Backcountry Conditions

This page is not updated in the winter. Please check back in April.

The map offers a quick snapshot of current trail 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.

 

Backcountry Conditions Map

The map below shows the current status and conditions of Yellowstone's backcountry. Click on segments of trails, colored polygons, or icons for more information. 
This map doesn't reflect current campsite availability. Backcountry Permits are required to camp in all backcountry campsites.

 

 

*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

Snow Pack

Trails are snow free. Check out the snowpack map (right side of linked page) to see estimated snow depths.

High Water Caution

• 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 Season

The majority of streams are closed for the season. Please reference the Fishing in the Park page to view streams that are open during the winter.

Boating Season

• The boating season is Closed.

Stock (Horse & Llama) Season

The majority of trails are closed to stock. 

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 Restrictions

Pets

With exception of qualified service animals, pets are not allowed in the backcountry.

 

Backcountry Office Hours

• Local offices are closed for the 2024 season. 
• Backcountry permits are available Monday-Friday (8:00am-4:30pm) from the Central Backcountry Office by calling 307-344-2160.

 

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: 
Northwest               Northeast               Central               Southwest               Southeast

 

 

Northwest

Daly Creek / Black Butte / Sky Rim Trail

Specimen Creek / High Lake / Crecent Lake/ Sportsmans Lake

Beaver Ponds / Sepulcher / Snow Pass

Glen Creek / Sportsmans Lake Trail / Electric Peak

Bunsen Peak / Osprey Falls

Swan Lake

 

Fawn Pass / Fan Creek / Bacon Rind

Bighorn Pass / Indian Creek

Mount Holmes / Grizzly Lake

Gneiss Creek / Cougar Creek

Harlequin Lake

Purple Mountain

Monument

 

Northeast

• 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 / Lava Creek

Wraith Falls

Blacktail Creek / Yellowstone River / Black Canyon

Hellroaring Creek / Coyote Creek / Buffalo Plateau

Floating Island Lake

Lost Lake

Garnet Hill

 

• 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.

Tower Fall Trail

Buffalo Fork

Slough Creek

Pebble Creek / Bliss Pass

Trout Lake

Yellowstone River Picnic Area / Specimen Ridge / Agate Creek

Lamar / Miller Creek / Frost Lake

Cache Creek / Thunderer

Pelican Valley / Turbid Lake

 

Central

Mount Washburn

Seven Mile Hole

Solfatara

Ice / Wolf / Grebe / Cascade Lakes/ Cygnet Lake

Canyon Rim Trails

Ribbon Lake /Clear Lake/Wrangler Lake

Wapiti Lake / Broad Creek

Howard Eaton (Fishing Bridge section)

Mary Mountain

 

Southwest

Fairy Falls / Mystic Falls/ Fountain Flats

Summit Lake

Mallard Creek / Mallard Lake

Lone Star / Howard Eaton

Shoshone Lake / Lewis Lake

Bechler River / Ferris Fork

Bechler Meadows

Boundary Creek / Dunanda Falls

Robinson Creek

Union Falls / Mountain Ash Creek

Pitchstone Plateau

Beula Lake / Tanager Lake /South Boundary Trail West

 

Southeast

Storm Point / Elephant Back / Natural Bridge

Avalanche Peak

Yellowstone Lake

Nine Mile / Thorofare / Mountain Creek

South Boundary / Snake River / Two Ocean Plateau

Heart Lake

Riddle Lake

 

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.

 

More Information

• 

  Backcountry Safety

  Best practices for exploring the backcountry.

• 

  Bear Safety

  Best practices for traveling safely in bear country.

• 

  Permits & Reservations

  I need a permit for that? Review this list and avoid surprises.