Last updated: February 11, 2024
Thing to Do
Pelican Creek Nature Trail
![A creek spills into a large lake with mountains in the distance.](/common/uploads/cropped_image/primary/074D5071-F53E-0D15-8792F22599F571D8.jpg?width=1300&quality=90&mode=crop)
NPS / Jacob W. Frank
This short but diverse trail travels through the forest to the lakeshore before looping back to the trailhead. It is a scenic introduction to a variety of Yellowstone’s habitats and is a good place for birding.
Safety notes: Always be aware of your surroundings and look for signs of grizzly bears.
Trailheads: West end of Pelican Creek Bridge, 1 mile (1.6 km) east of Fishing Bridge Visitor Center.
More on Day Hikes in Yellowstone
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Prepare yourself to safely enjoy wildlife, hydrothermal areas, and other features of Yellowstone National Park.
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Bear Spray
Read about this highly effective bear deterrent.
![Hikers standing on the rocky top of Avalanche Peak with Yellowstone Lake in the background.](/common/uploads/grid_builder/thingstodo/crop16_9/0038ED04-1DD8-B71B-0B466B2982A30A32.jpg?width=640&quality=90&mode=crop)
Lace up your boots and explore some of the over 1,000 miles of trails in Yellowstone National Park.
![Hikers rest and look out at Yellowstone Lake from atop a mountaintop.](/common/uploads/grid_builder/thingstodo/crop16_9/F64BCF6D-1DD8-B71B-0B9DF88F14D43237.jpg?width=640&quality=90&mode=crop)
Explore trails that traverse a variety of Yellowstone ecosystems and provide stunning views of Yellowstone Lake.