This page offers current backcountry conditions and is updated frequently. It is always good practice to check this page regularly leading up to your trip’s start date.
The map offers a quick snapshot of current trail status. Below the map is more detailed information regarding the condition of the trail, further descriptions of trail closures, warnings, and known hazards. Please make sure to review both the backcountry conditions map and the Area Conditions Detail Section of this page
Conditions reports offer specific details about a given trail on a given date. However, Yellowstone's backcountry is vast and some trail status reports may not be updated for several weeks or even months for lesser used trails. For this reason, Backcountry Conditions reports only offer a snapshot of trail conditions and should be used in conjunction with other tools such as weather reports, prior backpacking experience in Yellowstone, and assessment of your own backpacking skill level.
*This map doesn't reflect current campsite availability. Backcountry permits are required to camp in all backcountry campsites.
General Information
Due to predicted warm-water temperatures and unprecendented low river lows that are lethal to trout several of the park's streams are closed or have time related restrictions. Please review the restrictions listed in the most recent press release.(7/24)
Most trails are snow free. Check out the snowpack map (right side of linked page) to see estimated snow depths.
With exception of the Yellowstone River, most streams and rivers are likely crossable. Some are still high and fast; use caution. Due to the flood in 2022 many of the streams within the Northern Section of the park have changed their course. Scout up and down stream for the best place to cross, which is not neccesarily where the trail meets the stream.
Fishing season is open. Learn about regulations and guidelines in Fishing in the Park.
Due to predicted warm-water temperatures and unprecendented low river lows that are lethal to trout several of the park's streams are closed or have time related restrictions. Please review the restrictions listed in the most recent press release.(7/24)
The boating season is open. See Backcountry Conditions Map and Area Condition Details below for site-specific information.
All watercraft require Yellowstone AIS inspection and registration. Inspections are available at Bridge Bay, Grant Village, and Lewis Lake. New: A 30-day dry time is required for all sailboats and complex motorized boats (inboard, inboard/outboard, or inboard jet drives). See Boating in Yellowstone for more information.
The majority of trails are open to stock. See below in the Area Conditions Detail section for futher details or closures on trail conditions. Due to recent wind storms it is recommended that stock parties carry saddle saws. Permits are required for both Day and Overnight permits. Link for submitting Day ride permits. Information on reserving overnight permits. Get prepared for the season by reviewing Yellowstone's horse riding pages.
Trails that are not suitable for Stock Use: Osprey Falls, Bunsen, Lava Creek, Wraith Falls, Sheepeater Trail, Tower Falls, Chittenden Road, Lost Lake, Artist Point/Point Sublime, Storm Point, West Thumb Overlook, Monument Geyser Basin, Harlequin Lake, Beaver Ponds, Upper Terraces, Trout Lake, Seven Mile Hole, North/South Rim Canyon, Avalanche Peak, Clear Lake, Elephant Back, Riverside, Shoshone Geyser Basin, Artist Paint Pots, and any geyser basin or thermal area.
The parkwide fire danger level for Yellowstone National Park is now VERY HIGH and Stage 1 fire restrictions will go into effect Saturday, July 27.
Fire restrictions include: Backcountry and trails
Prohibited: Charcoal and all campfires in the backcountry, including those in established fire rings.
Permitted: Smoking only in areas adjacent to the provided fire ring in designated campsites or within a 3-foot-diameter area barren of all flammable material. Smokers should ensure that all cigarette butts are extinguished properly.
Permitted: Portable gas stoves and lanterns in areas that are barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet.
Now is the time for visitors to be vigilant about fire safety. Negligently starting a wildland fire may result in fines and/or imprisonment.
Wildfire activity is increasing in Yellowstone as crews have responded to and controlled four lightning-caused fires in the last week. Fireworks are not allowed in the park.
West Yellowstone Backcountry Office: Open. Hours 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.
Snake River Backcountry Office (South Entrance): Open. Hours 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.
Old Faithful Backcountry Office: Closed for the 2024 season.
Canyon Backcountry Office: Closed for the 2024 season.
Backcountry Offices are closed for lunch.
*The Albright Visitor Center does not open until 9:00am. To access the Mammoth Backcountry office between the hours of 8:00 am and 9:00 am visitors should go around the back of the Visitor Center where the wheelchair ramp is located.
Area Condition Details
Trails are listed by region as shown on the map below. Scroll down or select a region name to view backcountry conditions for the area: NorthwestNortheastCentralSouthwestSoutheast
Stock: Bighorn Pass Trail is partially closed to stock. There is a bog about 3 miles West of the Indian Creek trailhead that makes travel dangerous. Travel is okay from the Bighorn Trailhead (along highway 191) No through travel between Bighorn Pass Trailhead and Bighorn Trailhead at Indian Creek Campground.(7/2/24)
Creek crossings are at normal/lower summer levels. (7/11/24)
See conditions map above for details on Richard's Pond and Gneiss Creek Bear Management Areas
Trail is open.
Stock: Trail not suitable for stock.
Trail is open. (6/10/24)
Trail is open.
Stock: Not suitable for stock.
Northeast
Due to the 2022 flood event, many of the rivers in the northern section of the park have changed course. As a result, the locations where trails intersect the rivers may not always be the safest places to cross. Take time to scout upstream and downstream to find the best crossing points.
Lamar River downstream of Cache Creek to its confluence with the Yellowstone River.
Soda Butte Creek (the entire creek).
Slough Creek (the entire creek).
Yellowstone River from Tower Junction north to the park boundary.
Gardner River downstream of Osprey Falls north to the park boundary.
Rescue Creek Trailhead along the washed out North Entrance Road is inaccessible due to the bridge having washed out in the 2022 Floods. See conditions map above.
Rescue Creek Trail accessed from the Blacktail Trailhead is open.
Lava Creek Trail (from Lava Creek Picnic Area or Blacktail Trailhead) is open. The trail can be hiked to the Gardner river, but you will need to return the same way. The bridge over the Gardner River is out. (5/30/24)
Gardner River downstream of Osprey Falls, north to the park poundary, closed to fishing daily from 2 p.m. to sunrise. Effective July 26.
Stock: Lava Creek trail not suitable for stock.
Trail is open.
Stock: Not suitable for stock.
The Yellowstone River Trail is closed west of campsite 1Y1 due to a trail washout. See map above.
Yellowstone River from Tower Junction north to the park boundary, closed to fishing daily from 2 p.m. to sunrise. Effective July 26.
Report of a habituated marmot at campsite 2H1.(6/10/24)
Site 2H5 is closed for season. Site must be relocated.
Yellowstone River from Tower Junction north to the park boundary, closed to fishing daily from 2 p.m. to sunrise. Effective July 26.
Sections of the Lost Lake Trail near Roosevelt Lodge are CLOSED. See Conditions Map above.
Stock: Not suitable for stock
Yellowstone River from Tower Junction north to the park boundary, closed to fishing daily from 2 p.m. to sunrise. Effective July 26.
The Garnett Hill trailhead is subject to closures due to road construction. The Garnett Hill Trail can be accessed from Tower Junction, and then continue to the wagon road and trail.
The Garnett Hill Loop is partially CLOSED due to damage from the 2022 Flooding event. See Backcountry Conditions Map above.
Yellowstone River from Tower Junction north to the park boundary, closed to fishing daily from 2 p.m. to sunrise. Effective July 26.
Yellowstone River from Tower Junction north to the park boundary, closed to fishing daily from 2 p.m. to sunrise. Effective July 26. Stock: Not suitable for stock.
Buffalo Fork trail open. Trail conditions unknown. Slough Creek is crossable for parties on foot. (7/3/24)
Slough Creek (entire creek), closed to fishing daily from 2 p.m. to sunrise. Effective July 26.
Slough Creek Trail is open and in good condition. (6/10/24)
Slough Creek is fordable with caution for those connecting to the Buffalo Fork Trail. (7/3/24)
Strong Bear Warning in effect at campsite 2S8. Be Bear Aware. Follow all food security and other bear safety recommendations. (7/20/24)
Stock Use: Stock parties accessing campsites 2S7 or 2S8 should follow the flagged route south of campsite 2S4 to cross Slough Creek. The crossing near Elk Tongue Cabin is deep and soft and not recommended for stock. (7/3/24)
Slough Creek (entire creek), closed to fishing daily from 2 p.m. to sunrise. Effective July 26.
Pebble Creek Trail is open and has been initially cleared. (7/1/24)
Bliss Pass cleared of downed trees (7/1/24)
Pebble Creek Fords are running about 1.5 feet in depth, crossable.(6/20/24)
Slough Creek (entire creek), closed to fishing daily from 2 p.m. to sunrise. Effective July 26.
STOCK USE: Pebble Creek Trail is open to stock from the Warm Creek Trailhead (east end) to campsite 3P2. No stock allowed between 3P2 and the Pebble Creek Trailhead.
Trout Lake Trail is open.
Stock: Not suitable for stock.
Yellowstone River Picnic Area trail is open. (5/30/24)
Specimen Ridge Trail is likely snow free. (6/26/24)
Specimen Ridge-Agate Creek trails have been cleared from Specimen Ridge trailhead to campsite 2Y1. (6/6/24)
Lamar River downstream of Cache Creek to its confluence with the Yellowstone River and the Yellowstone River from Tower Junction north to the park boundary closed to fishing daily from 2 p.m. to sunrise. Effective July 26.
Lamar River trail is open and has been initially cleared. (7/1/24)
Miller Creek trail is open. Trail has not been cleared of downfall. (7/1/24)
Fords of Soda Butte Creek at stock trailhead- 2 feet, Cache Creek- 1 1/2 feet deep, Lamar River, and Miller Creek are running around 2-2 1/2 feet deep. Crossbable on foot and stock. Scout for the best locations to cross the creek. (7/8/24)
Bear Frequenting Warning for site 3L2 - a lot of bear sign found at camp. Be extra vigilant with food storage. (7/18/24)
Lamar River downstream of Cache Creek to its confluence with the Yellowstone River and Soba Butte Creek (entire creek) closed to fishing daily from 2 p.m. to sunrise. Effective July 26.
Stock: Lamar Trail is open to stock. On Miller Creek there is no travel by stock between campsite 3M3 and 3M6.
Thunderer Trail has been cleared and the ford is crossable. (7/7/24)
Lamar River downstream of Cache Creek to its confluence with the Yellowstone River and Soda Butte Creek (entire creek) closed to fishing daily from 2 p.m. to sunrise. Effective July 26.
Stock: Open
Pelican Valley is open. Travel in Pelican Valley is limited to the hours of 9am to 7pm per the Pelican Valley Bear Management Area regulations.
Due to Norris Campground being closed for the 2024 season, there is a barricade which will prevent visitors from parking at the trailhead. Visitors will need to park in the large pullout on the main road to the south of the barricade and walk through the campground to the trailhead.
Trail is open. Trails across open meadows are quite wet. (6/8/24)
Bear Frequenting Area warning is an effect for the campsites and trails along the Chain of Lakes area (Ice, Wolf, Grebe, and Cascade Lake). Be Bear Aware and follow all bear safety procedures. (7/25/24)
Cascade Lake Trail between Cascade and Grebe is drying out and not too boggy. (7/7/24)
Gibbon River fords near Ice Lake and Wolf Lake are all crossable.
Trails are open.
Stock: Not suitable for stock.
Clear Lake Trail is opne. (7/22/24)
Trails cleared and in good condition and fords crossable. (7/7/24)
Open
Trail is open.
From July 15 to September 15 travel allowed only on designated trails in the Hayden Valley BMA. Off trail travel is prohibited. (See map above)
Southwest
Trails in Bechler area are drying out, with some "perennial" muddy sections. Fords are crossable -- use caution. Mosquitoes are out in force. (7/13/24)
Cave Falls Road is open and in good condition with washboarded areas.
Grassy Lake Road conditions still rough. Recommended vehicles have high clearance. Link to road conditions at Grand Teton National Park: GRTE Park Roads. (6/22/24)
Due to drought conditions, the Firehole River, Madison River, and Gibbon River (downstream of Norris Campground), will close to all fishing beginning July 15. This includes tributaries. See map.
Trails around Fairy Falls, Sentinel Meadows, and the Freight Road are open.
Biscuit Basin Trailhead is closed due to hydrothermal explosion. Visitors can use the Daisy Trailhead to access the CDT, andcampsites OD2 and OD3. (7/23/24)
Some downed trees across the trail. (7/25/24)
Snow free, trail cleared of downfall. (6/26/24)
Trail to Lone Star Geyser is snow free. (6/26/24)
All watercraft require Yellowstone AIS inspection and registration. Inspection stations are at Bridge Bay, Grant, and Lewis Lake. New: A thirty-day dry time is required for all sailboats, boats with inboard motors, and boats with inboard/outboard motors. See Boating in Yellowstone for more information.
Motorized boats are prohibited on Shoshone Lake and Lewis River.
There is a bird closure in effect at the mouth of the Lewis River Channel. No boating, fishing, or off trail travel in the closure area. See map above for closure area details.
Dogshead Trail: hikers report bear activity along trail; be bear aware. (7/14/24)
Hiker reports ~4 trees down on DeLacy Trail about 1/1/4 mile from the trailhead. (7/13/24)
Stock: No stock allowed in the Shoshone Geyser Basin.
Lower Bechler Canyon Ford (near campsite 9B6) is ~ 30" deep. (7/13/24)
Trails have been cleared of downfall(7/23/24)
Trails across Bechler Meadows are dry except for some "perennial" muddy sections. (7/13/24)
Strong Bear Warnings are in effect for campsites 9B2 and 9M2. Be Bear Aware and follow all bear safety recommendations. (7/20/24)
Mosquitoes are plentiful! (7/13/24)
Trail are still wet with muddy sections, but drying out. Trail is still marshy in places with some standing water around site 9A0. Fords are under 2 ft. and slow. Mosquitoes are very bad. (7/7/24)
Starting August 14th through September 17th access to Dunanda Falls will be intermittingly closed due to trail work.
Very wet conditions. Conditions of campsites unknown. (6/14/24)
Union Falls,and Scout Pool helicopter operations. Visitors may be asked to wait for up to a 1/2 hour heading in or out to Union Falls or Scout pool on July 24 &July 25th. (7/22)
Caution crossing Falls River. (7/1/24)
Union Falls area accessible from Grassy Lake and Cascade Creek Trailheads.
Stock use: Partial closure.Trail between Mountain Ash Creek Trail and Bechler Meadows is closed to stock due to a bog created by beaver activity. Trail is wet and flooded.
Northern part of the trail has been cleared of downfall up to the campsites. (7/23/24)
Storm Point Trail is open. Bear Frequenting warning. (7/2/24)
Elephant Back is cleared and snow free. (6/17/24)
Natural Bridge Trail is open.
Stock: Storm Point, Elephant Back trail not suitable for stock.
Open
Stock: trail not suitable for stock use.
Boating season is open. Clear Creek Bear Management Area restrictions are in effect.
All watercraft require Yellowstone AIS inspection and registration. Inspection stations are at Bridge Bay and Grant Village, Lewis Lake. New: A thirty-day dry time is required for all sailboats, boats with inboard motors, inboard/outboard motors, or jet drives. See Boating in Yellowstone for more information.
Docks and hazard bouys are in place.(6/12/24)
Campsite 7L7 has reopened. However, the signage will not likely be pulled until next week.(7/15/24)
There are several closures in effect to protect nesting birds. There are closures in place near Frank Island, Stevenson Island, Molly Islands, Peale Island. No travel permitted on, or near the closures. See map above for specific location of closures.
All Thorofare/Yellowstone River fords in the south boundary area are crossable on foot. All require caution. Crossing near campsite 6T1 is 3' deep and swift. Crossing near 6Y4 is 3 - 3.5' deep (slow moving) and easiest place to cross is in the valley. Crossing near 6Y2 is 3' deep, and one near the 6K5 trailhead should be ok to cross on foot -- expect it to be ~3' deep. (7/12/24).
Bear Frequenting Area warning in effect at campsites 6Y5, 6Y6, and 6Y7. Be Bear Aware and follow all bear safety recommendations. (7/16/24)
Upper and Lower Fords of the Yellowstone River (near inlet to Yellowstone Lake) are typically not crossable until early August.
Meadows along thorofare Trail are wet in places -- caution advised. (6/25/24)
No off-trail travel is permitted along the east shore of Yellowstone Lake until July 14 or later. Refer to the above map for more information on the Clear Creek Bear Management Area.
Stock: Open to stock. Caution for wet meadows in the Thorofare and Mountain Creek area which may sink stock. (6/27/24)
Snake River fords at 8C2,8C6,8C4 are crossable for stock, 2 to 3 ft.; foot travelers should use caution. (7/2/24)
Snake River ford at South entrance is crossable for foot and stock.(7/2/24)
Approximately .2 miles NE of the junction Two Ocean Plateau trail and South Boundary trail there is a massive beaver dam that has taken over the area causing a part of the trail to get deeply flooded making crossing, especially with stock, difficult. Accessing the creek just west of the trail and using it to traverse past the flooded section may be the best option. The creek is about 2-4 feet deep, depending on where you cross, but has a solid rocky bottom for support.
Heart Lake area trails are open and have been initially cleared. (7/1/24)
Heart and Snake River Fords are passable. (7/4/24)
Submit Trail Conditions
Have you hiked the trails lately and want to submit trail conditions? Please email the Central Backcountry Office with the trails and date you hiked the trails and as much details as you can provide.
