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The map offers a quick snapshot of current trail and campsite 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.
Click on segments of trails, colored polygons, or icons for more information.
General Information
Mountain passes and some trails above 9000 feet are still snow covered.Check out the snowpack map to see where and how much snow you could encounter. Reference the map located on the right side of the linked page for reference (this map depicts snow depth).
Many streams are still too high and dangerous to cross. Streams which are crossable in the morning or on cool days may rise to unsafe levels by afternoon when the temperatures rise. 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.
Yellowstone National Park 2025 fishing season is now open. Make sure to reference Fishing in the Park for information and details.
The Madison River, Firehole River, Gibbon River downstream of Norris Campground and all their associated tributaries are closed to fishing daily from 2:00 p.m. to sunrise the following day due to high water temperatures and low flows. All other lakes and streams listed in the 2025 Fishing Regulations are open.
Yellowstone National Park 2025 boating season is open. Make sure to review the Boating page for further information.
Docks and hazard bouys are in place. (6/25/25)
All watercraft require Yellowstone AIS inspection and registration. Inspection stations are at Bridge Bay and Grant Marina, and Lewis Lake Ranger Station. (6/20/25)
A 30-day dry time is required for all sailboats and certain motorized boats(inboard, inboard/outboard, or inboard jet drives). Boats without a valid AIS inspection receipt and intact seal demonstrating a 30-day day dry time will be denied launch. Make sure to review the Boating page for further information.
Lake Spawn and Clear Creek Bear Management Area restrictions are in effect with no off-trail travel allowed in many areas around Yellowstone Lake through July 15 or August 10. (5/24/25)
There are several closures in effect to protect nesting birds. Bird closure areas are in effect near Frank Island, Stevenson Island, Molly Islands, Peale Island, Campsites 7N2/7N4 and 7L7. No travel on, or near the closures. See map above for location of closures. (6/1/25)
Overnight horse use is closed until July 1 . A select few trails are open for day rides in the Mammoth Area. Trails currently open to day rides are:
Blacktail Deer Creek Trail
Yellowstone River Trail (traveling east of the bridge across the Yellowstone River)
Hellroaring Creek Trail
Slough Creek Trail
East side of Fawn Pass Trail from Glenn Creek Trailhead to Fawn Lake
East side of Sportsman Lake Trail from Glen Creek Trailhead to Cache Lake
East side of Bighorn Pass trail from Indian Creek to the pass.
Mount Holmes Trail to junction with Trilobite Lake Trail
Specimen Ridge Trail west of Amethyst Mountain Off of highway 191 - Bacon Rind Trail is open.
See area details below. Get prepared for the season by reviewing Yellowstone's horse riding pages. From the South Entrance - South Boundary Trai to campsite 8C7.
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.
Fire Danager is: HIGH.
There are no current fire restrictions, however please note not all campsites allow for fires. Check your backcountry permit to see if your permited campsite allows for fires, or view our backcountry trails and campsite map. In addition, please note that fires are only allowed in designated firepits. If the firepit is under snow, you will need to dig out the firepit and downed wood.(6/3/25)
Mammoth Backcountry Office located in Albright Visitor Center
Open
Tower Ranger Station
Open
West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center
Open
Snake River Ranger Station
Open
Grant Backcountry Office
Open
Bridge Bay Ranger Station
Open
Bechler Ranger Station
Open
*Offices are open 8-5 (backcountry permits will not be issued after 4:30 pm). Offices are closed for lunch.
If you have a trip reserved please watch the Beyond Roads video and then give our office a call at 307-344-2160 within 5 days of your start date. At the time of your call we will go over the permit and issue you your permit to be printed from home or downloaded to your phone. The Central Backcountry Office is staffed 7 days/week, 8:00 to 4:30pm. Please note the office may be minimally staffed on weekends and holidays. Please plan accordingly.
For last minute trips (within 3 days of your start trip) contact the Central Backcountry Office at 307-344-2160. The Central Backcountry Office is staffed 7 days/week, 8:00 to 4:30pm. Please note the office may be minimally staffed on weekends and holidays. Please plan accordingly.
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
A Minimum group size of four people is recommended for hiking and camping withing the Gallatin Bear Management Area.
FISHING CLOSURE: The Madison River, Firehole River, Gibbon River downstream of Norris Campground and all their associated tributaries are closed to fishing daily from 2:00 p.m. to sunrise the following day due to high water temperatures and low flows. All other lakes and streams listed in the 2025 Fishing Regulations are open.
Sky Rim trail has some areas that are exposed along a ridge and are not advised to attempt while there is lingering snow pack. (6/20/25)
Black Butte Trail cleared to Daly Creek Trail cutoff. (5/1/25)
Daily Creek Trail cleared to WF2. (5/21/25)
Stock Day Use: Daly Creek trail open to the Sky Rim Trail (Sky Rim is still closed). 6/26/25
Sportsman Lake meadow still very wet. (6/18/25)
Fan Creek and Specimen Creek can be forded on foot. (6/18/25)
Trails Clearing Status: Trails from Fawn Pass Trailhead to Sportsman Lake and back to Specimen Creek.(6/18/25)
Stock Use: Specimen Creek Trail is open from trailhead to Sportsman Lake, and to the junction with Crescent Lake Trail. (6/26/25)
Beaver Ponds Trail is cleared of downfall. Muddy in spots. (5/14/25)
Trail cleared Snow Pass Trailhead around Clagett Butte. (6/3/25)
Stock Day Use: Partially open, Glen Creek Trailhead to Cache Lake, and Fawn Lake are open.Day ride permits are required. (5/28/25)
Gardner river is crossable on foot and is about knee deep. (6/9/25)
Electric Pass (between Sportsman Lake and campsite 1G4) has snow and is considered dangerous to cross. Travel over Electric Pass is not recommended. (6/20/25)
Swan Lake is closed to travel, boating and fishing to protect sensitive bird nesting sites.(5/1/25)
Trail Clearing Status: Electric Pass trail is cleared of down fall from the Glen Creek trailhead to about 1 mile below Electric pass.Fawn Pass Trail cleared from Glenn Creek Trailhead to campsite 1F2. Cache Lake Trail cleared.(6/25/25)
Stock Day Use: Partially open. Glen Creek to Fawn Lake open to stock. Glen Creek to Cache Lake open to stock. Day ride permits are required.Other trails expected to open July 1. (5/28/25)
Bunsen Peak Trail open. (6/20/25)
Osprey Falls Trail - Has some downed trees. (6/20/25)
Stock Day Use: Bunsen Peak Closed, Osprey Falls trail is not suitable for stock use. (5/28/25)
Swan Lake is CLOSED, no entry and no boating allowed in order to protect nesting birds(6/20/25)
Fan Creek is running High.(6/20/25)
Expect some lingering snow in higher elevations and across mountain passes. (6/20/25)
Travel over Fawn Pass is not recommended due to areas of snow. (6/20/25)
Bacon Rind Trail cleared to boundary. (5/15/25)
Stock Day Use: Fawn Pass Trail from trailhead to Bighorn Pass Trailhead open (using cutoff). Fan Creek Trail open. Bacon Rind Trail open. (6/26/25)
Sections of Bighorn Pass Trail from Indian Creek east of pass cleared. (6/3/25)
Bighorn Pass Trail at higher elevations has snow and cannot be crossed. (6/20/25)
Stock Day Use: Partially open: Indian Creek to Bighorn Pass. The pass is impassible due to lingering snow, and a large snow cornice. That area is a no off-trail Bear Management Area so not able to skirt around the cornice. Bighorn Pass Trail off of HWY 191 open to the top of the pass. (6/24/25)
Grizzly Lake Trail is Wet and boggy in many places.(6/6/25)
Mount Holmes Trail is cleared up to the junction with the Trilobite Trail. (6/2/25)
Expect areas of snow on upper elevations of Mount Holmes and Trilobite Trail. (6/2/25)
Stock Use: Open Mount Holmes trailhead to junction with Trilobite Trail is open. Day ride permits are required.(5/28/25)
West side of the Gneiss Creek Trail, and campsite WA1 are closed for the Gneiss Creek Bear Management Area. This trail opens on July 1.
Southern end of Gneiss Creek Trail and Cougar Creek Trail are open. (6/1/125)
Stock Day Use: Closed to stock. (5/28/25)
Trail cleared. (5/12/25)
Stock Day Use: Closed. Trail is not suitable for stock.
Cleared trail. A few downed trees last 1/2 mile of trail. (5/22/25)
Stock Day Use: Closed to stock. (5/28/25)
Trail cleared. (6/6/25)
Stock Day Use: Closed. Trail is not suitable to 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.
Caution advised on all North trails as additional erosion has been noted as a result of the 2022 flood.
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.
There is a bear frequenting warning for the Rescue Creek trail. Make sure to be Bear Aware,and store your food properly. (6/20/25)
Rescue Creek Trail accessed from the Blacktail Trailhead is open and has been cleared. (6/3/25)
The Lava Creek 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. (5/1/25)
Stock Day Use: Partially Open. Rescue Creek trail is open from the Blacktail trailhead. Exit trailhead in the Northern section of the park was washed out and bridge was washed out. Lava Creek Trail is closed to stock. Day ride permits are required. (5/28/25)
Open
Stock Day Use: Closed. Trail is not suitable to stock.
Trails have been initially cleared. (6/2/25)
In 2022 a section of the Yellowstone River trail was washed out 1/2 mile west of campsite 1Y1. Follow the flagged route around the washout. The trail at the washout and the reroute is closed to stock use.
Hellroaring Creek ford is HIGH and dangerous - not recommended for foot travel or stock - use bridge upstream. (6/20/25)
There is a Bird Nesting closure on Blacktail Ponds. No travel in the area of the closure(boating, fishing, off-trail travel). See map above (5/1/25)
Stock Day Use:Partially Open. Hellroaring Creek Trail is open to day rides. Yellowstone River trail is open to day use between Hellroaring Creek and Blacktail creek. Trail is closed to day use west of Blacktail creek due to washout. Day ride permits are required. (6/20/24)
Hellroaring Creek Trail is cleared to park boundary. (5/13/25)
Hellroaring Creek is crossable with caution. 2-2.5 feet. (6/26/25)
Upper elevations of Buffalo Plateau may have lingering snow. (6/1/25)
The Bull Mountain Loop is not accessible during the early season. The bridge across Horse Creek in the Custer-Gallatin National Forest washed out and the creek is typically too swift and deep to cross until late-July.
Stock Day Use: Partially Open. Hellroaring Creek is open, Coyote and Buffalo Plateau trails are closed.Day ride permits are required. (5/28/25)
Floating Island Lake is closed to all trafic to protect nesting birds. (5/1/25)
Lost Lake Trail is now open. (5/22/25)
Trail to Lost Lake Falls is closed -- washed out. (5/22/25).
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 open to hikers, but a section is closed to stock. See Backcountry Conditions Map above.
Stock Day Use: Closed to stock.(5/29/25)
Stock Day Use: Closed. Trail is not suitable to stock use.
Buffalo Fork Trail: High water on Slough Creek - crossing not recommended. This creek is typically crossable around the first of July. Trail cleared first 3 miles. (5/14/25)
Stock Day Use: Closed.(5/29/25)
Slough Creek Trail cleared to Elk Tongue Creek. (6/20/25)
Pebble Creek fords are crossable and around 1 to 1.5 feet deep. (6/25/25)
There is minimal snow on the Bliss Pass trail. (6/25/25)
Trail Clearing Status: Bliss pass, and the Pebble Creek trail have been cleared. (6/25/25)
Stock Day Use: Closed (4/29/25)
Trail cleared. (5/6/25)
Stock Day Use: Closed.(5/29/25)
The Lamar River located on the east side of the Specimen Ridge Trail is currently not crossable due to spring runoff, high water. Access to Specimen Ridge is only through the Specimen Ridge Trailhead. (6/20/25)
Stock use: Partially open. West side open, Specimen Ridge trailhead to Amethyst Mountain. (5/28/25)
Cache Creek is not crossable. Access into the Lamar River trail is only up to campsite 3L1.(5/29/25)
Lamar River Trail cleared to Calfee Creek. (4/25/25).
The Pelican Valley Trailhead is closed until July 4th due to the Pelican Valley Bear Management area. No through travel from Lamar River to Pelican Valley.
Stock Day Use: Closed.(5/29/25)
Soda Butte Creek (near the Thunderer trailhead) crossable.Users may go down stream where it is safely crossable. (6/23/2025)
FISHING CLOSURE: The Madison River, Firehole River, Gibbon River downstream of Norris Campground and all their associated tributaries are closed to fishing daily from 2:00 p.m. to sunrise the following day due to high water temperatures and low flows. All other lakes and streams listed in the 2025 Fishing Regulations are open.
Patchy snow along the trail.(6/20/25)
The Chittenden Road is open 6/11/25)
Stock Day Use: Closed(5/29/25)
7 mile hole trail is in good condition, snow free (6/10/25)
Stock Day Use: Trail is not suitable for stock. (5/29/25)
Open. (6/20/25)
Stock Day Use: Closed. (5/29/25)
Ice Lake trails and campsites are open. Ice Lake is closed due to loon nesting.
Gibbon river coming out of Wolf Lake near 4G7 is about knee deep. Use caution.Trail wet near streams and lakes. (6/6/25)
Grebe Lake - west side of Grebe lake is CLOSED to use (fishing, off-trail, and boating) in order to protect sensitive nesting areas. See map above. (5/1/25)
Wolf Lake is CLOSED to all traffic in order to protect sensitive nesting areas. See map above. The trail is open to travel from Ice lake to Grebe lake. (5/1/25)
The majority of Ice Lake is CLOSED to all use (fishing, off-trail, and boating) in order to protect sensitive nesting areas. See map above for details of closed area. (5/1/25)
Cygnet Lakes trail cleared of downfall. (6/9/25)\
Trail Clearing Status: Trails have been cleared of downed trees (5/26/25)
Stock Day Use: Closed. (5/29/25)
Canyon Rim trails open. (6/2/25)
South Rim Trail cleared of trees. (6/2/25)
Brink of the Lower Falls Open.(6/2/25)
Stock Day Use: Closed.Trails are not suitable for stock(5/29/25)
Wapiti Lake Trail is CLOSED up to Clear Lake and from Wapiti Lake Trail to the juncion with Sour Creek Trail due to a carcass in the area. (6/19/25)
Wrangler Lake: The trail is cleared of downfall. Snow free. Sour Creek Ford is About 3 feet deep and slow. (6/6/25)
Stock Day Use: Closed.(5/29/25)
Wapiti Lake Trail is OPEN 6/29/25
The Pelican Valley Trailhead is closed until July 4th due to the Pelican Valley Bear Management area. No through travel from Broad Creek, Pelican Creek, or Astringent Creek to Pelican Valley.
Stock Day Use: Closed. (5/29/25)
Trail is posted Bear Frequenting Area: Bear charged hikers. (6/2/25)
Trail Cleared status: Partially cleared of downfall. Trail cleared from Fishing Bridge to across from Nez Perce Ford Picnic area.
Stock Day Use: Closed (5/29/25)
Open. (6/20/25)
Eastern half of trail cleared of downed trees. (6/19/25)
Stock Day Use: Closed. (5/29/25)
Southwest
FISHING CLOSURE: The Madison River, Firehole River, Gibbon River downstream of Norris Campground and all their associated tributaries are closed to fishing daily from 2:00 p.m. to sunrise the following day due to high water temperatures and low flows. All other lakes and streams listed in the 2025 Fishing Regulations are open.
Trail is dry. Several trees down. (6/2/25)
Northern 9 miles of Fairy Creek Trail cleared of downed trees. (6/14/25)
Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail is open. (5/16/25)
Stock Day Use: Closed (5/29/25)
Conditions unknown.(6/20/25)
Stock Day Use: Closed (5/29/25)
Several trees down. (5/12/25)
Stock Day Use: Closed. (5/29/25)
The section of trail from the Lone Star trailhead to Lone Star Geyser has been cleared of downed trees.(5/27/25)
Caution: For ground bees between Lone Star Geyser, and Howard Eaton Intersection.(6/24/25)
Stock Day Use: Closed. (5/29/25)
Very buggy. (6/19/25)
Trails around Shoshone Lake are free of snow(6/23/25)
Please note there is an blue unmanned weather catamaran anchored on Lewis Lake. Visitors have mistaked it as a boater in distress, but it is a floating research station gathering weather and water temps.(6/20/25)
No entry into the back bay of the Lewis Lewis Channel in order to protect sensitive nesting areas. See map.(5/1/25)
Trail Clearing Status: All trails cleared. (6/19/25)
Stock Day Use: Closed (5/29/25)
Trails are drying out, expect standing water in some parts (6/21/25)
The Cave Falls road into the Bechler River ford is accessible. (5/29/25)
Trail Clearing Status: Trails are cleared up to 9M2. (6/21/25)
Stock Day Use: Closed (5/29/25)
Bugs are bad. (6/21/25)
Ford at Bechler river is running approximately 36" deep. Stream crossing depths North the Bechler ford unknown. (6/21/25)
Planking on the Suspension bridge is installed. (6/17/25)
Trails are drying out with few flooded/ muddy sections. (6/21/25)
The Cave Falls road into the Bechler River Rangers is accessible. (5/29/25)
Footbridge at Bartlett Slough has washed away, expect to ford. (6/21/25)
Ford at Boundary Creek (9A1) is running approximately 16" deep. (6/21/25)
Trails are drying out, bugs are bad. (6/17/25)
The Cave Falls road is accessible.(5/29/25)
Stock Day Use: Closed (5/29/25)
Trail likely dry with a few wet sections.(6/21/25)
The Cave Falls road into the Bechler River Rangers station is accessible.(5/29/25)
Stock Day Use: Closed.(5/29/25)
Grassy Lake Road is now open. (6/17/25)
There is a National Forest Service wildlife protection closure in the Fish Lake area. The area from the trailhead and around Fish Lake is closed to human traffic until July 16th. See map above. The Park Service's Fish Lake Trailhead is also closed in conjuction with this closure. (6/6/25)
Rivers are not crossable. (5/29/25)
Stock Day Use: Closed.(5/29/25)
Conditions unknown. (6/20/25)
Stock Day Use: Closed.(5/29/25)
Sections of Beula lake are closed to traffic to protect sensitive bird nesting sites.(5/1/25)
All of Tanager Lake is closed to traffic to protect sensitive bird nesting sites. (5/1/25)
Stock Day Use: Closed.(5/29/25)
Southeast
Storm Point Trail is open. (6/16/25)
Pelican Nature Trail is open. (6/3/25)
Elephant Back Trail is open. Bear Frequenting Warning, make sure to make lots of noice, and be bear aware. (6/24/25)
Natural Bridge Trail is open (6/9/25)
Trail Clearing Status: Elephant back cleared of trees (6/11), Storm Point and Pelican Nature trail (5/12/26)
Trail has significant snow patches and flowing water down the trail. (6/17/25)
Trail Clearing Status: Partially cleared of downfall. (6/17/25)
Stock Day Use: Closed to Stock (5/29/25)
Please note there are several unmanned weather research catarafts on Yellowstone Lake that are anchored in place.Visitors have mistaked it as a boater in distress, but it is a floating research station gathering weather and water temps.(6/17/25)
Yellowstone Lake is now open for boating for the 2025 season. Reference the Boating page for details. (5/24/25)
All watercraft require Yellowstone AIS inspection and registration. Inspection stations are at Bridge Bay and Grant Marina's (station opening date at Lewis Lake to be determined). (5/24/25)
A 30-day dry time is required for all sailboats and certain motorized boats(inboard, inboard/outboard, or inboard jet drives). Boats without a valid AIS inspection receipt and intact seal demonstrating a 30-day day dry time will be denied launch. Make sure to review the Boating page for further information. (5/24/25)
Docks and hazard bouys are in place. (6/25/25)
Use caution and be alert for floating debris and unmarked hazards. (5/24/25)
West Thumb landing restrictions: It is prohibited to be within 25 feet of any geothermal, as well as landing along the shoreline of Yellowstone Lake between Little Thumb Creek and the south end of West Thumb geothermal area. See map above.
Lake Spawn and Clear Creek Bear Management Area restrictions are in effect along sections of shore (and adjacent land) of Yellowstone Lake area. (5/24/25)
There are several bird closures in effect to protect nesting birds (see list below). 5/24/25
Areas closed to protect nesting birds:
Near campsite 7L7, there is no entry into the back bay. See map above. (5/1/25)
Between campsite 7N2 and 7N4 there is no entry into the channel. See map above.(5/1/25)
Frank Island - the entire island, except for the immediate dock area (southestern finger), is closed to public use from May 15 until August 15 to protect nesting birds.
Stevenson Island- the southern end of the island is closed to use from May 15 until August 15.
Molly Islands - no travel on Molly Islands, and to minimize disturbance to the resident birds, boaters must travel no closer than 1/2 mile from the islands or no futher than 100 yeards from shore between campsites 6A1 and 6A2. Year round closure.
Peale Island - closed to travel between May 14th and July 15th.
East Shore Trail/Thorofare Trail cleared to Terrace Point. Meadow Creek and Columbine Creek are crossable on foot. (6/8/25)
Other creeks are currently uncrossable. (6/20/25)
Stock Day Use: Closed.(5/29/25)
Snake River ford at the South entrance is crossable. (6/24/25)
Snake River ford by 8C2 is crossable. (6/24/25)
Snake River fords by 8C4 and 8C6 are crossable with caution (ford at 8C6 is 2 - 3 feet deep). Experienced backpackers only. (6/24/25)
Stock Day Use: South Boundary Trail open to stock from South Entrance to Snake River Hotsprings. (6/26/25)
Heart Lake is closed until July 1 due to the Heart Lake BMA. (5/1/25)
A section of Heart Lake is closed to protect sensitive bird habitat. No fishing from shore, boating or off trail travel. See map for closure boundaries.
Stock Day Use: Trail from Heart Lake Trailhead estimated to open to stock July 4. Trail to Heart Lake from the south estimated to open July 1 (when BMA opens). (6/26/25)
Area has wildlife closure in effect through July 14. (5/2/25)
Stock Day Use: Closed.(5/29/25)
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.
