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This Backcountry Conditions page includes general backcountry information, links to important backcountry-related sites, the Backcountry Conditions Map, and the Area Condition Details section. The map offers a quick snapshot of current trail, trailhead, and campsite status. It includes area closures, restrictions, and known hazards. Below the map is Area Condition Details, which provides detailed information regarding those locations and conditions, as well as more information for stock users. Please make sure to review the BackcountryConditions Map and Area Condition Details before heading into the backcountry.
Backcountry Conditions provides specific details about a given trail on a given date. However, Yellowstone's backcountry is vast and status of a lesser used trail might not be updated for several weeks or even months. For this reason, Backcountry Conditions only offers 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
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 (this map depicts snow depth).
There is a Flood Watch in effect until 12pm, Sunday August 30, 2026.
In general, most streams are dropping and are starting to become crossable. 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 does not have many bridges, please evaluate planned travel routes for any potentially hazardous stream crossings. River crossing sandals and trekking poles recommended.
Due to the flood in 2022 many of the streams within the Northern section of the park have changed their course. Scout up and down stream for the best place to cross, which is not neccesarily where the trail meets the stream.
FISHING: Effective Friday, August 28, 2026, the Firehole, Madison and Gibbon rivers (Gibbon River downstream of Norris Campground), and all associated tributaries, are open to fishing from sunrise until 2 p.m. each day. See News Release. (8/27/26)
Buffalo Creek is closed to fishing and use from August 31 - September 6th. See News Release. (8/25/26)
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. (5/23/26)
Docks and buoys are in place. It is the boaters reponsibility to know where the hazards, mileage zones, and non-motorized boat zones are, and to abide by regulations. (6/4/26)
Use caution and be alert for floating debris and unmarked hazards. (5/23/26)
There is a bird closure in effect at and near the Molly Islands. No travel on or near the closures. See map above for location of closures. (8/26/26)
Many trails are OPEN to stock day use (see Backcountry Conditions Report). All stock use requires a permit. Call the Central Backcountry Office or go online to request a day ride permit.
Trails that are not suitable and closed year round to Stock Use: Osprey Falls, Bunsen Peak, 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, Fairy Falls, and any geyser basin or thermal area.
Yellowstone's current fire danger is Very 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 and click on the campsite icon. In addition, please note that fires are only allowed in designated firepits. If the firepit is under snow visitors will need to dig out the firepit and downed wood.(4/9/26)
Mammoth Backcountry Office located in Albright Visitor Center
OPEN
10/15/26
Tower Ranger Station
OPEN
10/12/26
West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center
OPEN
10/12/26
Snake River Ranger Station (South Entrance)
OPEN
10/12/26
Grant Backcountry Office
OPEN
10/12/26
Bridge Bay Ranger Station
OPEN
9/13/26
Bechler Ranger Station
OPEN
10/12/26
*Offices are open 8-5 (backcountry permits will not be issued after 4:30 pm). Offices are closed for lunch.
During non-peak season there are no locations open for in-person permits. Starting in the middle of May, offices will begin to be staffed and permits will no longer be available over the phone. (4/9/26)
If you have a trip reserved during non-peak season please watch the Backcountry Safety 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 M-F, 8:00 to 4:30pm. Please note is not staffed on weekends and holidays. Please plan accordingly.(4/9/26)
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 IS Not staffed on weekends and holidays. Please plan accordingly. (4/9/26)
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
There is a Flood Watch in effect until 12pm, Sunday August 30, 2026.
Osprey Falls Trail dry and in good condition. (5/9/26)
Stock Use: Bunsen Peak and Osprey Falls trails not suitable/CLOSED to stock.
Stock Use: Not suitable/CLOSED for stock.
Bighorn - Fawn Pass loop has some residual boggy spots. (5/26/26)
Stock Use: Open to stock. (7/1/26) Fawn Pass Trail is closed to stock from Fawn Pass to the junction with the Fawn Pass Trail-Bighorn Cutoff Trail due to dangerous conditions. See Map. (6/24/26)
Trails open.(8/26/26)
Stock Use: Open to stock. Bighorn Pass/Fawn Pass loop is open to stock. Fawn Pass is closed to stock just west of loop because of a hazardous boggy area. (6/16/26)
Trails are open. (7/15/26)
Stock Use: Open to stock. (7/1/26)
Trail open except beaver impacted area about 7 miles in from the Gneiss Creek Trailhead that has resulted in trail flooding and deep mud, making it impassable. (7/1/26)
Stock Use: Open to stock except the beaver-impacted area mentioned above. See map. (7/1/26)
Trail is open. (5/20/26)
Stock Use: Trail is not suitable/CLOSED for stock.
Trail is open. (7/15/26)
Stock Use: Trail is not suitable/CLOSED to stock.
Trail is open. (5/20/26)
Stock Use: Trail is not suitable/CLOSED to stock.
Northeast
There is a Flood Watch in effect until 12pm, Sunday August 30, 2026.
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.
Rescue Creek Trailhead along the washed out North Entrance Road is inaccessible due to the bridge having washed out in the 2022 floods. See conditions map above.
Rescue Creek Trail accessed from the Blacktail Trailhead is open. (4/9/26)
The Lava Creek Trail accessed from the Blacktail Trailhead is open. The trail can be hiked to the Gardner River, but you will need to return the same way. The bridge over the Gardner River is out. (4/9/26)
Stock Use: Rescue Creek Trail via Blacktail Creek Trail is open to stock. Lava Creek Trail is not suitable/CLOSED to stock. (6/25/26)
Wraith Falls Trail is clear of downfall and in good shape. (5/18/26)
Stock Use: Not suitable/CLOSED to stock. (5/9/26)
Trails are open. (8/26/26)
Blacktail Creek Trail is dry. (5/4/26)
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.
Report that the bridge abutment across Blacktail Creek is failing (bridge leads to campsite 1Y6 and 1Y8) visitors should cross the creek on foot further downstream. (7/31/26)
1R3 water sources are dried up, nearest water is at Little Cottonwood Creek 1/2 mile away. (8/26/26)
Stock Use: Open to stock, except section described above. (7/1/26)
Trails are open. (8/26/26)
Hellroaring Creek is crossable. Use caution. Visitors can scout for a place to cross or use the bridge approximately 1.2 miles north of 2H6 to cross. (8/26/26)
Reports that trail north of the park at Buffalo Plateau (Poacher's Trail Heading towards Bull Mountain), are unmaintained, with lots of trees down. (6/29/26)
Stock Use: Open to stock. See note above regarding Hellroaring Creek and Buffalo Plateau. (7/1/26)
Lost Lake Trail is open. (4/9/26)
Trail to Lost Lake Falls is CLOSED due to wash out.See map above. (4/9/26)
Stock Use: Not suitable/CLOSED to stock.
The Garnett Hill Trail is open to foot travel. Garnet Hill Trailhead is closed due to road construction. The Garnet Hill Trail is accessible from the Tower Junction parking area. Follow the signs and flagging.
Use caution when crossing the road, and stay alert for horses and wagons on trail. Please step off the trail when you see the wagons. (5/20/26)
Stock Use: Not suitable/CLOSED to stock due to washout.
Trail is open. (5/9/26)
Stock Use: Not suitable/CLOSED to stock.
Buffalo Creek is closed to fishing and use from August 31 - September 6th. See News Release. (8/25/26)
Buffalo Fork Trail is now accessible via Slough Creek. Use caution crossing creek. (6/25/26)
Stock Use: Open to stock. (6/25/26)
Trail is open. (8/26/26)
Slough Creek crossing near Elk Tongue Cabin is (1-2 feet) feet deep and slow moving. (6/30/26)
Stock Use: Opento stock. (5/27/26)
Trail is open. (8/26/26)
Starting May 28 there will be intermittent helicopter operations utilizing the Pebble Creek Stock Trailhead (the larger parking area to the west). During that time visitors should park at the smaller Pebble Creek Trailhead across the bridge to the east. (5/7/26)
Bliss Pass is passable. (6/24/26)
Stock Use: Pebble Creek/Warm Creek open to stock. (6/24/26)
Trail is open. (5/12/26)
Stock Use: Not suitable/CLOSED to stock.
The Lamar River located on the east side of the Specimen River Trail is about 1-2 feet deep. (7/31/26)
Yellowstone River Picnic Area Trailhead is CLOSED. (7/6/26)
Stock Use: Open to stock. (6/26/26)
Fords in Lamar Valley are crossable. Use caution. (6/26/26)
Stock Use: Open to stock.Soda Butte Creek at Soda Butte Stock Trailhead is crossable for stock (2-3.5 feet moderately swift). Some boggy sections south of the trailhead. (6/26/26)
Trails are open. (7/15/26)
Soda Butte Creek crossing at the Thunderer Trailhead is 2-3 feet. (6/25/26)
Cache Creek at normal levels and crossable. (8/11/26)
Stock Use: Thunderer Trail and Cache Creek Trail open to stock. (6/25/26)
There is a Flood Watch in effect until 12pm, Sunday August 30, 2026.
FISHING: Effective Friday, August 28, 2026, the Firehole, Madison and Gibbon rivers (Gibbon River downstream of Norris Campground), and all associated tributaries, are open to fishing from sunrise until 2 p.m. each day.See News Release. (8/27/26)
Chittenden Road and Dunraven Pass trailheads are open. (8/14/26)
Stock Use: Open to stock. (7/1/26)
Seven Mile Hole Trail is open. (6/4/26)
Stock Use: Not suitable/CLOSED to stock.
Trail open. Low areas are wet and boggy, with standing water. Trail disappears and is easily lost in the meadows, but otherwise in decent shape. The bridge for the crossing over the thermal river has washed out. Use caution. (8/4/26)
Stock Use:Opento stock. (7/1/26)
Trails are open; mostly clear and dry. (8/4/26)
Strong Bear Warning in effect for campsite 4G3. (8/8/26)
Stock Use: Opento stock. Wolf Lake has a tree down across one of the river crossings that makes it difficult to get around with stock. (8/4/26)
Trails open. (8/26/26)
Stock Use: Not suitable/CLOSED to stock.
Trails open. (8/26/26)
Stock Use: Ribbon Lake/Wrangler Lake trails opento stock, with exception of Clear Lake, which is not suitable/CLOSED to stock. (7/1/26)
Trails open. (8/26/26)
Stock Use:Open to stock, with above mentioned considerations. (7/4/26)
Trails open. (8/26/26)
Stock Use:Open to stock. (7/1/26)
Crater Hills in Hayden Valley CLOSED for wildlife protection (see map above). (5/27/26)
There is a Flood Watch in effect until 12pm, Sunday August 30, 2026.
FISHING: Effective Friday, August 28, 2026, the Firehole, Madison and Gibbon rivers (Gibbon River downstream of Norris Campground), and all associated tributaries, are open to fishing from sunrise until 2 p.m. each day. See News Release. (8/27/26)
Biscuit Basin Trailhead is CLOSEDdue to thermal activity. Can use Daisy Trail. (6/29/2026)
Stock Use: Fairy Falls Trail CLOSED to stock - unsuitable.
Trail is open. (6/29/2026)
Trail in good shape. No water available until Summit Lake. (7/9/26)
Stock Use:Open to stock. (7/1/26)
Trail is open. (7/1/26)
Stock Use: Open to stock. (7/1/26)
Trails are open. (7/15/26)
Section of trail climbing from Shoshone Lake Trail junction to campsite 9D4 is rutted. (7/6/25)
Caution: ground bees have nested between Lone Star Geyser and Howard Eaton Trail intersection when in season. (5/9/26)
Stock Use: Opento stock. (7/1/26)
The Shoshone Lake -Lewis Channel is passable via canoe but shallow. Expect to bump boats on rocks. (8/4/26)
Lewis Channel/Dogshead Trail is clear and in good shape. (7/29/26)
The food pole is down on campsite 8S4. Site is temporarily closed until pole can be repaired. (8/18/26)
On Delacy Creek trail, when you get to the lake there is an outlet that you cross (about a foot and half deep) in order to continue on the North Shoshone Shore trail. Bring river crossing shoes. (6/9/26)
Except where noted, trails around Shoshone Lake are clear and mostly dry. (6/15/2026)
Section of trail between Shoshone Geyser Basin and campsite 8T1 goes through a very wet marshy area that currently has a mile-long section of trail with 6+ inches of standing water. Several creeks in this area are 3 or more feet deep even if only 5-6' wide. (6/16/26)
Expect low water levels at Lewis Channel. (8/26/26)
Winds from the southwest often build during the morning and afternoon on Lewis and Shoshone lakes. They can be formidable. Plan ahead (early starts) and use caution on the lakes. (5/23/26)
Please note there is an blue unmanned weather catamaran anchored on Lewis Lake. Visitors have mistaken it as a boater in distress, but it is a floating research station gathering weather and water temps. (5/9/26)
Stock Use: Opento stock, with exception of the Shoshone Geyser Basin which is not suitable for stock and CLOSED year round.
The Bechler Canyon trail overall is in good condition. (7/28/26)
Food pole at 9D2 has been replaced. (7/16/21)
Stock Use: Open to stock. 7/28/26
Bechler Meadows mostly dry, even in the meadows. (8/26/26)
Stock Use: Open to stock. (7/29/26)
Boundary Creek to Dunanda: Trails cleared. Bartlett Slough Bridge is usable. (7/28/26)
Trail to Buffalo Lake from western park boundary in good shape but multiple places where trees with blazes have fallen. Fords are about 12" deep. (7/4/26)
Stock Use: Open to stock. Section of Boundary Creek Trail between 9A4 and 9A5 is CLOSED to stock due to hazardous conditions. Trail on the Forest Service side of Buffalo Lake is barely passable for pack stock.(8/24/26)
Trail is open. (7/15/26)
Food pole at campsite 9A6 is down and not available. Approved hard-sided bear resistant cointainer is required. (8/7/26)
Stock Use: Open to stock. (8/7/26)
Grassy Lake Road is open. (6/3/26)
Trails in the area are in good shape and mostly dry. (6/25)
There is a large beaver dam-impacted area on the Mountain Ash Trail west of campsite 9U1. Use caution when hiking past the area. (6/20/26)
Stock Use: Opento stock. (7/1/26)
Pitchstone Plateau trail is in good condition. Buggy (7/6/26)
Trail/campsites have limited water. (7/15/26)
Stock Use: Opento stock. (7/1/26)
Trails open. (8/26/26)
Stock Use: Open to stock. (8/13/26)
Southeast
There is a Flood Watch in effect until 12pm, Sunday August 30, 2026.
FISHING: Effective Friday, August 28, 2026, the Firehole, Madison and Gibbon rivers (Gibbon River downstream of Norris Campground), and all associated tributaries, are open to fishing from sunrise until 2 p.m. each day.See News Release. (8/27/26)
Stock Use: Trails not suitable/CLOSED to stock. (7/1/26)
Trail is open. (7/15/26)
Stock Use: Not suitable/CLOSED to stock.
Yellowstone Lake is now open for boating for the 2026 season. Reference the Boating page for details. (6/3/26)
All watercraft require Yellowstone AIS inspection and registration. Inspection stations are at Bridge Bay, Grant Marina, and Lewis Lake. (6/3/26)
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. (5/23/26)
Food pole at campsite 7M6 is down and not available. Approved hard-sided bear canister required. (8/12/26)
Vault toilet at Frank Island out of order. (6/29/26)
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). (5/23/26)
There is no travel near or on Molly Islands to minimize disturbance to the resident birds. Boaters must travel no closer than 1/2 mile from the islands or no futher than 100 yards from shore between campsites 6A1 and 6A2. Year round closure. (5/1/26)
Food pole down at campsite 6B2 has been replaced. (8/17/26)
Thorofare Trail cleared from Nine Mile Trailhead to Cabin Creek. All stream fords are slow and crossable. Always be cautious when crossing and scout for best place to cross. (8/11/26)
Campsite sign for the 6D2 spur trail is missing. Be careful not to miss the trail. (8/26/26)
Yellowstone River/Thorofare Creek conditions:
Upper Ford (near 6B2): about 3-4 feet deep. Not as swift as Lower Ford but more difficult. Use caution. Lower Ford (near 6B1): swift and about 2 feet deep. (8/6/26)
Confluence Ford (near 6Y4) - 2 to 2.5 feet deep, mostly calm but stronger on the south side. (8/8/26)
South Boundary-Thorofare Creek (near 6T1 and 6T2) - 1-2 feet deep, calm. (8/8/26)
Thorofare ford on the Hawk's Rest Trail crossable on foot. Between 1 and half and three feet deep. (8/9/2026)
South Boundary-Yellowstone River Ford (near 6Y2) - 1.5 to 2 feet deep, mostly calm. (8/8/26)
Stock Use: Opento stock with above mentioned cautions. (8/26/26)
The Snake River is currently crossable. (8/26/26)
Beaver dam is causing flooding on the trail just south of Snake River Canyon Trail/ Heart River Trail junction. Impacted area/river is 3+ feet deep and dangerous on stock. Likely want to scout other places to cross the river. (8/26/26)
Snake River Canyon Trail/Harebell Cutoff Trail near the junction is hard to follow due to willow growth. (8/26/26)
Two Ocean Plateau Trail along Chipmunk Creek is hard to follow due to willow growth. (8/26/26)
Stock Use: Open for stock. The first bridge, 2.3 miles east of the South Boundary Trailhead, has loose planks and should not be used by stock. Stock can bypass the bridge on a path adjacent to the bridge's south side. We recommend dismounting and leading stock through this section. The bypass is tight due to the willows but passable for packed stock. Also, beaver dam flooding the trail badly just south of Snake River Canyon Trail/ Heart River Trail junction. Impacted area/river is 3+ feet deep and dangerous on stock. Likely want to scout other places to cross the river. (8/26/26)
Heart Lake Trail and area trails are clear. (7/29/26)
Water crossing near Heart Lake, including the Snake are knee deep. (8/19/2026)
Stock Day Use: Open to stock. (7/4/26)
Riddle Lake Trail is open and in good shape. (8/26/26)
Stock Use: TrialCLOSED to stock. (7/15/26)
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.
