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 for backpacking and stock trips can be acquired at any backcountry office. Backcountry permits for boat trips are only available at Bridge Bay, Grant Village, and the South Entrance backcountry offices.
Office Hours:
Not all backcountry offices are able to be staffed full time. Please refer to the schedule below and plan accordingly Albright Visitor Center (Mammoth Backcountry office): Open 7 days a week 8:00 to 4:30. Typically closed for lunch 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. Bechler Ranger Station: Open 7 days a week 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Bridge Bay Ranger Station: Boat permits & AIS boat inspections available.Open 7 days a week 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Typically closed for lunch between 12:00 pm and 1:30 pm. Canyon Visitor Education Center (Backcountry office):
Open Saturday through Wednesday. 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.Typically closed for lunch 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. Closed Thursday and Friday. Prone to Emergency Closures. Grant Visitor Center (Backcountry office): Boat permits & AIS boat inspections available. Open 7 days a week 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Typically closed for lunch 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. Old Faithful Ranger Station: Open Monday - Friday 10:30 am - 4:30 pm. Closed Saturday and Sunday. Snake River Ranger Station: Boat permits & AIS boat inspections available. Open 7 days a week 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Typically closed for lunch between 12:00 pm and 1:30 pm. Tower Ranger Station:Open 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center: Open 7 days a week 8:00 am to 5:00. Typically closed for lunch between 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm
High Water Caution
Streams levels are starting to drop. 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.
Bear Management Area
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 Page.
Gneiss Creek (BMA C) - No off trail travel.
Gallatin (BMA D) - No off-trail travel through November 10.
Washburn (BMA F) - Closed.
Antelope (BMA G) - Closed through November 10.
Mirror Plateau (BMA H) - Day use only May 15 - November 12.
Fires
Before deciding to have a campfire, check that your campsite allows for fires, and consider the current weather conditions and current fire danger.
Wildfires
There are a number of active fires in the park and some trail and campsite closures. Check our fire related pages for information on current wildfires in the park and surrounding areas. For trail and campsite closures check individual trails below.
Yellowstone manages fire to benefit wildland resource. Management of these fires may include activities ranging from monitoring active fires. to putting them out. You may or may not see aircraft and firefighters in the fire area.
Fishing Season
Fishing Access Closures:As part of the Bacon Rind Fire area closure, access to the Gallatin River along Highway 191 will be restricted. From Fawn Pass TH north to Milepost 27 there will be NO river access. From Milepost 27 north to the park boundary near milepost 31.5 river access will be permitted from the highway. Gallatin River access south of Fawn Pass trailhead remains open. This is subject to change.See closure map.
The General Fishing Season is open.See thefishing regulations for more information.
Boating Season
The boating season is open. All watercraft (boats, float-tubes, stand-up paddleboards, etc.) must have a permit and a free Yellowstone aquatic invasive species inspection.
Horse Use
Horse use requires either an overnight or day ride permit. Please visit the horseback riding page for further information.
Yellowstone trails NOT SUITABLE FOR STOCK USE:
Osprey Falls Trail, West Thumb Overlook, Seven Mile Hole Trail, Wraith Falls Trail, Mounument Geyser Basin,
North/South Rim Canyon Trails, Sheepeater Trail, Harlequin Lake Trail, Avalanche Peak Trail,Tower Falls Trail,
Beaver Ponds Trail, Shoshone Geyser Basin, Artist Point/Point Sublime, Upper Terraces, Artist Pain Pots,
Storm Point Trails, Trout Lake Trail and All Thermal Areas
Some trails are closed for riding until trails dry out and have been cleared of downfall.
Check the specific trails below to see if they are opened for day use. Make sure to review our horseback riding page.
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 their packs with them at all times. 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. Yellowstone allows only the use of certain bear resistant food containers.
Current Campsites Requiring Bear Resistant Food Containers
The following Backcountry Campsites listed below are open but require bear resistant food containers due to down foodpoles: 9A6
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!
Check the current road conditions page for information on road construction and possible traffic delays between Mammoth and Norris.
Sepulcher/Beaver Ponds/Snow Pass area (1N4, 1K1, 1K2)
Sepulcher trail is open.
Beaver Ponds trail is open.
Stock Use: Beaver Ponds is not suitable for stock. (7/1/18)
Visitors should familiarize themselves with the no off trail travel restrictions of the Gallatin Bear Management Area
Glen Creek Trailhead – Fawn Pass & Electric Pass (1K3)
Fawn Pass Trail is CLOSED from the west boundary of the Gallatin BMA to Fawn Pass Trailhead (WK5) at HWY 191 due to the Bacon Rind Fire.See closure map. (8/12/18)
Due to construction there is a trail detour at the Glen Creek trailhead. The trail detour for hikers starts across the road from the Bunsen Peak Parking lot. Follow the signs. (7/11/18)
The Gardiner River is running about 1 1/2 to 2 feet deep. (7/16/18)
Visitors should familiarize themselves with with the no off trail travel restrictions of the Gallatin Bear Management Area.
Stock Use: Fawn Pass Trailispartially closed.See closure map.See trail closure description above. Due to construction there is a trail detour at the Glen Creek trailhead. The trail detour for stock users starts from the large parking lot south west of the Bunsen Peak trailhead. Follow the signs. Use caution on bridge, as some stock are spooked by the shiny material.(7/11/18)
Bunsen Peak/Osprey Falls (1K4)
Bunsen Peak open, report of numerous trees down on the East side of Bunsen Peak(7/16/18)
Stock Use: Osprey Falls is not suitable for stock. (7/1/18)
Bighorn Pass trail (Indian Creek, 1K5)
Bighorn Pass has has a lingering cornice at the top of the pass. (8/14/18)
Indian Creek (1K5) to Bighorn trailhead (WK6) is open in its entirety . (8/14/18)
Visitors should familiarize themselves with the no off trail travel restrictions of the Gallatin Bear Management Area.
Stock Use:Indian Creek trailhead is open to stock. (8/14/18)
Mount Holmes area (1K6, 1K8) (closed to stock)
Campsites 1C1, 1C2, 1C4, 1C5 are closed for 2018 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.
Stock Use: Closed to stock
Purple Mountain
Open (8/8/18)
Stock Use: open. Limited parking
Monument Trail (closed to stock)
Monument trail open.
Stock use: Closed to stock. Not suitable for stock.
Trailheads along Hwy 191 (from north to south)
Daly Creek/Black Butte/Sky Rim Trail/Shelf Lake (WK1, WK2)
Fishing Access Closures: As part of the Bacon Rind Fire area closure, access to the Gallatin River along Highway 191 will be restricted. From Fawn Pass TH north to Milepost 27 there will be NO river access. From Milepost 27 north to the park boundary near milepost 31.5 river access will be permitted from the highway. Gallatin River access south of Fawn Pass trailhead remains open. This is subject to change.See closure map.
Stock Use: CLOSED for stock use due to the Bacon Rind Fire.See closure map.(8/12/18)
Black Butte Trail (WK2) is CLOSED due to the Bacon Rind Fire.See closure map. (8/12/18)
Daly Creek Trail (WK1) to Sky Rim Trailhead (WN1) is CLOSED due to the Bacon Rind Fire. See closure map.(8/12/18)
Sky Rim Trailhead (WN1) across Bighorn Peak is CLOSED due to the Bacon Rind Fire.See closure map.(8/12/18)
Both the Daly to Black Butte and Daly to North Tepee Cutoff Trails are CLOSED due to the Bacon Rind Fire See closure map.(8/12/18)
Specimen Creek/High Lake/Crescent Lake/Sportsman Lake (WK3)
Fishing Access Closures: As part of the Bacon Rind Fire area closure, access to the Gallatin River along Highway 191 will be restricted. From Fawn Pass TH north to Milepost 27 there will be NO river access. From Milepost 27 north to the park boundary near milepost 31.5 river access will be permitted from the highway. Gallatin River access south of Fawn Pass trailhead remains open. This is subject to change.See closure map.
CLOSED: Specimen Creek (WK3) to North Fork up to Crescent Lake Junction, along with campsites WE1 and WE4, are closed due to the Bacon Rid Fire. Campsites WD2, and WD3 on Sportsman's Lake are open but accessible only through the East of the Gallatins (1K3)(1K2)(1K1).See closure map.(8/12/18)
Stock Use: CLOSEDdue to the Bacon Rind Fire.See closure map. (8/12/18)
Bacon Rind (WK4)
CLOSED: The Bacon Rind Trail both within Yellowstone National Park , and in the Custer Gallatin National Forest ,as well as the road heading into the trailhead has been closed due to safety concerns with the fire buring several miles northwest of the Bacon Rind trail. See closure map.(7/22/18)
Stock Use: Bacon Rind trail is closed for stock use due to wildfire. Reminder even if you are going into the forest service there are no dogs allowed on Yellowstone Park Service trails.See closure map.(7/22/18)
Fawn Pass/Fan Creek (WK5) (partially open to stock)
Fishing Access Closures: As part of the Bacon Rind Fire area closure, access to the Gallatin River along Highway 191 will be restricted. From Fawn Pass TH north to Milepost 27 there will be NO river access. From Milepost 27 north to the park boundary near milepost 31.5 river access will be permitted from the highway. Gallatin River access south of Fawn Pass trailhead remains open. This is subject to change.See closure map.
Fan Creek Trail has been CLOSED due to Bacon Rind Fire.See closure map.(8/12/18)
Specimen Ridge/Agate Creek/Yellowstone Picnic Area trailhead (2K4, 2K7)
Stock Use: Specimen Ridge and Agate Creek trails are open for horseback. (7/15/18)
Yellowstone Picnic Area trail is open.
Lamar River Trail - Soda Butte to Mist Creek Pass (3K1)
Lamar River Trail has reopened to foot traffic only.No Stock Use between campsite 3L7 and campsite 3L8 ie. no through traffic between Pelican Valley (5K3) and Soda Butte/ Lamar River trailhead(3K1) until further notice. (7/17/18)
Cache Creek is 1.5 to 2 feet deep. (7/11/18)
Pelican Valley to Cold Creek has been cleared of downed trees.(7/11/18)
Stock Use: The Soda Butte river crossing at the Lamar stock trailhead is crossable.(7/16/18)
Stock Use: No Stock Use between campsite 3L7 and campsite 3L8 ie. no through traffic between Pelican Valley (5K3) and Soda Butte/ Lamar River trailhead(3K1) due to a landside, until further notice. (7/17/18)
Cache Creek/Thunderer (3K1, 3K3)
Thunderer Trail/Pass is open and cleared (7/17/18)
Cache Creek trail is clear up to the Cache Creek Patrol Cabin. (6/29/18)
Stock Use: Thunderer is open for stock use. (7/17/18)
Miller Creek
Miller Creek is clear to Hoodoo Parker Peak area. (6/29/18)
Bootjack Gap and Canoe Lake trails are clear. (6/29/18)
Due to Lamar River Trail slide there is no stock access to Miller Creek via the Pelican trailhead (5K3). Hikers can still pass through. (7/2/18)
Frost Lake
Access to Frost lake is accessible for stock only via the Pelican Trailhead (5K3) due to Lamar River trail slide. (7/2/18)
Avalanche Peak
Avalanche trail is clear of down trees.(7/30/18)
Stock Use: Avalanche Peak trail is not suitable for stock. (7/1/18)
Wapiti Lake trail/ Wrangler Lake/ Broad Creek/ Howard Eaton trail (4K7, 4N2, 4K8,5K2)
Campsite 4B1 is CLOSED due to bear frequenting the area and nearby carcass. (8/20/18)
Artist Point trailhead (4K8) to Wapiti Lake is open. Also reports that the trail is hard to follow near 4B4. (7/16/18)
The Howard Eaton Trail from the trailhead at Fishing Bridge (5K2) to Wapiti Lake (4K7) has been cleared. (7/16/18)
Wrangler Lake trail and campsite is dry and clear of down trees. (7/17/18)
Pelican Valley/Turbid Lake (5K3)
Turbid Lake has been cleared (7/29/18)
Pelican Valley and Turbid Lake are open. (7/4/18)
Pelican Valley trailhead parking area is currently closed. Hikers should park along the north side of the road east of the construction zone. Stock parties should park across the road in the pull-out east of Indian Pond. (7/6/18)
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.
The trail to 7 mile hole, and the Washburn Spur trail to campsite 4E1 from the Glacial Bouler trailhead are dry and clear of down trees. (7/17/18)
Stock Use: Seven Mile Hole trail is not suitable for stock.
The trail to Ribbon Lake and its campsites 4R1 and 4R2 are dry. (6/7/18)
Cascade, Grebe, Wolf & Ice Lake (4K2, 4K3, 4K4, 4K5, 4N4)
Cascade Lake, Grebe, Wolf and Ice Lake trails are starting to dry up but still wet and muddy in spots. (7/16/18)
Trail to Observation Peak and campsite 4P1 are in good condition. (7/16/18)
Stock Use: Open.
Mary Mountain/Hayden Valley & Cygnet Lakes (4N1, 4N3)
The Mary Mountain trail is open with variable conditions.The trail is easy to loose due to the muddy conditions, numerous game traills and limited trail signage. (7/10/18)
Stock Use: Open
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. (7/11/18)
Monument Geyser Basin
Stock Use: Monument Geyser Basin is not suitable for stock. (7/1/18)
Storm Point is open, but the footbridge is washed out and closed. Stream crossing is still possible via deadfall downstream from the bridge. (7/25/18)
Stock Use: Storm Point is not suitable for stock. (7/1/18)
Pelican Creek Nature trail is open. Limited parking due to construction equipment.(6/20/18)
Nine Mile Trailhead (5K5); Thorofare Trail / Mountain Creek (6K1, 6K2, 6K4, 6K5)
Thorofare Trail, and Trail Creek, and Mountain Creek are cleared of down trees (7/30/18)
Heart Lake to the South Arm is clear of down trees. (7/16/18)
Two Ocean trail North of campsite 6M5 is cleared of downed trees. (7/16/18)
Review Bear Management Area J1for travel restrictions currently in effect in that area. (5/24/18)
Thorofare Creek Crossings
Cub Creek, Clear Creek, Meadow Creek,Columbine,Alluvium, Beaverdam, Cabin Creek, Trappers and Mountain Creek,Clear Creek, Escarpment Creek are all easily fordable. (7/30/18)
Yellowstone River crossings near campsites 6B1 & 6B2 (Thorofare to Trail Creek) Are crossable by stock but should be crossed with caution and not recommended for foot travel. The ford near campsite 6B2 (upper ford) is 3.5 -4 feet deep with a mild current. The ford near campsite 6B1 is 2.5 -3 feet deep and moving pretty swift.(7/30/18)
Confluence of the Yellowstone River and Thorofare Creek near campsite 6Y4 is approximately 1-1.5 feed deep and is easily fordable.(7/30/18)
The Yellowstone River near campsite 6Y2 is approximately 2 feet deep and easily crossable.
The ford of Thorofare Creek near campsites 6T1/6T2 is about 2-3 feet and moving swiftly. Caution advised for foot groups. (7/30/18).
Yellowstone Lake (5K1, 5K4, 5K6, 7K1)
Review Bear Management Area J1 for travel restrictions currently in effect in that area.(5/24/18)
Caution: Boaters need to be aware of buoys located in open waters. (6/13/18)
Hazard buoys, marker buoys, and navigation aids are all in place. (6/13/18)
Motorized boaters, it is your responsibility to know where the mileage zones and non-motorized boat zones are, and to abide by the regulations. (6/13/2018)
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.
Boat permits and Aquatic Invasive Species inspections are required and only available at the Snake River Ranger Station, Bridge Bay Ranger Station, and the Grant Village Backcountry Office from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Heart Lake (8N1)
There is currently a fire south of Heart lake at Basin Creek. Visitors may see smoke and or flames. Mt. Sheridan trail has cleared of down trees and is free of snow.(8/1/18)
Stock Use: Heart Lake Trail is open to stock. (7/16/18)
Stock Use: Basin Creek Cutoff Trail is open to stock use. The trail from campsite 8C6 north to the junction with the Basin Creek Cut-off trail has reopened to stock. (7/26/18)
The Heart River crossings south of campsite 8J4 and North of campsite 8C5 are crossable. (7/3/18)
South Boundary Area/Snake River/Two Ocean Plateau (8K7, 8K8, 6K3)
Campsite 8C6 is CLOSED due to bear frequenting the area. (8/20/18)
Bear Frequenting Area: Strong Bear WarningCampsites 8C1 and 8C7. (8/20/18)
CLOSED: Campsites 8B2, 8B3, 8B4, and 8B5 due to fire hazard conditions due to Basin Creek Fire. (8/11/18)
South Boundary Trail from the South Entrance to Mariposa Lake, Two Ocean Plateau, and the Snake River Canyon are clear of downed trees.(7/24/18)
Snake River Fords: All fords of the Snake are currently crossable.
Campsite 8C5 only has only one of its two foodpoles.(7/16/18)
Stock Use: Basin Creek Cutoff Trail is open to stock use. The trail from campsite 8C6 north to the junction with the Basin Creek Cut-off trail has reopened to stock . (7/26/18)
Bear Frequenting Area: Strong Bear Warning for the entire Shoshone Lake area. Visitors should make sure to travel in groups, Carry Bear Spray, make noise, and make sure all food and scented items are secured at all times. Grizzly sow and yearling cub have been frequenting the area (8/10/18)
All Shoshone Lake Area Trails have been cleared. (7/11/18)
8T1 to Lake Junction is very wet (7/1118)
Delacy Creek outlet at Shoshone is 1 ft deep and slow moving water. (7/2/18)
Lewis River Channel is averaging 1-2.5 feet deep, swift, and very cold. A wet suit is recommended. Please note the use of felt soled waders is not allowed in Yellowstone National Park. (8/8/18)
High winds are a daily occurrence on the Lake, especially in the afternoon. Boaters crossing Shoshone Lake should use good judgement to evaluate conditions and cross only at the "narrows".
Stock Use: The Horse bypass trail is closed to stock. No stock on the western end of the trail near the geyser basin. (7/1/18)
Lone Star Trail (OK1) & Howard Eaton Trail (OK2)
Lone Star trail open.
Bechler Area
The Grassy Lake Road is open and can be driven in its entirety. There are rough areas that are slow going and not recommended for low clearance vehicles. (8/8/18)
Bechler Meadows and Falls River area
Stong Bear Warning for Bechler Meadow trail. There have been a black bear hanging around and going through campsites. Hikers are advised to hike in groups, carry bear spray, make noise, and make sure that food is properly stored at all times. (8/9/18)
Stock Use: Bechler Meadows open to stock and dry with only a few normal boggy patches.(7/1/18)
Bechler Canyon/Bechler River trail
Fords Conditions as follows:
Near 9B2 is running 2-3 feet and slow.(7/17/19)
Near 9B6 is running 2.5 feet and very swift. Use Caution. Not advised for inexperienced hikers.(7/17/18)
Near 9B8 is running 2 feet and moderately fast.(7/17/18)
Rocky Ford near campsite 9C1 is around 20 inches deep with a slower current and is passable. (6/28/18)
Trail Conditions:
Trails are drying out(7/17/18)
Stock Use: Bechler Canyon Trail is open. (7/1/18)
Bechler Canyon trail clear of down trees from the Ranger station to campsite 9D4.
Boundary Creek/Dunanda Falls
Trails to Dunanda Falls open. (7/218)
Robinson Creek
The foodpole is down at site 9A6. Campsite is open but approvedbear-proof containers are required. (7/2/18)
Union Falls/Mountain Ash Creek
Stong Bear Warningfor all of Union Falls. There have been several bears hanging around and going through campsites. Hikers are advised to hike in groups, make noise, and make sure that food is properly stored at all times. (8/8/18)
All trails to Union Falls are clear of down trees and rivers are crossable. (7/11/18)
Stock Use: Union Falls is open to stock use.
Grassy Lake (9K6)
Open. (8/8/18)
CAUTION: Bear frequenting the area
Stock Use: Union Falls is open to stock use.
Pitchstone Plateau (8K4)
The Pitchstone Plateau (8K4) has been cleared of down trees up until about a mile past the campsites.(7/25/18)
