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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).
Most streams are currently too high and 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 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.
Yellowstone National Park 2026 fishing season is now open. Make sure to reference Fishing in the Park for information and details.
Temporary fishing closure for parts of the Firehole river due to wildlife activity. See Map. (5/5/26)
Yellowstone National Park 2026 boating season is open. Make sure to review the Boating page for further information. (5/23/26)
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)
Yellowstone Lake, Shoshone Lake, and Lewis Lake are ice free. (5/23/26)
Docks are in at Frank Island, Plover Point and Eagle Bay. Hazard bouys are not yet 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. (5/27/26)
Use caution and be alert for floating debris and unmarked hazards. (5/23/26)
Lake Spawn and Clear Creek Bear Management Area restrictions are in effect along east shore of Yellowstone Lake and adjacent land. (5/23/26)
There are several closures in effect to protect nesting birds. Bird closure areas are in effect near Frank Island, Stevenson Island, Molly Islands, Peale Island, Campsites 7N2/7N4 and 7L7. No travel on or near the closures. See map above for location of closures. (5/23/26)
The following trails are OPEN to stock day use: Blacktail Deer Creek Trail, Yellowstone River Trail, Hellroaring Creek Trail, and Slough Creek Trail.
All other trails are currently CLOSED to stock use. Check back in June for trails that may be open for day use prior to July 1.
Overnight stock use is not permitted until July 1.
All stock use requires a permit. Call the Central Backcountry Office or go online to request a day ride permit. Overnight horseback use is closed for the season.
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.
There are no current fire restrictions, however please note not all campsites allow for fires. Check your backcountry permit to see if your permited campsite allows for fires, or view our backcountry trails and campsite map. In addition, please note that fires are only allowed in designated firepits. If the firepit is under snow visitors will need to dig out the firepit and downed wood.(4/9/26)
Mammoth Backcountry Office located in Albright Visitor Center
OPEN
Tower Ranger Station
OPEN
West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center
OPEN
Snake River Ranger Station (South Entrance)
OPEN
Grant Backcountry Office
OPEN
Bridge Bay Ranger Station
OPEN
Bechler Ranger Station
June 8
*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
A minimum group size of four people is recommended for hiking and camping withing the Gallatin Bear Management Area.
Daly-Black Butte Trail is snow free for the first two miles. The trail has intermittent snow on the trail in the trees. (5/7/26)
Daly Creek Trail is in good shape until campsite WF2. Trail becomes muddy with water on the trail and intermittent snow as you get towards the pass. (5/7/26)
Sky Rim Trail has some areas that are exposed along a ridge and are not advised to attempt while there is lingering snow pack. (4/09/26)
Trail Clearing Status: Cleared Daly-Black Butte Trail (5/7/26); Daly Creek Trail is cleared to the pass. (5/6/26)
Stock Use: CLOSED. Stock use typically opens July 1. (4/9/26)
Specimen Creek Trail has intermittent snow on the flats, increasing as you gain elevation. (4/9/26)
Trails Clearing Status: Not cleared. (4/9/26)
Stock Use: CLOSED to stock until July 1.(4/9/26)
Beaver Ponds Trail is snow free. (4/9/26)
Snow Pass Trail is snow free. (5/18/26)
Sepulcher Mountain Trail has patchy snow on the east side. The trail on the west side is mostly snow covered, travel is difficult. (5/18/26)
Clearing Status: Beaver Ponds Trail is cleared. (4/9/26)
Stock Use: Beaver Ponds Trail is not suitable/closed to stock.
With warmer weather, the Gardner River is expected to be too deep and swift to cross (approximately May 22-June 10). (5/22/26)
Glen Creek Trailhead to Cache Lake Junction is snow free. Past the junction is approximately 1-2 feet but passible to Cache Lake. The trail from the Cache Lake Junction to the Gardner River has 2-3 feet of snow and not passable. (5/3/26)
Bunsen Peak Trail has snow on trail in upper elevations on the switchbacks and on the northern aspects. Snow is able to be bypassed via scree field scramble. (5/9/26)
Osprey Falls Trail dry and in good condition. (5/9/26)
The barricade is closed to the Indian Creek Campground road/Bighorn Pass Trailhead and visitors must make sure to park outside the barricade so as not to block the barricade. Allow room for emegency services and maintenence crews to access the area. (4/9/26)
Bighorn Pass Trail from the west is mostly snow covered. (4/9/26)
Trail Clearing Status: Not cleared. (4/9/26)
Stock Day Use: CLOSED until July 1.(4/9/26
Trail is in good shape up to campsites 1C2 and 1C1. Expect snowy conditions as you go further along the trail. (5/21/22)
Lower elevation trails mostly snow free. Expect deep snow as the trails climb in elevation to Trilobite Lake and Mount Holmes. (5/20/26)
Trail Clearing Status: Cleared. (5/13/26)
Stock Use: CLOSED.Stock use opens July 1.
West side of the Gneiss Creek Trail (and campsite WA1) is closed due to Gneiss Creek Bear Management Area. This trail opens on July 1.
Cougar Cabin Trail is snow free. (5/7/26)
Beaver activity about 7 miles in from the Gneiss Creek Trailhead has resulted in trail flooding and deep mud, making it impassable. (4/9/26)
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)
Trail Clearing Status: Rescue Creek Trail (from Blacktail Creek Trail) has been cleared. (5/12/26)
Stock Use: CLOSED to stock. Lava creek is not suitable to stock. (4/14/26)
Wraith Falls Trail is clear of downfall and in good shape. (5/18/26)
Stock Use: Not suitable for stock. (5/9/26)
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.
Stock Use: Hellroaring Creek Trail is opento stock day use. Coyote Creek and Buffalo Plateau Trails are CLOSED to stock. (5/20/26)
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).
Trail Clearing Status: Cleared of downed trees. (5/7/26)
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. Please step off the trail when you see the wagons. (5/20/26)
Trail Clearing Status: Trail has been cleared. (5/11/26)
Stock Use: Not suitable for stock due to washout.
Trail open. (5/9/26)
Trail Clearing Status: Not Cleared. (4/9/26) Stock Use: Not suitable/closed to stock use.
Buffalo Fork Trail is inaccessible because Slough Creek is too swift and deep to cross. (5/20/26)
Trail Clearing Status: Cleared. (5/7/26)
Stock Use:CLOSED to stock. (4/9/26)
Trail through the first meadow is posted as a Bear Frequenting Area. (5/18/26)
Trail Clearing Status: Trail not cleared. (4/9/26)
Stock Use: Opento stock. (5/27/26)
Pebble Creek is likely uncrossable. At this time camspite 3P1 is the only accessible campsite. (5/12/26)
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 not passable due to deep snow and dangerous conditions. (5/20/26)
Trail Clearing Status: Trails not cleared. (4/9/26)
Stock Use:CLOSED to stock. (4/9/26)
Open, snow free. (5/12/26)
Stock Use: Not suitable/closed to stock.
Specimen Ridge Trail likely has patchy snow on the upper elevations. (5/9/26)
The Lamar River located on the east side of the Specimen River Trail is too deep and swift to cross. Specimen Ridge Trail cannot be hiked in its entirety. Specimen Ridge is only accessible from the west side (Specimen Ridge Trailhead). Don't be caught on the wrong side of the river as it is a 14 mile backtrack to the trailhead. (5/20/26)
Trail Clearing Status: Trail not cleared. (5/9/26)
Stock Use: CLOSED to stock. (4/9/26)
Lamar River Trail is snow free to Cache Creek. (5/20/26)
Cache Creek (3 miles from the Lamar River trailhead) is too deep and swift to cross. On cooler days, the creek may be crossable in the morning but may rise to unsafe levels by afternoon. Don't get caught on the wrong side of the stream. (5/20/26)
Trails south of Cache Creek are inaccessible until the water level drops. (5/20/26)
The Pelican Valley Trailhead is closed until July 4 as part of the Pelican Valley Bear Management area. No through travel from Lamar River to Pelican Valley.
Stock Trail Clearing: Trail is not cleared. (4/14/26)
Stock Use: CLOSED to stock until July 1.
Cache Creek is snow free in the lower elevations. Expect to encounter snow north of campsite 3C3 with deep snow across Republic Pass. (5/20/26).
Cache Creek (3 miles from the Lamar River trailhead) is too deep and swift to cross. On cooler days, the creek may be crossable in the morning but may rise to unsafe levels by afternoon. Don't get caught on the wrong side of the stream. (5/20/26)
Soda Butte Creek at the Thunderer Trailhead is too deep and swift to cross. (5/20/26)
Expect areas of snow on the upper elevations of the Thunderer. (5/20/26)
Trailheads at Chittenden Rd. and Dunraven Pass are open. Expect intermittent snow. (5/27/26)
Stock Use: CLOSEDto stock until July 1
First 1.5 miles of Seven Mile Hole Trail from Glacail Boulder Trailhead is snow free and has been cleared. (5/14/26)
Expect some patchy snow before trail descends into the canyon. (5/20/26)
Sulphur Creek (between campsites 4C2 and 4C3) is likely running fast and deep. Crossing not recommended. (5/20/26)
Stock Use: Not suitable/closed to stock.
Conditions unknown. Expect early season conditions - wet/muddy with some patches of snow. (5/10/26)
Trail clearing status: Not cleared. (4/14/26)
Stock Use:CLOSED to stock until July 1.
Trails at Ice Lake 50-80% snow covered. (5/5/26)
Trails at Cascade and Grebe Lakes 20-100% snow covered. (5/7/26)
Trail cleared from Wolf Lake Trailhead to east side of Grebe Lake. About 30% snow coverage. (5/13/26)
Wolf and Grebe lakes have closures in effect to protect nesting birds (see map above). (5/23/26)
Trail Clearing Status: Ice Lake,Cascade Lake and Grebe Lake trailscleared. (5/7/26)
Stock Use: CLOSED to stock until July 1.
Open
Stock Use: Not suitable/closed to stock.
Trails at Clear Lake/Point Sublime 50% snow covered on May 6. (5/6/26)
Trail cleared from Upper Falls to Ribbon Lake. Trail is snow free. (5/15/26)
Trail Clearing Status: Clear Lake/Point Sublime trails, and Upper Falls to Ribbon Lake cleared. (5/6/26)
Stock Use: CLOSED to stock until July 1, with exception of Clear Lake, which is not suitable/closed to stock.
Expect areas of snow and deep drifts east of Ribbon Lake. (5/20/26)
Area is only accessible from the north/west prior to July 4. Trails from the south are closed to July 4 as part of the Pelican Valley Bear Management Area.
The food pole down in campsite 4B1, bear canisters required. Please call the central backcountry office to book site. (5/14/26)
Trail Clearing Status: Trail not cleared. (4/14/26)
Stock Use: CLOSED to stock until July 4.
Howard Eaton Trail (north end) cleared. (5/13/26)
Howard Eaton Trail (south end) snow-free and cleared Fishing Bridge to LeHardy Rapids. (5/14/26)
Sour Creek (along the Sour Creek Trail and Wrangler Lake Trail) is 2-3.5 feet deep. (5/13/26)
Trail Cleared status: Howard Eaton Trail cleared. (5/13/26)
Crater Hills in Hayden Valley CLOSED for wildlife protection (see map above). (5/27/26)
Trail Clearing Status: Not cleared. (5/14/26)
Stock Use: CLOSEDto stock until July 1.
Old Faithful Temporary Closure
Southwest
Some of this area is currently inaccessible until the roads open for the season. See Roads Page. (4/14/26)
Biscuit Basin, Mystic Falls Trail, Fairy Creek Trail, Summit Lake Trail, and Fern Cascade Loop Trail, as well as campsites along these trailsareCLOSEDdue to wildlife activity until further notice. (5/23/26).
Fishing along the river and associated tributaries within the closure area arealso CLOSED. (5/5/26)
Areas that are OPEN are Imperial Meadows Trail, Sentinel Meadows Trail, Fairy Falls Trail, Midway Geyser Basin, Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail, and Black Sand Basin. (5/23/26)
Mostly snow free with some lingering snow in the shaded or northerly aspects of the trail. (5/9/26)
Trail Clearing Status: Not cleared. (4/9/26)
Stock Use: Fairy Falls Trail CLOSED to stock - unsuitable.
Summit Lake Trail is CLOSED due to wildlife activity until further notice. (5/5/26)
Trail Clearing Status: Not cleared. (4/14/26)
Stock Use: CLOSED to stock until July 1. (4/16/26)
Mallard Lake Trail mostly snow free. (5/9/26)
Stock Use: CLOSEDuntil July 1.
Bear Frequenting Area warning in effect for Lone Star Trail, Howard Eaton Trail, and Spring Creek Trail. (5/26/26)
Howard Eaton Trail, trailhead to geyser, may have some patches of snow in forested areas. (5/20/26)
Expect some snow at campsite OA2 and OA3 and for depth to increase south of campsite OA3. Campsites have not been inspected yet. (5/23/26)
Caution: ground bees have nested between Lone Star Geyser and Howard Eaton Trail intersection when in season. (5/9/26)
Trail Clearing Status: Not Cleared. (4/9/26)
Stock Use: CLOSED to stock until July 1.
Trails around Shoshone Lake are mostly snow covered in forested areas. (5/20/26)
Section of trail between the Shoshone Geyser Basin and campsite 8T1 goes through a very wet area/delta. (5/9/26)
Conditions of campsites on Shoshone Lake are unknown. Sites have not been inspected yet. Expect some lingering snowpack. (5/20/26)
Lewis Lake and Shoshone Lake are ice free. (5/20/26)
The Lewis Lake Dock has not been installed. (5/20/26)
No entry into the back bay of the Lewis Lewis Channel in order to protect sensitive bird nesting areas. See map. (5/1/26)
Winds from the southwest often build during the morning and afternnon on Lewis and Shoshone lakes. They can be formidable. Plan ahead (early starts) and use caution on the lakes. (5/23/26)
Conditions of the Lewis River Channel are unknown. Expect deep and cold water - a wetsuit is recommended when pulling boats up the channel in the early season. (5/20/26)
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)
Trail Clearing Status: Not cleared. 4/9/26
Stock Use: CLOSED to stock. Stock season opens July 1, with exception of the Shoshone Geyser Basin which is not suitable for stock and CLOSED year round.
Expect flooding and areas of deep, standing water in the Bechler Meadows. Hiking in the area not recommended. (5/20/26)
Bechler River (near 9B2, 9B6, and 9B8) is likely too deep/swift to cross high to cross. (5/18/26)
Expect areas of snow in Bechler Canyon and deep snow across Douglas Knob and the Continental Divide. (5/20/26)
Trail Clearing Status: Not cleared. (5/14/26)
Stock Use:CLOSED to stock until July 15.
Expect flooding and areas of deep, standing water in the Bechler Meadows. Hiking in the area not recommended. (5/20/26)
Bechler River (near 9B2) is likely too deep/swift to cross high to cross. (5/18/26)
Stock Use:CLOSED to Stock until July 15.
Expect flooding and areas of deep, standing water in the Bechler Meadows. Hiking in the area not recommended. (5/20/26)
Early season conditions - wet with areas of standing water. (5/20/26)
Trail Clearing Status: Not cleared. (4/16/26)
Stock Use: CLOSED to stock until July 15.
Inaccessible. Grassy Lake road closed to vehicles until at least June 1.
Trail Clearing Status: Not cleared. (4/14/26)
Stock Use: CLOSED to stock until July 1.
Conditions unknown. Expect areas of deep snow on upper elvations of the plateau. (5/20/26)
Trail Clearing Status: Not cleared. (4/14/26)
Stock Use: CLOSED to stock until July 1.
Grassy Lake Road closed to vehicles until at least June 1. Trailheads along Grassy Lake Road are inaccessible until the road opens for the season.
Trail Clearing Status: Not cleared. (4/16/26)
Stock Use:CLOSED to stock until July 1.
Southeast
Storm Point Trail is CLOSED due to wildlife activity. (5/25/26)
Natural Bridge trail is CLOSED. (5/20/26)
Pelican Nature Trail and Storm Point are nearly free of snow. (5/10/23)
Elephant Back Mountain Trail has some snow at upper elevations. (5/12/26)
Trail Clearing Status: Natural Bridge,Storm Point, Pelican Nature, Elephant Back Mountain trails cleared. (5/12/26)
Stock Use Status: Storm Point is not suitable for stock, other trails open July 1.
Deep snow. Hiking is not recommended. (5/20/26)
Trail Clearing Status: Not cleared. (4/14/26)
Stock Use: Not suitable/closed to stock.
Yellowstone Lake is now open for boating for the 2026 season. Reference the Boating page for details. (5/23/26)
All watercraft require Yellowstone AIS inspection and registration. Inspection stations are at Bridge Bay, Grant Marina, and Lewis Lake. (5/23/26)
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)
Yellowstone Lake is ice free. (5/23/26)
Docks are in at Frank Island, Plover Point and Eagle Bay. Hazard bouys are not yet 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. (5/27/26)
Use caution and be alert for floating debris and unmarked hazards. (5/23/26)
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 are several bird closures in effect to protect nesting birds (see list below). 5/23/26
Areas closed to protect nesting birds:
Near campsite 7L7, there is no entry into the back bay. See map above. (5/1/26)
Between campsite 7N2 and 7N4 there is no entry into the channel. See map above. (5/1/26)
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. (5/1/26)
Stevenson Island- the southern end of the island is closed to use from May 15 until August 15. (5/1/26)
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. (5/1/26)
Peale Island - closed to travel between May 14th and July 15th. (5/1/26)
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.
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