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. Note: overnight stock use is not allowed until July 1.
Office Hours:
Not all backcountry offices are able to be staffed full time. Please refer to the schedule below and plan accordingly
Offices are open 8:00 am to 4:30 pm and are closed for lunch.
Albright Visitor Center (Mammoth Backcountry office): Open. Bechler Ranger Station: Open. Bridge Bay Ranger Station: Open. AIS boat inspections available. Canyon Visitor Education Center (Backcountry office): Open Saturday through Wednesday. Closed Thursday and Friday. Grant Visitor Center (Backcountry office): Open. Old Faithful Ranger Station: Open. Snake River Ranger Station: Open. Tower Ranger Station: Open Friday through Tuesday. Closed Wednesday and Thursday. West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center: Open.
High Water Caution
Streams are running high and many are too dangerous to cross. 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.
Snow Levels
Yellowstone has had above average snow fall this year which will result in delayed access into many areas of the backcountry, as well as above average river levels. Click on this link to find out more about current snow levels in the park.
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 .
Firehole (BMA A) - Open except for the west side of Mary Mountain Trail which is closed through June 15.
Richards Pond (BMA B) - Several restrictions in place. See Bear Management Page.
Gneiss Creek (BMA C) - Closed through June 30.
Gallatin (BMA D) - No off-trail travel through November 10.
Blacktail (BMA E) - Closed through June 30.
Washburn (BMA F) - Open only by special permit (through July 31).
Antelope (BMA G) - Closed through November 10.
Mirror Plateau (BMA H) - Day use only May 15 - November 12.
Pelican Valley(BMA I) - Closed through July 3.
Clear Creek (BMA J1) - No off-trail travel through August 10.
Clear Creek (BMA J2) - No off-trail travel through July 14.
Lake Span (BMA K) - No off-trail travel through July 14.
Two Ocean (BMA L) - No off-trail travel through July 14.
Riddle / Solution (BMA M) - Closed through July 14.
Heart Lake (BMA O) - Closed through June 30.
Fires
Before deciding to have a campfire, check that your campsite allows for fires, and consider the current weather conditions and current fire danger.
Ticks
Ticks are out. After your hike check your body for ticks. Visit the CDC website for more information.
Fishing Season
The general fishing season is open. Some areas are closed until July. See the fishing 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
Some trails are currently open for day riding use only. Other trails for day riding will open as conditions allow. Trails currently open: Blacktail Deer Creek, Hellroaring, Garnet Hill, Specimen Ridge, and Coyote Creek.
Overnight horse use is closed until July 1st.
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.
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!
Hikers should expect to encounter significant snow for all trails above 8,700 feet in the area. (6/12/18)
Wet, muddy, and snowy conditions prevail at many campsites throughout the area. (6/12/18)
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) (closed to stock)
Snow Pass trail muddy with snow patches(5/23/18)
Caution: the bog bridge on the Claggett Butte loop trail is slick.(5/16/18)
Sepulcher trail is snow covered at higher elevations. (5/25/18)
Beaver Ponds trail is muddy with standing or flowing water in some areas. (5/24/18)
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) (closed to stock)
Visitors should familiarize themselves with with the no off trail travel restrictions of theGallatin Bear Management Area.
Expect mud, standing water, and some patchy snow. (5/31/18)
Fawn Pass and Electric Pass are completely snow covered. (5/23/18)
Bunsen Peak/Osprey Falls (1K4) (closed to stock)
Bunsen Peak Road and Osprey Falls area has a strong bear warning. (6/2/18)
Bunsen Peak is likely has some lingering snow(6/4/18)
Bighorn Pass trail (1K5) (closed to stock)
Access road to the trailhead parking area at Indian Creek Campground is open. (6/12/18)
Bighorn Pass has deep snow and cannot be crossed. (6/12/18)
Visitors should familiarize themselves with the no off trail travel restrictions of the Gallatin Bear Management Area.
Expect snow at higher elevations and across mountain passes. (6/12/18)
Sheepeater trail (closed to stock)
Likely to be snow covered in places and / or wet. (5/31/18)
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.
Purple Mountain (closed to stock)
Dry and snow free. (6/12/18)
Monument Trail (closed to stock)
Monument trail has significant snow (18 + inches) starting about 1/2 way up the trail (5/21/18)
Trailheads along Hwy 191 (from north to south)
Daly Creek/Black Butte/Sky Rim Trail/Shelf Lake (WK1, WK2) (closed to stock)
Black Butte (WK2) loop to Daly Creek Trailhead (WK1) is clear of snow and open but with significant runoff in some areas. Campsite WF1 is dry for camping. (6/9/18)
Daly Creek (WK1) to Sky Rim Trailhead (WN1) is clear. (6/9/18)
Sky Rim Trailhead (WN1) across Bighorn Peak and down Black Butte trail (WK2) can expect occasional patches of snow and downed trees but is passable. (6/9/18)
WF2 is dry and open. (6/9/18)
Expect wet and muddy conditions at lower elevations and stretches of snow at higher elevations. (5/31/18)
Bighorn Pass to Shelf Lake to WE1 - expect stretches of snow, muddy trail conditions, and downed trees. (6/9/18)
Specimen Creek/High Lake/Crescent Lake/Sportsman Lake (WK3) (closed to stock)
Specimen Creek Trailhead is snow-free. Campsite WE1 is accessible and clear. (5/28/18)
High Lake, Crescent Lake, and Sportsman Lake trails - expect stretches of snow, muddy trail conditions, and downed trees. (6/9/18)
Electric Pass is impassable due to deep snow. (6/12/18)
Bacon Rind (WK4) (closed to stock)
Bacon Rind trail is wet and muddy. (6/9/18)
Fawn Pass/Fan Creek (WK5) (closed to stock)
Fan Creek Trail has been cleared to campsite WC4, campsites are in good condition. (6/18/18)
Fan Creek crossing heading towards WC3 is fast and cold. Use caution when crossing. (6/18/18)
Fawn Pass (WK5) to Bighorn Pass (WK6) is clear. (6/8/18)
Bighorn Pass (WK6) (closed to stock)
Bighorn Pass Trail is in good shape up to campsite WB1. From campsite WB1 to campsite WB6 the trail is still wet and muddy in spots. (6/8/18)
Campsites WB1 and WB6 are dry. The campsite sign for campsite WB6 is missing, so it is hard to find.(6/4/18)
Bighorn Pass still has significant snow and cannot be crossed. (6/12/18)
Visitors should familiarize themselves with the no off trail travel restrictions of the Gallatin Bear Management Area.
Gneiss Creek/Cougar Creek (WK7/WK8) (closed to stock)
For the eastern section of the Gneiss Creek trail trailhead WK8 (section not in the Gneiss Creek Bear Management Area) the trail is a mix of dry, and muddy - ankle deep water in areas.(5/31/18)
Blacktail Deer Creek Trail/Yellowstone River Trail/Black Canyon (1N5)
Campsite 1R3 is open; caution bear frequenting the area. (5/29/18)
Horse Use: Blacktail and Yellowstone River Trail are open for day riding/horseback (5/29/18).
Blacktail Deer Creek trail may be muddy in spots. (5/31/18)
Yellowstone River Trail is in good condition. (5/31/18)
Cottonwood Creek along the Yellowstone River trail is about 2 to 2 1/2 feet. Caution advised. (5/31/18)
The Yellowstone River is starting to flood a section of trial south of west (downstream) of campsite 1Y4. Hikers will need to scramble up above the trail to get through. (5/31/18)
Blacktail Bear Management Area in effect. This BMA is south of the road and does not contain any maintained trails. Blacktail Deer Creek trail (north of the road) is open. (4/24/17)
Wraith Falls
Open.(5/23/18)
Lava Creek Trail/Rescue Creek Trail (1N2, 1N3, 1N6)
Rescue Creek Trail is clear open, closed to stock use. (6/12/18)
Lava Creek Trail is clear open. (5/23/18)
Lost Lake Loop
The road to Petrified Tree is open. (5/23/18)
Lost Lake trail is wet and muddy in spots (5/23/18)
Horse Use: Hellroaring Creek and Coyote Creek trails are open for day riding/horseback. (5/29/18)
Caution: Bear Frequenting campsite 2H7 and nearby bridge crossing. (6/18/18)
The road to Hellroaring Trailhead parking area is open. (5/23/18).
Hellroaring Creek area trails are mostly dry with sections that are very wet. (5/23/18)
Hellroaring Creek is deep and swift. Hikers should use the bridge north of campsite 2H7 to cross do not attempt to ford the creek (6/12/18)
Coyote Creek Trail is likely snowy at higher elevations. Campsites 2C1, 2C2, and 2C3 are clear. (5/29/18)
The stream between campsites 2C1 and 2C2 is running fast, deep, and is potentially dangerous to cross according to visitor reports. Crossing is currently not recommended. If you must cross, look for a safe location to cross, evaluate carefully, and use caution. 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. (5/29/18)
Conditions on Bull Mountain Loop (Gallatin National Forest north of Hellroaring Creek and Coyote Creek) are snow free and clear.(5/29/18)
Upper elevations of Buffalo Plateau trail are completely snow covered. Campsite 2B1 is snow free and clear. (5/29/18)
Buffalo Fork (2N3)
Buffalo Fork trail is inaccessible due to deep snow and swift waters along Slough Creek. Do not attempt to cross. (5/23/18)
Garnet Hill (2K2)
Horse Use: Garnet Hill Trail is open for day riding/horseback. (5/29/18)
Trail is open. Be sure to detour around bison herds and bison calves. (5/24/18)
Tower Fall Trail
Likely wet. (5/23/18)
Slough Creek (2K5, 2N4)
Campsite 2S2 is open. (6/18/18)
The road to the Slough Creek trailhead is open. (5/23/18)
Expect wet and muddy conditions, possible patchy snow. (5/23/18)
Pebble Creek (3K2, 3K4)
Closed to Stock Use until further notice; dangerous sinkhole above the second ford on the trail from Trailhead 3k2. (6/13/18)
Campsites 3P2 and 3P3 are open; use caution fords are thigh deep. (6/13/18)
Campsites 3P4 and 3P5 are open; use caution fords are thigh deep. Expect deep snow at the Pebble Soda Butte Divide to the Arm Creek Trailhead. (6/13/18)
Conditions are wet and muddy with patchy snow and and trail washouts. Expect snow with increasing elevation. (6/13/18)
Pebble Creek is thigh deep, use caution crossing. (6/13/18)
Campsite 3P1 is the only campsite on Pebble Creek that is accessible without having to cross Pebble Creek. (6/13/18)
Bliss Pass (between Slough Creek and Pebble Creek)
Bliss Pass is snow covered and should not be crossed due to deep snow and dangerous conditions. (6/12/18)
Pebble Creek is deep, swift, and uncrossable. (5/23/18)
Yellowstone has had above average snow fall this year which will result in delayed access into many areas of the backcountry, as well as above average river levels. Click on this link to find out more about current snow levels in the park.
Specimen Ridge/Agate Creek/Yellowstone Picnic Area trailhead (2K4, 2K7)
CAUTION Grizzly Bear Frequenting Agate Trail; Strongly Recommended groups hike with 2 or more people. Campsite 2Y1 is open. (5/23/18)
Specimen Ridge and Agate Creek Trails are open for day riding/horseback. Specimen Ridge cannot be ridden in its entirety. The Lamar River is not crossable on the east end of the trail. (6/12/18)
Yellowstone Picnic Area trail is open. (5/24/18)
Specimen Ridge cannot be hiked in its entirety. The Lamar River is not crossable on the east end of the trail. Don't be caught on the wrong side of the river as it is a 14 mile backtrack to the trailhead. The Lamar is a large, deep, swift, and cold (~45 F) river. Trying to swim across the Lamar River could be deadly. Trail is snow covered in many areas.(5/24/18)
Lamar River Trail - Soda Butte to Mist Creek Pass (3K1)
Cache Creek is deep, swift, and uncrossable. Be cautious that streams which are crossable in the morning may rise to unsafe levels by afternoon – don’t get caught on the wrong side of stream. (5/24/18)
Campsite 3L1 is the only campsite along the Lamar River trail that is accessible without having to cross Cache Creek. (5/24/18)
Pelican Valley trailhead (5K3) is closed due to the Pelican Valley Bear Management Area . (5/24/18)
Cache Creek/Thunderer (3K1, 3K3)
Conditions unknown. Expect patchy snow with increasing elevation. Campsite 3C2 and 3C3 may be snow free, but expect snow upstream of 3C3. Campsite 3C4 is likely snow covered and may be inaccessible due to the ford of Cache Creek (5/24/18)
Republic Pass is completely snow covered and inaccessible. (6/12/18)
Thunderer trailhead (3K3) is currentlyclosed. Soda Butte Creek is too swift and deep to cross. (5/24/18)
Miller Creek
Snow conditions, river conditions and the Pelican Valley Bear Management Area make this area currently inaccessible. (5/24/18)
Frost Lake
Snow conditions, river conditions and the Pelican Valley Bear Management Area make this area currently inaccessible. (5/24/18)
Avalanche Peak
Trail is mostly snow covered with a potential for wet snow avalanches as it warms up during the day. (5/24/18)
Wapiti Lake trail/ Wrangler Lake/ Broad Creek/ Howard Eaton trail (4K7, 4N2, 4K8,5K2)
Pelican Valley trailhead (5K3) is closed due to the Pelican Valley Bear Management Area. (5/24/18)
Patchy snow on the Wapiti Lake Trail after Moss Creek crossing to Astringent Creek. (6/18/18)
The Howard Eaton Trail from 5K2 to Mud Volcano has been cleared with wet and muddy trail conditions. (5/29/18)
All trails are mostly snow covered. Travel not recommended. (5/24/18)
The trail is mostly clear from Trailhead 2K6. Chittenden parking area is still closed. Hiking from Trailhead 4K9 is not recommended due to deep snow at higher elevations. (6/14/18).
7-Mile Hole (4K6)
Due to road construction on Inspiration Point, visitors will not be able to start at the Glacial Boulder trailhead to go to Seven Mile Hole; instead visitors will need to walk the closed road starting at Canyon Village which will add approximately 1 mile (one way) to trip distances.
7 mile Hole trail is mostly dry until the junction with the Mount Washburn Trail (2.7 miles in) ,
Campsite 4C3 is closed due to high creek crossing and flooding. (6/12/18)
Trail to campsites 4C1, 4C2 is dry. (6/12/18)
Trail has been cleared of down trees. (6/12/18)
CAUTION: Bear frequenting the Ribbon Lake area and campsites 4R1 and 4R2. (6/18/18)
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)
Visitors reported seeing lots of fresh sign of bear activity around Ice Lake and campsite 4D1 (scat, and tracks). Be Bear Aware. (6/4/18)
Strong Bear Warning for the Cascade Lake Area. Sow and cub have been seen frequenting the areas. (6/5/18)
Cascade Lake,Grebe and Ice Lake trails are wet with standing water particularly as you approach the lakes. (6/5/18)
Campsites 4G5 and 4G7 are closed for wildlife protection. No off-trail travel,or use of float tubes is allowed in the vicinity of the closures. – see links below.
Campsites 4G2 is flooded with overflow water from Grebe Lake. (6/7/18)
Tree in campsite 4D3 has been removed to allow full handicap access to pit toilet. All other areas of the site are handicap accessible. (6/18/18)
Mary Mountain/Hayden Valley & Cygnet Lakes (4N1, 4N3)
The Mary Mountain trail is open but likely wet and muddy with possible patches of snow. (6/15/18)
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. (5/30/18)
Fairy Falls, Mystic Falls, Fountain Flat area is open.(5/26/18)
The condition of the Fairy Creek Trail between Mystic Falls and Fairy Falls (including campsites OD2 and OD3) are clear of snow but wet and muddy. (6/7/18)
Off-trail travel around the Grand Prismatic Overlook trail is prohibited.
Mallard Lake (OK9, OK3)
Mallard Lake Trail (OK3) is closed due to a carcass near the trail. Mallard Lake can still be accessed via Mallard Creek trailhead(OK9). (6/7/18)
Mallard Creek Trail (OK9) is wet and muddy. Wear proper footwear. (6/7/18)
Mary Mountain (OK7)
The Mary Mountain trail is open. (6/16/18)
Summit Lake (9K9,OK4)
Summit Lake Trail is mostly clear but wet and muddy. Significant snowcover on approximately the last 4 miles. (5/2/18)
Campsite OE1 does not allow wood fires due to snow cover and no fire ring visible. (6/7/18)
Caution: Agressive cow elk on the Elephant Back Trail near the trail junction. (6/12/18)
Elephant Back Trail is mostly clear with patches of snow. (6/12/18)
Natural Bridge Trail is open. (6/14/18)
Storm Point is open, wet and muddy, but the footbridge is washed out and closed. Stream crossing is still possible via deadfall downstream from the bridge. (5/29/18)
Pelican Creek Nature trail is closed. (5/24/18)
Nine Mile Trailhead (5K5); Thorofare Trail / Mountain Creek (6K1, 6K2, 6K4, 6K5)
Nine Mile Trail is clear to Terrace Point (5E2). Expect muddy patches and standing water up to a foot deep in places. Stream crossings are still high and not advised. (6/6/18)
Hazard buoys, marker buoys, and navigation aids are all in place with the exception of Flat Mountain Arm. (6/13/18)
All docks are now available . 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)
Caution for floating debris on the lake. (6/13/2018)
Campsite conditions are unknown. Expect some sites to have areas of snow. (5/26/2018)
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.
Dogshead and Lewis Lake Channel has been cleared. (6/18/18)
8R5 foodpole is down. Campsite is still open but approvedbear-proof containers are required. (6/8/18)
Delacy Creek (7K2) has patches of snow 1-2ft deep and is easy to lose the trail. Hike with caution. (6/9/18)
Delacy Creek is very high and dangerous, only experienced hikers should attempt to cross. (6/9/18)
South trail outlet to 8T1 has 1-2ft of patchy snow. 8M2 to 8T1 has a lot of snow. (6/9/18)
Shoshone Lake is thawed. (6/1/18)
Lewis Lake is ice free docks are in. (6/5/18)
Lewis River Channel is averaging 2-3 feet deep, swift, and very cold. When pulling boats up the channel, boaters should use caution and be aware that there are areas with deep holes 4-5 feet deep. A wet suit is recommended. Please note the use of felt soled waders is not allowed in Yellowstone National Park. (6/5/18)
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". (6/5/18)
Cove near the mouth of the Lewis Channel is temporarily closed due to Loon nesting. Buoys and signs mark the closed area. (5/26/18)
Lone Star Trail (OK1) & Howard Eaton Trail (OK2)
Lone star trail is mostly clear of snow and walk-able to Grants Pass. Expect areas of deep snow south of Grants Pass.(5/23/18)
Campsite OA3 is closed due to a down food pole.(6/12/18)
Bechler Area
The Grassy Lake Road cannot be driven in its entirety. Only open to the Grassy Lake dam west of Flagg Ranch . The road is not plowed and still has lingering snow.(6/18/18)
Travel in the Bechler area is not advised. Expect deep snow and large areas of standing water (1-2 feet deep). Streams are likely to be running deep and fast. Don't get caught on the wrong side of the stream. Rivers and streams that are crossable in the morning may rise to uncrossable levels by afternoon. (6/12/18)
Bechler Meadows and Falls River area
Planking for the footbridge near campsite 9B1 has not been installed. (5/24/18)
Expect areas of deep snow and standing water (1-2 feet deep). (6/12/18)
Bechler Canyon/Bechler River trail
Trails across the meadows area are snow covered and/or flooded. (6/12/18)
Bechler River trail from Bechler Canyon to Shoshone Lake trail is completely snow covered. Rivers likely uncrossable.(6/12/18)
Boundary Creek/Dunanda Falls
Trails to Dunanda Falls are snow covered and / or flooded. (6/12/18)
Robinson Creek
Trails to Dunanda Falls are snow covered and / or flooded. (6/12/18)
Union Falls/Mountain Ash Creek
Union Falls is inaccessible. Grassy Lake Road is closed to motorized traffic, Falls River is deep, swift, and uncrossable (6/12/18)
Pitchstone Plateau (8K4)
Completely snow covered.(6/12/18)
Beula Lake/South Boundary Trail west (8K5, 8K6)
Completely snow covered.(5/24/18)
No access, due to Grassy Lake Road being still snow packed (6/12/18)
