above mentioned considerations. Not recommended. The Southern part of the trail isn't regularly cleared of downfall. (10/31/22)

Beula Lake/South Boundary Trail west

• Beula Lake Trail has been cleared to Beula Lake. (8/31/22)
• Stock Use: Open to stock. (6/30/22)

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Contact Us

Please email the Central Backcountry Office if you have any questions about specific areas.

 

More Information

• 

  Backcountry Safety

  Best practices for exploring the backcountry.

• 

  Bear Safety

  Best practices for traveling safely in bear country.

• 

  Permits & Reservations

  I need a permit for that? Review this list and avoid surprises.