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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
Most of the snow in the park has melted.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).
Yellowstone does not have many bridges, please evaluate planned travel routes for any potentially hazardous stream crossings. River crossing sandals and trekking poles recommended.
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 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.
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. No travel on, or near the closures. See map above for location of closures. (7/22/25)
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 Danger is: VERYHIGH.
Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect for Yellowstone’s backcountry. Stage 1 restrictions include:
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 (e.g. standing in water, on a boat, etc). 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.
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
Northwest
Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect: Under Stage 1 fire restrictions, charcoal and all campfires are prohibited in the backcountry, including those in established fire rings. Portable gas stoves and lanterns are allowed only in areas that are barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within a 3-foot radius. Smoking is permitted only in areas adjacent to the provided fire ring in designated campsites or within a 3-foot-diameter area cleared of all flammable material. Smokers must ensure that all cigarette butts are properly extinguished.
Fishing closure: The Madison River, Firehole River, Gibbon River downstream of Norris Campground and all their associated tributaries are closed to fishing due to high water temperatures and low flows. All other lakes and streams listed in the 2025 Fishing Regulations are open.
A Minimum group size of four people is recommended for hiking and camping withing the Gallatin Bear Management Area.
The water source at campsite WF2 is dried up. Visitors will want to pack in water, or plan to hike several hundred feet downstream to access water. (7/22/25)
Trail Clearing Status: Black Butte Trail cleared to Daly Creek Trail cutoff.(7/22/25).Daly Creek( 8/1/25)
Stock Use: Open. Daly creek is not cleared of downfall and has several trees down. (7/22/25)
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. High Lake and Crescent Lake is also cleared. Specimen Creek Trail to Shelf Lake, over Big Horn Peak and out Black Butte are also cleared.(7/14/25)
Stock Use: The bridge at Specimen Creek Trail beyond mile marker 5 and before junction with Crescent/Shelf Lake Trails is not passable for stock. Stock can use the creek.(7/02/25)
Beaver Ponds Trail is cleared of downfall. (5/14/25)
Trail cleared Snow Pass Trailhead around Clagett Butte. (6/3/25)
Stock Use: Beaver Ponds Trail is not suitable for stock. (7/2/25)
Gardner river is crossable on foot and is about knee deep. (6/9/25)
Trail Clearing Status: the entirety of the Sportsman's Lake trail is cleared of downfall.(7/7/25).Fawn Pass Trail cleared from Glenn Creek Trailhead to campsite 1F2. Cache Lake Trail cleared.(6/25/25)
Stock Use: Open to stock. Travel over Electric Pass not recommended due to snow. (7/2/25)
Bunsen Peak Trail open. (6/20/25)
Osprey Falls Trail - Has some downed trees. (6/20/25)
Stock Use: Bunsen Peak and Osprey Falls trails not suitable for stock. (7/2/25)
Stock Use: Not suitable for stock. (7/2/25)
Stock Clearing Status: Fawn Pass Cleared to Fawn Cabin. (7/17/25)Bacon Rind Trail cleared to boundary. (5/15/25)
Stock Use: Open to stock with the above exceptions. (7/2/25)
Sections of Bighorn Pass Trail from Indian Creek east of pass cleared. (6/3/25)
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)
Stock Use: Open to stock except above closures. (7/2/25)
Reports of beaver activity about 7 miles in from the Gneiss Creek Trailhead flooding the trail and creating deep mud, making it impassable.(8/4/25)
Stock Day Use: Open to stock with the above mentioned exception. (7/2/25)
Trail cleared. (5/12/25)
Stock Use: Trail is not suitable for stock.
Cleared trail. A few downed trees last 1/2 mile of trail. (5/22/25)
Stock Use: Open to stock. (7/2/25)
Trail cleared. (7/14/25)
Stock Use: Trail is not suitable for stock. (7/2/25)
Northeast
Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect: Under Stage 1 fire restrictions, charcoal and all campfires are prohibited in the backcountry, including those in established fire rings. Portable gas stoves and lanterns are allowed only in areas that are barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within a 3-foot radius. Smoking is permitted only in areas adjacent to the provided fire ring in designated campsites or within a 3-foot-diameter area cleared of all flammable material. Smokers must ensure that all cigarette butts are properly extinguished.
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)
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 Use: 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. (7/2/25)
Open
Stock Use: Not suitable for stock. (7/2/25)
Bear Activity 1A2 (8/11/2025)
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.
Stock Use: Hellroaring Creek Trail is open. Yellowstone River trail is open between Hellroaring Creek and Blacktail Creek. Trail is closed to day use west ofcampsite 1Y1 due to washout. (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 Use: Open to stock with the above exceptions. (7/2/25)
Open. (7/22/25)
Stock Use: Not suitable for stock. (7/2/25)
Lost Lake Trail is now open. (5/22/25)
Trail to Lost Lake Falls is closed -- washed out. (5/22/25).
Stock Use: Not suitable for stock. (7/2/25)
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 Use: Partially open to stock. (7/2/25)
Stock Use: Not suitable to stock use. (7/2/25)
Open.(7/22/25)
Stock Use: Open to stock. (7/2/25)
Slough Creek Trail cleared. (7/1/25)
Stock Use: Open to stock. (7/2/25)
Pebble Creek fords are crossable and around 1 to 1.5 feet deep. (6/25/25)
Trail Clearing Status: Bliss pass, and the Pebble Creek trail have been cleared. (6/25/25)
Stock Use: Open to stock. (7/2/25)
Trail cleared. (5/6/25)
Stock Use: Not suitable for stock. (7/2/25)
Stock Use: Open to stock. (7/2/25)
Bear Carcass 200 yards off the Lamar River Trail. No off trail travel (8/13/2025)
Cache Creek is crossable.(7/1/25)
The Lamar River Trail Trailhead and first mile of the Lamar River Trail are closed due to bear activity. Trail users can use the Lamar River Stock Trailhead to access the Lamar River Trail. Hikers will have to ford the Lamar River, which is fordable. (8/14/25)
Stock Trail Clearing: Trail cleared from Lamar to Mist Pass, and Miller Creek, and Canoe Lake.(7/17/25)
Stock Use: Open to stock. (7/16/25)
Soda Butte Creek (near the Thunderer trailhead) crossable.Users may go down stream where it is safely crossable. (6/23/2025)
Republic Pass conditions unknown.(5/29/25)
Stock Use: Thunderer Cutoff Trail closed to stock. (7/2/25)
Pelican Valley and Turbid Lake Trails are open. Pelican Valley Bear Management Area Day Use restriction is in effect. Trail open 9AM - 7PM only. See Pelican Valley Bear Management Area for details.
Upper Pelican is wet and boggy in spots. (7/8/25)
Trail Clearing Status: trails in the Fern/ Pelican Area Valley area are all cleared with exception of the Astringent Creek trail. (7/8/25)
Stock Use: Open to stock.
Central
Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect: Under Stage 1 fire restrictions, charcoal and all campfires are prohibited in the backcountry, including those in established fire rings. Portable gas stoves and lanterns are allowed only in areas that are barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within a 3-foot radius. Smoking is permitted only in areas adjacent to the provided fire ring in designated campsites or within a 3-foot-diameter area cleared of all flammable material. Smokers must ensure that all cigarette butts are properly extinguished.
Fishing closure: The Madison River, Firehole River, Gibbon River downstream of Norris Campground and all their associated tributaries are closed to fishing due to high water temperatures and low flows. All other lakes and streams listed in the 2025 Fishing Regulations are open.
The Chittenden Road is open 6/11/25)
Stock Use: Open to stock, with the exception of Washburn Hot Springs which is not suitable for stock. (7/2/25)
Bear Frequenting Seven Mile Hole to site 4E1. (8/13/2025)
Seven Mile Hole trail is in good condition. (7/14/25)
Stock Use: Not suitable for stock. (7/2/25)
Open. (6/20/25)
Stock Use: Open to stock. (7/2/25)
Trails are open and in good condition.
Campsite 4G5's food pole has been replaced. (7/22/25)
Trail Clearing Status: Trails have been initially cleared. (5/26/25)
Stock Use: Open to stock. (7/2/25)
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 Use: Not suitable for stock. (7/2/25)
Wrangler Lake: The trail is cleared of downfall. Snow free. Sour Creek Ford is About 3 feet deep and slow. (6/6/25)
Stock Use: Open to stock with exception of Clear Lake, which is not suitable for stock. (7/2/25)
The food pole down in campsite 4B1. Set to book only internally,once traveling canister concerned.(7/29/25)
Stock Use: Open to stock. (7/2/25)
Trail Cleared status: Partially cleared of downfall. Trail cleared from Fishing Bridge to across from Nez Perce Ford Picnic area.
Stock Use: Open to stock. (7/2/25)
Open. (6/20/25)
Eastern half of trail cleared of downed trees. (6/19/25)
Stock Use: Open to stock. There is a bog on the Mary Mountain/Nez Perce Trail 6.5 miles in from the west side that is difficult for stock. (8/14/25)
Southwest
Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect: Under Stage 1 fire restrictions, charcoal and all campfires are prohibited in the backcountry, including those in established fire rings. Portable gas stoves and lanterns are allowed only in areas that are barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within a 3-foot radius. Smoking is permitted only in areas adjacent to the provided fire ring in designated campsites or within a 3-foot-diameter area cleared of all flammable material. Smokers must ensure that all cigarette butts are properly extinguished.
Fishing closure: The Madison River, Firehole River, Gibbon River downstream of Norris Campground and all their associated tributaries are closed to fishing due to high water temperatures and low flows. All other lakes and streams listed in the 2025 Fishing Regulations are open.
Black bears are feeding on the many fruit-bearing shrubs throughout the Bechler area. This happens each late summer/fall. Be bear aware, keep a clean camp, and follow good backcountry safety practices.
Trail is dry. (7/22/25)
Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail is open. (5/16/25)
Trail Clearing Status: Northern 9 miles of Fairy Creek Trail cleared of downed trees. (6/14/25)
Stock Use: Fairy Falls Trail closed to stock-Unsuitable. (7/2/25)
Trail Clearing Status: Trail is cleared.(7/17/25)
Stock Use: Open to stock. (7/2/25)
Mallard Lake trail is cleared.(7/8/25)
Stock Use: Open to stock. (7/2/25)
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 Use: Open to stock. (7/2/25)
Reports of trees down along the Delacy Creek Trail.(7/18/25)
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)
Water is low in Lewis Channel. Must walk/drag boats last mile of channel before entereing Shoshone Lake. (8/14/25)
Trail Clearing Status: All trails cleared. (6/19/25)
Stock Use: Open to stock with exception of Shoshone Geyser Basin, which is closed to stock. (7/2/25)
Fords are around 2 feet or Lower.(7/14/25)
The Cave Falls road into the Bechler River ford is accessible. (5/29/25)
Trail Clearing Status: Trails are cleared up to Three Rivers Fords. (7/9/25)
Stock Use: Open to stock (7/7/25)
Report of trees down along the Bechler Meadows Cut-off trail. (7/22/25)
Ford at Bechler river is running approximately 36" deep. Stream crossing depths North the Bechler ford unknown. (6/21/25)
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)
Report of trees down alone the Boundary Creek Trail. (7/18/25)
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)
The Cave Falls road is accessible. (5/29/25)
Trail Status: Trail cleared from Fish Creek Rd. to just beyond 9A4. (7/4/25)
Stock Use: Trail closed to stock between campsites 9A4 and 9A5 due to thermal hazard that is dangerous for stock. (7/2/25)
Several trees down.(7/14/25)
The Cave Falls road into the Bechler River Rangers station is accessible.(5/29/25)
Stock Use: Open to stock.(7/2/25)
Union Falls trails have reopened. Fire has been suppressed.(8/7/25)
Fords in Union Falls trails area are 16 - 18" and crossable. (7/4/25)
Trail Clearing Status: Trail cleared of downfall from Grassy Lake trailhead to Union falls and south along the South Boundary trail. Trail also cleared from Fish Lake Trailhead along the South Boundary to Cave Falls.(7/22/25)
Stock Use: Open to stock with exception ofMountain Ash Creek Trail west of campsite 9U1 which is closed to stock due to dangerous conditions. Beaver activity in the area has flooded the trail and created boggy conditions that are dangerous for stock. (7/2/25)
Pitchstone Plateau Trail cleared from trailhead to campsites 8P1 and 8P2. As of 7/22 creek still flowing near campsites providing water source. (7/22/25)
Stock Use: Open to stock. (7/2/25)
Stock Use: Open to stock (7/7/25)
Southeast
Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect: Under Stage 1 fire restrictions, charcoal and all campfires are prohibited in the backcountry, including those in established fire rings. Portable gas stoves and lanterns are allowed only in areas that are barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within a 3-foot radius. Smoking is permitted only in areas adjacent to the provided fire ring in designated campsites or within a 3-foot-diameter area cleared of all flammable material. Smokers must ensure that all cigarette butts are properly extinguished.
Bears are feeding on the many fruit-bearing shrubs throughout the area. This happens each late summer/fall. Be bear aware, keep a clean camp, and follow good backcountry safety practices.
Storm Point Trail is open.(7/23/25)
Elephant Back is clear, and dry.(7/14/15)
Pelican Nature Trail is open. (6/3/25)
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 Clearing Status: Partially cleared of downfall. (6/17/25)
Stock Use: Not suitable for stock. (7/2/25)
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.
There are bird closures in effect to protect nesting birds (see list below). 5/24/25
Areas closed to protect nesting birds:
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.
Bears are feeding on the many fruit-bearing shrubs throughout the area. This happens each late summer/fall. Be bear aware, keep a clean camp, and follow good backcountry safety practices. (8/11/25)
Meadow Creek and Columbine Creek are crossable on foot. (6/8/25)
Several snow patches remaining on the way to Eagle Pass.(7/10/25)
Upper (near 6B2) and Lower Fords (near 6B1) of the Yellowstone River are higher than waist deep and are not recommended at this time. (7/15/25)
All streams are crossable other than the fords of the Yellowstone near 6B1 and 6B2.(7/10/25)
Reports that the campsite marker for 6D2 is missing. (8/13/25)
Trail Clearing status: Trail cleared from campsite 6B1 to Eagle Pass. (7/19/25)
Stock Use: Open to stock. Expect downed trees due to recent windstorm (7/22/25)
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. (7/22/25)
Trail Clearing Status: Cleared along South Boundary, between Thorofare and Fox along Lynx divide, and Two Ocean Trail. (7/22/25)
Stock Use: South Boundary Trail open to stock from South Entrance to Snake River Hotsprings. Big Game Ridge, Two Ocean Plateau and Snake River Canyon have not been cleared yet. Estimated opening 7/14 - 7/15. (7/2/25)
Heart Lake is Open. (7/1/25)
Stock Day Use: Open to stock. (7/2/25)
Open.(7/22/25)
Stock 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.
