This Backcountry Situation report provides the most up-to-date conditions for Yellowstone’s Backcountry. Conditions are listed by area, then trail. 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.
General Information
Backcountry Permits
Permits are required for all overnight stays in the backcountry. Permits can be acquired at any backcountry office.
Office Hours
Offices are open 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, seven days a week and are closed for lunch.
Albright Visitor Center (Backcountry office): Open
Bechler Ranger Station: Open
Bridge Bay Ranger Station: Open
Canyon Visitor Education Center (Backcountry office): Closed Monday and Tuesday. Open Wed - Sunday. Office closes at 3:30 each day.
Grant Visitor Center (Backcountry office):Open
Old Faithful Ranger Station: Open
Snake River Ranger Station: Open
Tower Ranger Station:Open
West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center: Open
High Water Caution
Streams are dropping and some are still unseasonable high. Streams which are crossable in the morning may rise to unsafe levels by afternoon. Don’t get caught on the wrong side of a stream. If you must cross – scout out the safest location, 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.
Fires
Before deciding to have a campfire, check that your campsite allows for fires, and consider the current weather conditions and current fire danger.
Fishing Season
The general fishing season is open. See the fishing regulations for details and areas that have delayed openings.
Horse Use
The overnight and day use horse season has opened. With a cool spring, and areas of above average snow pack, some trails and partial trails will remain closed. We ask that you please avoid any muddy, snowy areas or anywhere where your horses/mules/llamas may create any significant impacts. Please reference the specific trail you were planning on riding to check on any stock closures. There are several trails that are not suitable for stock. stock are not permitted in thermal areas. Permits are required for both day rides and overnight horsepacking.
Food Storage Reminder
Do not leave food unattended at any time. All food, trash, and odorous items must be properly stored (hung 10 feet above ground and 4 feet from side supports or kept in one of the installed metal bear proof boxes, or an approved bear resistant food container) whenever the items are not in immediate use. Day hikers should keep packs on their body unless they are with their pack. In past years, there have been several instances of bears obtaining food from unattended packs. Backpackers should hang their food immediately upon entering their campsite – before setting up camp.
Food Caches are not allowed in the backcountry. Hanging food overnight in an unoccupied campsite or elsewhere is not permitted – this is considered unattended food. Contact the Central Backcountry Office for a list of bear resistant food containers (canisters, panniers, and coolers) that are approved for use in Yellowstone.
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.
A minimum group size of four people is recommended for hiking and camping within the Gallatin Bear Management Area. BE BEAR AWARE!
Sepulcher/Beaver Ponds/Snow Pass area (1N4, 1K1, 1K2)
Snow Pass trail is dry and snow free. (6/14/17)
Beaver Ponds trail in good condition. (7/5/17)
Stock Use: Beaver Ponds trail is not suitable for stock.
Visitors should familiarize themselves with the no off trail travel restrictions of the Gallatin Bear Management Area.
Stock Use: Upper terraces trail is not suitable for stock use.
Glen Creek Trailhead – Fawn Pass & Electric Pass (1K3)
Visitors should familiarize themselves with with the no off trail travel restrictions of the Gallatin Bear Management Area.
Fawn Pass Trail cleared.(7/11/17)
Specimen Creek TH (WK3) to Sportsman Lake open and cleared of down trees.(7/11/17)
Caution advised for anyone traveling on snow and attempting to cross the passes. (7/5/17)
Stock Use: Parking at Glenn Creek is tight for horse trailers, please make sure to leave room for other trailers.
Bunsen Peak/Osprey Falls (1K4)
Bunsen Peak and Osprey Falls are in good condition. (6/25/17)
Stock Use: Osprey Falls Trail is not suitable for stock.
Bighorn Pass trail (1K5)
Bighorn Pass/Indian Creek Trailhead (1K5) is cleared of down trees and Campsite 1B1 is open. (6/27/17)
Bighorn Pass has a cornice at the top that is challenging to cross. Use Caution. (7/11/17)
Stock use: Riders can start from either direction on Bighorn trail but cannot cross over the pass due to cornice. (7/27/17)
Visitors should familiarize themselves with with the no off trail travel restrictions of the Gallatin Bear Management Area.
Sheepeater trail
Stock Use: not suitable for stock.
Mount Holmes area (1K6, 1K8)
Campsites 1C1, 1C2, 1C4, 1C5 are closed for all of 2017 due to road construction. Campsites are inaccessible because there is no access at either the Grizzly Lake or Mt. Holmes trailheads. See road construction page.
Trailheads along Hwy 191 (from north to south)
Dailey Creek/Black Butte/Sky Rim Trail/Shelf Lake (WK1, WK2)
Trails have been cleared and are in good condition. (7/21/17)
Specimen Creek/High Lake/Crescent Lake/Sportsman Lake (WK3)
Trails have been initially cleared and are in good condition. (7/21/17)
Reported several trees down between campsite WD6 and High Lake (WD4, & WD5) (7/17/17)
Mosquitos are out. (7/11/17).
Bacon Rind (WK4)
The Bacon Rind trail is open and in good condition. (7/5/17)
Fawn Pass/Fan Creek (WK5)
Fawn Pass and Fan Creek trails have been cleared and are in good condition. (7/21/17)
Visitors have been seeing a large grizzly bear on Fan Creek trail. Be Bear Aware. (7/5/17)
Bighorn Pass (WK6)
Bighorn Pass Trail has been cleared, campsites are in good shape. (7/21/17)
There is a large cornice/snow drift on the east side of Bighorn Pass. Hikers are able to cross with caution, closed to stock. (7/16/17)
Stock Use: Big Horn Pass is impassible to stock due to large cornice at the pass. (7/15/17)
Gneiss Creek/Cougar Creek (WK7/WK8)
Gneiss Creek is in good condition. (7/25/17)
Harlequin Lake Trail
Harlequin Lake Trail is open. (6/15/17)
Stock Use: Harlequin Lake trail is not suitable to stock.
Hellroaring Creek area trails are in good condition. (7/5/17)
Coyote Creek trail is in good shape. Be cautious of Coyote Creek. Cross with caution. (7/11/17)
Conditions on Bull Mountain Loop (Gallatin National Forest north of Hellroaring Creek and Coyote Creek) trails can be hard to find. Not recommended for novice backpackers. (6/27/17)
Buffalo Fork (2N3)
Buffalo Fork trail is accessible and has been cleared to the park boundary. (7/7/17)
Garnet Hill (2K2)
Trail is open, good condition. (5/22/17)
Slough Creek (2K5, 2N4)
Caution Bear Frequenting the Slough Creek Trail, black bear with cubs (7/15/17)
Slough Creek trail is open and in good condition. (6/15/17)
Buffalo Fork trail is accessible for stock use and has been cleared to the park boundary. (7/17/17)
Stock Use: The Soldier's trail has been cleared of downfall.(7/25/17)
Tower Falls Trail
Stock Use: Tower falls trail is not suitable for stock.
Pebble Creek (3K2, 3K4)
Pebble Creek Trail has been cleared of downed trees. (6/24/17)
Bliss Pass (between Slough Creek and Pebble Creek)
Bliss Pass is likely to still have snow.(7/25/17)
Stock use: Bliss pass is closed to stock.
Trout Lake
Trout, Shrimp and Buck lakes open. (5/9/17)
Stock Use: Trout Lake,Shrimp, and Buck lakes trail is not suitable for stock
Thunderer trail has been cleared of down trees. Soda Butte River is crossable.(7/17/17)
Miller Creek
Miller Creek has been cleared of downed trees. (7/1/17)
(5K3) Pelican Valley trailhead and the Pelican Valley Bear Management Area is open for Day Use only from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (7/4/17)
Frost Lake
(5K3) Pelican Valley trailhead and the Pelican Valley Bear Management Area is open for Day Use only from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (7/4/17)
Frost Lake Trail has been cleared and has some lingering snow. (7/15/17)
Avalanche Peak
Open, good condition.(7/12/17)
Stock Use: Avalanche Peak trail not suitable for stock.
Wapiti Lake trail/ Wrangler Lake/ Broad Creek/ Howard Eaton trail (4K7, 4N2, 4K8,5K2)
Wildlife Protection Area Trail Closures, The following trails are closed due to wildlife activity: Sour Creek, Wrangler Lake and five miles of the northern section of the Howard Eaton trail are closed. These trails are expected to remain closed through the end of August. (6/27/17)
Campsite 4W1 is CLOSED. (6/27/17)
(5K3) Pelican Valley trailhead and the Pelican Valley Bear Management Area is open for Day Use only from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (7/4/17)
Astringent Creek trail and Wapiti Lake trail have been cleared of down trees.(7/13/17)
Trails have been cleared of down trees but are wet in areas and slightly boggy. (7/8/17)
Stock Use: Be cautious around wet areas. (7/8/17)
Pelican Creek (5K3)
Pelican Valley Bear Management Area is open for day use only from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. It is wet in areas and slightly boggy (7/8/17)
Stock Use: North & South Rim Canyon trails are not suitable for stock.
Stock Use: Artist Point / Point Sublime is not suitable for stock.
Mount Washburn (4K9, 2K6)
Open.
7-Mile Hole (4K6)
Due to road construction on Inspiration Point, visitors will not be able to start at the Glacial Boulder trailhead to go to Seven Mile Hole; instead visitors will need to walk the closed road starting at Canyon Village which will add approximately 1 mile (one way) to trip distances.
Stock Use: The 7 Mile Hole trail is closed to stock. Trail is not suitable for stock use.
Cascade, Grebe, Wolf & Ice Lake (4K2, 4K3, 4K4, 4K5, 4N4)
Cascade Lake, Cascade Creek, Grebe Lake, Wolf Lake, and Ice Lake trails are snow free. Trails through meadows surrounding the lakes can be wet. Mosquitoes are abundant. (7/10/17)
Observation Peak trail is in good condition. (7/10/17)
Grizzly Sow and cub seen grazing near campsites along Grebe Lake.Be Bear Aware.(7/25/17).
Mary Mountain/Hayden Valley & Cygnet Lakes (4N1, 4N3)
Mary Mountain trail open. Use caution, trail has not been cleared of downed trees. (7/8/17)
Solfatara (1K7, 4K1)
Solfatara trailhead (1K7) is closed due to road construction. The Solfatara Creek trail can be accessed from the Solfatara Creek trailhead (4K1) located at Norris Campground.
Howard Eaton trail from Solfatara trailhead (1K7) to Ice Lake trailhead (4K2) has down trees. (7/10/17)
Monument Geyser
Stock Use: Monument Geyser is not suitable for stock use.
Elephant Back trail, Storm Point trail, and Pelican Creek Nature trails are open and have been cleared. (6/6/17)
Natural Bridge trail is open. (6/14/17)
Stock Use: Storm Point trail is not suitable for stock use.
Nine Mile Trailhead (5K5); Thorofare Trail/Mountain Creek (6K1, 6K2, 6K4, 6K5)
Mosquitoes are abundant in the area. (7/10/17)
Trails throughout the Thorofare, and Lynx Divide have been cleared.(7/27/17)
Mountain Creek Trail has been cleared from junction with Thorofare Trail to Howell Cabin. (6/29/17)
Campsite 6D7 has a food pole down. Bear Resistant food canisters only in this site. (6/29/17)
Trials accessing campsites 6D1 and 6Y4 are wet and boggy. (6/29/17)
Trail Creek trail has been cleared from the Yellowstone River east to the Two Ocean trail triangle. (7/17/17)
Two Ocean Plateau Trail cleared of fallen trees from Trail Creek Trail to about 3/4 miles north of site 6M5. Some muddy conditions present and a few areas can be tough navigating due to unworn footpath. Look for blazes and always carry an up to date map and compass. (7/17/17)
Yellowstone River crossings near campsites 6B1 and 6B2 -(Thorofare to Trail Creek) are 4.5 to 5 feet deep and swift. Uncrossable on foot, not recommended for stock. (7/17/17)
Creek crossing conditions (7/27/17)
Most creek crossings are running about 2 feet deep.(7/27/17)
Yellowstone River crossings near campsites 6B1 and 6B2 -(Thorofare to Trail Creek) likely not crossable (7/27/17)
Thorofare Creek crossing near campsite 6T1 is crossable 50 yards upstream at the gravel bar. (7/27/17)
Stock Use: Stock users on the Thorofare trail should be vigilant for bogs in any meadows and specifically at Escarpment Creek. The entire section where the creek is running down the trail is a bog. Stock users should walk animals in the creek and test areas before sending pack stock. Thorofare Creek and Yellowstone River are not crossable on stock. (6/30/17)
Yellowstone Lake (5K1, 5K4, 5K6, 7K1)
Many of the hazard, marker, and navigation buoys are not in place. Motorized boaters it is your responsibility to know where the no wake, and non motorized zones are. Please familiarize yourself with the zones prior to departing. (7/3/17)
High winds are a daily occurrence on the lake, particularly in the afternoon. Canoeists and kayakers are urged to travel close to shore, evaluate conditions, get an early start, and complete open water crossings as quickly as possible. There are large amounts of debris on the lake - use caution. (5/22/17)
Boat permits and Aquatic Invasive Species inspections are only available at the Snake River Ranger Station, Bridge Bay Ranger Station, and the Grant Village Visitor Center. Visitors should check office hours for offices that are open in the early season.
West Thumb Overlook trail
Stock use: West Thumb Overlook trail is not suitable for stock.
Pelican Valley (5K3)
Pelican Valley Bear Management Area is open for Day Use only from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (7/4/17)
Heart Lake (8N1)
Mosquitos are thick (7/26/17)
Caution: Strong Bear Warning for the Heart Lake and Heart River campsites. (7/16/17)
Heart Lake has been cleared of down trees. (6/30/17)
Making the loop around Heart Lake has several swift river crossings of the Heart and Snake river. Use caution.(7/11/17)
Ford of the Snake River below 8C5 is 3 feet deep and very swift. Not recommended. (6/30/17)
Ford of the Snake River between 8C5 and Basin Creek Cutoff Trail is 4 feet deep and extremely swift. Not recommended. (6/30/17)
Fords of Basin Creek is 2 feet deep and swift. (7/1/2017)
Heart River crossing near campsite 8C5 is 2.5 feet deep and not recommended.
Heart River crossing near campsite 8J4 is 2 feet deep and swift. Experienced and strong backpackers only. (6/30/17)
Campsite 8B4 is open. (7/15/17)
Campsite 8J2 is open. (7/15/17)
Mount Sheriden mostly bare of snow. (7/26/2017)
Stock use: Heart Lake Trail 8N1 the first bridge below Paycheck Pass over Witch Creek is in disrepair and is not usable for stock use, an alternative crossing will need be selected. (7/16/17)
Stock use: Basin Creek Cutoff Trail is open for stock use.(7/15/17)
Stock use: Heart Lake trail between campsite 8B2 and 8C6 is closed due to an impassible bog. (7/14/17)
South Boundary Area/Snake River/Two Ocean Plateau (8K7, 8K8, 6K3)
Snake River ford at the South Entrance is currently about 18" deep. Inexperienced parties not recommended.(7/24/17)
The South Boundary Trail from South to Fox Creek has been cleared (7/25/17)
The Harebell Cut-off Trail has been cleared. (7/15/17)
The Snake River Trail from 8C2 and 8C5 has been cleared. (7/15/17)
The Heart Lake Trail between 8B1 and 8C6 has been cleared. (7/15/17)
Stock use: Heart Lake trail between campsite 8C6 and 8B2 is closed due to an impassible bog. (7/15/17)
Stock use: South Boundary trail east of Harebell creek cabin to Lynx Divide will be closed to stock until July 25. (6/30/17)
Stock use: Snake River Canyon Trail between the South Boundary Trail and campsite 8C5 will not open to stock until July 28. (6/30/17)
Stock Use: There is a bridge out between campsite 8C2 and 8C4. Stock detour is in place. (7/15/17).
Stock use: Two Ocean Plateau closed to stock.(7/15/17)
Stock Use: Basin Creek Cutoff Trail is open to stock use. (7/15/17)
Stock Use: South Boundary trail to Basin Creek cut-off on the Heart Lake trail closed to stock.
Two Ocean Plateau still has significant snow. Strongly not recommended, due to snow pack and river crossing conditions. (7/5/17)
Caution: North Shoshone Lake Trail and campsites are posted as Bear Frequenting Area. A bear has been frequenting the area near campsites 8S2, 8S3 and 8S4. All food and scented items must be hung when not in use. (7/15/17)
All of Shoshone Lake area trails have been cleared of down trees with exception of the section of trail between campsite 8M2 and the geyser basin.(7/11/17)
The Lewis River Channel is deep, swift and cold. Wet suits recommended for walking boats up the last 3/4 mile of the channel which is 2 1/2 to 3ft deep. (7/15/17)
Mosquitos are thick. (7/15/17)
There is approximately 12" of standing water along the trail between campsite 8T1 and Shoshone Geyser Basin.(7/17/17)
Stock Use: the Horse bypass trail is closed to stock. No stock allowed on the western end of the trail near the geyser basin. Horse parties traveling between the Dogshead Trailhead or DeLacy Creek trailhead and Old Faithful/Bechler area must use the North Shoshone Lake Trail.
Lone Star Trail (OK1) & Howard Eaton Trail (OK2)
Lone Star and Howard Eaton trails are cleared of down trees (7/11/17).
Bechler Area
Cave Falls Road: Open, with 3-4 very rough patches. (7/3/17)
The Grassy Lake Road is open with rough driving conditions. (7/3/17)
Mosquitos are plentiful. (7/21/17)
Bechler Meadows and Falls River area
Trails through the Bechler Meadows trail range from dry to muddy with a few areas of standing water. There a few areas with standing water 1-2 feet deep. (7/21/17)
Bechler River ford near campsite 9B2 - 30-36 inches deep. Look downstream for the shallowest spots - crossing on an angle. (7/21/17)
Rocky Ford crossing (near campsite 9C1) is 30-36 inches deep and swift. Caution advised. (7/21/17)
Stock Use: Bechler Meadows area is closed to stock use. The section on the Bechler River Trail east of Rocky Ford (the vicinity near 9C1) heading east on the Mountain Ash Creek trail is closed to stock use. Stock users can access Union falls trail from Fish Lake (9K3), Cascade Creek (9K5), and Grassy Lake (9K6) trailheads. Bechler Meadows is estimated to open to stock use August 1, but may be delayed further pending future evaluations. (7/21/17)
Bechler Canyon/Bechler River trail
Bechler River fords at campsites 9B6 and 9B8 are 30-36 inches and swift. Caution advised. Recommended only for experienced hikers. (7/21/17)
Spur trail between Rocky Ford (near campsite 9C1) and Mountain Ash Creek trail has not been cleared.
A few snow drifts (~2 feet deep) remain on the trail between campsite 9D2 to 8G1.
Bridges on the access trails to campsites 9D1 and 9D2 are washed out. Access to these sites will require fording small creeks. (7/21/17)
Stock Use: Bechler River Trail and Bechler Canyon closed to stock.
Boundary Creek/Dunanda Falls
Boundary Creek trail through Bechler Meadows has some muddy spots with a few areas of standing water (up to 24 inches deep). Some big trees are down on upper portions of trail north of Dunanda Falls. (7/21/17)
Ford at campsite 9A1 is 2-3 feet deep. (7/21/17)
Stock Use: Boundary Creek trail is closed to stock use. (7/3/17)
Robinson Creek
Robinson Creek trail cleared from the ranger station to campsite 9A7. Some wet - muddy areas. (7/3/17)
Stock Use: Robinson Creek is closed to stock use.
Union Falls/Mountain Ash Creek
South Boundary trail from Cave Falls trailhead (9K2) to Fish Lake area has been cleared. (7/3/17)
Fall River Ford at trailhead (9K2) near the Cave Falls area is not crossable. (7/3/17)
Fall River Fords at Cascade Creek trailhead (9K5) and Grassy Lake trailhead (9K6) doable. Fords are running 30 " (7/13/17)
Fish Lake Road to access trailhead (9K3) Fish Lake is rough with some deep pools of water. 4 wheel drive vehicles are advised. (7/3/17)
Trails from Fish Lake, Cascade Creek and Grassy Lake Trail to Union Falls have been cleared. Trail to Terraced Falls is also cleared. (7/5/17)
Stock Use: Bechler Meadows area is closed to stock use. Estimate opening is August 1st. (7/10/17)
Stock Use: The section on the Bechler River Trail east of Rocky Ford (near 9C1) to 9U1 is closed to stock use. Stock users can access Union falls trail from Fish Lake (9K3), Cascade Creek (9K5), and Grassy Lake (9K6) trailheads. (7/5/17)
Pitchstone Plateau (8K4)
Possibly some remaining snow drifts. Trail has not been cleared. (7/21/17)
Stock Use: Closed to stock. (7/3/17)
Beula Lake/South Boundary Trail west (8K5, 8K6)
The northwest corner of Beula Lake depicted in this image is closed to travel to protect sensitive wildlife. (6/15/17)
Beula Lake is snow free and clear of downed trees. (6/28/17)
