This page offers current backcountry conditions and is updated frequently. It is always good practice to check this page regularly leading up to your trip’s start date.
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.
*This map doesn't reflect current campsite availability. Backcountry permits are required to camp in all backcountry campsites.
General Information
Expect trees down along the trails due to recent wind event. (6/17/24)
Check out the snowpack map (right side of linked page) to see estimated snow depths.
With exception of streams along the Thorofare Trail and the Bechler River trail, most streams are likely crossable. 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 is open. Learn about regulations and guidelines in Fishing in the Park.
The boating season is open. See Backcountry Conditions Map and Area Condition Details below for site-specific information.
All watercraft require Yellowstone AIS inspection and registration. Inspections are available at Bridge Bay, Grant Village, and Lewis Lake. New: A 30-day dry time is required for all sailboats and complex motorized boats (inboard, inboard/outboard, or inboard jet drives). See Boating in Yellowstone for more information.
The majority of trails are open to stock. See below in the Area Conditions Detail section for futher details or closures on trail conditions. Due to recent wind storms it is recommended that stock parties carry saddle saws. Permits are required for both Day and Overnight permits. Link for submitting Day ride permits. Information on reserving overnight permits. Get prepared for the season by reviewing Yellowstone's horse riding pages.
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.
There are no current fire restrictions, however, please note not all campsites allow for fires. Check your backcountry permit to see if your permitted 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.
Fire Danger level in Yellowstone National Park is MODERATE
West Yellowstone Backcountry Office: Open. Hours 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.
Snake River Backcountry Office (South Entrance): Open. Hours 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.
Old Faithful Backcountry Office: Closed for the 2024 season.
Canyon Backcountry Office: Closed for the 2024 season.
Backcountry Offices are closed for lunch.
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.
Expect downed trees along trails in area due to recent wind storm. (6/29/24)
Mountain passess and higher elevation trails (above 8500 feet) may still have some snow packs. Travel over the mountain passes with caution. Many trails at lower elevations are wet and muddy. (6/26/24)
Sky Rim trail may still have lingering snow. There are some exposed areas along the ridge that should be approached with caution. (6/26/24)
Areas of lingering snow still at upper elevations on High Lake/Shelf Lake Trail. (6/26/24)
Campsite WF1 is inacessible to stock. (5/31/24)
Stock: Not recommended on Sky Rim Trail.
Specimen Creek Trail likely has lingering snow around 8600 feet (about 3/4 mile below Shelf Lake). (6/26/24)
Expect areas of lingering snow on the trail between High Lake and Crescent Lake as well as the trail to Crescent Lake from the Specimen Creek Trail. (6/26/24)
Stock: Electric Pass is closed to stock due to unsafe conditions. (7/2/24)
Beaver Ponds Trail is open and cleared of down trees. (5/30/24)
Snow Pass Trail is snow free. (6/10/24)
Sepulcher Trail is likely snow free. (6/26/24)
Stock: Beaver ponds trail not suitable for stock.
Sportsman's Lake Trail from Glen Creek Trailhead is snow free to Electric Pass. Some lingering snow packs at the top of the pass. (6/25/24)
Electric Peak has snow at upper elevations near the pass. (6/19/24)
Gardner River is fordable. Use caution if attempting to cross. (6/10/24)
Fawn Pass Trail west of Gardner River is snow free to the pass. Cross with caution. (6/19/24)
Stock: Trail is partially closed to stock. There is a bog about 3 miles West of the Indian Creek trailhead that makes travel dangerous. Travel is okay from the Bighorn trail (along highway 191) until the pass. At the pass is a cornice that horses will not be able to pass. No through travel between Bighorn trailhead-to Indian Creek Trailhead.(7/2/24)
Trails from Mount Holmes Trailhead and Grizzly Lake trailhead to campsites are snow free.
Creek crossing at outlet of Grizzly Lake is deep, but crossable. (6/26/24)
Winter Creek is crossable with caution. (6/26/24)
Upper elevations of Mount Holmes Trail and Trilobite Lake Trail likely to have lingering snow, attempt with caution. (6/26/24)
See conditions map above for details on Richard's Pond and Gneiss Creek Bear Management Areas
Trail is open.
Stock: Trail not suitable for stock.
Trail is open and snow free. (6/10/24)
Trail is open.
Stock: Not suitable for stock.
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 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.
Lava Creek Trail (from Lava Creek Picnic Area or 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. (5/30/24)
Stock: Lava Creek trail not suitable for stock.
Trail is open.
Stock: Not suitable for stock.
The Yellowstone River Trail is closed west of campsite 1Y1 due to a trail washout. See map above.
Report of a habituated marmot at campsite 2H1.(6/10/24)
Hellroaring Creek is deep and swift, not crossible on foot. Hikers will need to head north along Hellroaring Creek to the foot bridge located south of campsite 2H8. (6/10/24)
The full Bull Mountain Loop (connecting Hellroaring and Coyote Creek Trails) is not accessible. Bridges across Specimen Creek and Horse Creek (north of the park on the Hellroaring Creek Trail) washed out in 2022. Specimen Creek and Horse Creek are too deep and swift to cross until waters drop in mid-late July. Some people were able to cross Horse Creek on a log jam last year, but there is not a safe crossing across Specimen Creek. (6/14/24)
Site 2H5 is closed for season. Site must be relocated.
Floating Island Lake is CLOSED. No Entry or Boating in order to protect nesting birds.
Sections of the Lost Lake Trail near Roosevelt Lodge are CLOSED. See Conditions Map above.
Stock: Not suitable for stock
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 partially CLOSED due to damage from the 2022 Flooding event. See Backcountry Conditions Map above.
Stock: Not suitable for stock.
Buffalo Fork trail open. Conditions unknown. Use Caution when crossing Slough Creek. (7/1/24)
Slough Creek Trail is open and in good condition. (6/10/24)
Warm Creek to Pebble Creek is mostly snow free with a muddy patches and a few remaining areas of snow.(6/20/24)
Bliss Pass cleared of downed trees (7/1/24)
Pebble Creek Fords are running about 1.5 feet in depth, crossable.(6/20/24)
STOCK USE: Warm Creek side of Pebble Creek Trail (east end) open to stock up to campsite 3P2. No stock allowed from the Pebble Creek Trailhead (3K2).
Trout Lake Trail is open.
The bridge over the outlet stream is being replaced. During bridge construction the entire loop hike may not be possible. (6/13/24)
Stock: Not suitable for stock.
Yellowstone River Picnic Area trail is open. (5/30/24)
Specimen Ridge Trail is likely snow free. (6/26/24)
Specimen Ridge-Agate Creek trails have been cleared from Specimen Ridge trailhead to campsite 2Y1. (6/6/24)
Lamar river trail is open and cleared of downfall up to Mist pass. Trail closed further south due to Pelican Valley Bear Management area. See below.
Miller Creek trail is open.
Fords on Cache Creek, Lamar River, and Miller Creek are running around 2-2 1/2 feet deep. Crossbable on foot and Stock. Scout for the best locations to cross the creek. (7/1/24)
The Pelican Valley Trailhead is closed until July 4 due to the Pelican Valley Bear Management area. No through travel from Lamar River to Pelican Valley.
Stock:Trail CLOSED to stock South of campsite 3U1. On Miller Creek there is no travel by stock between campsite 3M3 and 3M6.
Cache Creek is snow free but may be lingering snow on Republic Pass. (6/26/24)
Thunderer Trail may have lingering snow at the pass. Soda Butte is crossable with caution for experienced hikers. (6/26/24)
Stock: Trail hasn't been cleared of downfall, not recommended for stock (7/1/24)
Trail from Dunraven Pass Trailhead may have some lingering snow. (6/26/24)
Chittenden Trailhead is open. The trail to Mount Washburn from Chittenden Trailhead is snow free. (6/13/24)
Trail from summit to campsite 4E1 may have areas of snow. (6/8/24)
STOCK: Chittenden Road is not suitable for stock.
Trail is open with a few areas of running water on the trail. (6/8/24)
Sulphur Creek just past campsite 4C2 is passable; there is an easy rock jump to cross (6/16/24)
Trail to campsite 4E1 is fairly wet in places. (6/8/24)
Trail between 4E1 and Mount Washburn has areas of snow. (6/8/24)
Stock: Not suitable for stock.
Due to Norris Campground being closed for the 2024 season, there is a barricade which will prevent visitors from parking at the trailhead. Visitors will need to park in the large pullout on the main road to the south of the barricade and walk through the campground to the trailhead.
Trail is open. Trails across open meadows are quite wet. (6/8/24)
Cascade Lake Trail between Cascade and Grebe is very wet with standing water and running water in trail.(6/3/24)
Gibbon River fords near Ice Lake and Wolf Lake are ~2 feet deep. (6/3/24)
There are several closures in effect to protect nesting birds (see map above for exact locations):
No boating,and fishing along Ice Lake
No boating, fishing and off trail travel along Wolf Lake
No Boating, Fishing or off trail travel along the Western half of Grebe Lake.
Trails are open.
Stock: Not suitable for stock.
Wapiti Lake Trailhead to trail to Ribbon Lake has been cleared of downfall (6/5/24)
Sour Creek if headed to Wrangler Lake, should be passable. (6/8/24)
Trail to Wapiti Lake likely clear of snow. (6/26/24)
Pelican Creek and Astringent Creek Trails south of Fern Lake are closed until July 4 as part of the Pelican Bear Management Area.
Trail is open.
Trail is extremely muddy and wet in some areas. (6/8/24)
Southwest
Most of the trails in the Bechler area are wet and/or flooded. Streams are deep and uncrossable. Mosquitoes are out in force. (6/14/24)
Cave Falls Road is open and in good condition with washboarded areas.
The Grassy Lake Road is snow free. Road conditions still rough. Recommended vehicles have high clearance. Link to road conditions at Grand Teton National Park: GRTE Park Roads. (6/22/24)
Trails around Fairy Falls, Sentinel Meadows, and the Freight Road are snow free. (6/26/24)
Conditions unknown. Expect multiple downed trees across the trail. (6/10/24)
Snow free, trail cleared of downfall. (6/26/24)
Trail to Lone Star Geyser is snow free. (6/26/24)
All watercraft require Yellowstone AIS inspection and registration. Inspection stations are at Bridge Bay, Grant, and Lewis Lake. New: A thirty-day dry time is required for all sailboats, boats with inboard motors, and boats with inboard/outboard motors. See Boating in Yellowstone for more information.
Motorized boats are prohibited on Shoshone Lake and Lewis River.
There is a bird closure in effect at the mouth of the Lewis River Channel. No boating, fishing, or off trail travel in the closure area. See map above for closure area details.
Dogshead Trail has been cleared up to 3.5 miles in from trailhead. Dogshead Creek is running -- use caution when crossing. (6/8/24)
DeLacy trail is in good condition. (6/16/24)
Stock: No stock allowed in the Shoshone Geyser Basin.
Inaccessible. Rivers are deep and swift. (6/25/24)
Trails across Bechler Meadows are wet and flooded. Hikers report ankle to knee deep water on trail and lots of "bugs". Hiking not recommended. (6/22/24)
Campsites 9B1 and 9C1 are open and accessible. (6/14/24)
Mosquitoes are plentiful! (6/14/24)
Trails are wet and/or flooded. Streams are deep and swift. Hiking north of Bartlett Slough is not recommended. (6/14/24)
Very wet conditions. Conditions of campsites unknown. (6/14/24)
Conditions unknown. Likely inaccessible due to road conditions, snow, and rivers too deep and swift to cross. (6/14/24)
Fish Lake Trailhead is closed until July 16 per Caribou-Targhee National Forest.
Most of the trail has deep snow, not recommended. (6/10/24)
Campsites 8P1 and 8P2 are likely to still be snow covered. (6/10/24)
Wet conditions with some patchy snow. (6/10/24)
There is a bird closure in effect for the northwestern part of the Buela Lake No boating, fishing or off-trail travel in the bird closure. See map above for closure area details.
There is a bird closure for Tanager Lake. No fishing, boating, or off trail travel around the entire lake.
East side of Grassy Lake Road is closed to motorized travel; expected to open June 17.
Southeast
Boating season is open.
Storm Point Trail is open. Bear Frequenting warning. (7/2/24)
Elephant Back is cleared and snow free. (6/17/24)
Natural Bridge Trail has reopened. (6/17/24)
Stock: Storm Point, Elephant Back trail not suitable for stock.
Hikers report patches of snow at tree line and larger patches of snow that require some trail searching near the summit. Snow melt water on trail in places. (6/22/24)
All watercraft require Yellowstone AIS inspection and registration. Inspection stations are at Bridge Bay and Grant Village, Lewis Lake. New: A thirty-day dry time is required for all sailboats, boats with inboard motors, inboard/outboard motors, or jet drives. See Boating in Yellowstone for more information.
Docks and hazard bouys are in place.(6/12/24)
There are several closures in effect to protect nesting birds. There are closures in place near Frank Island, Stevenson Island, Molly Islands, Peale Island, campsite 7N2, and campsite 7L7. No travel permitted on, or near the closures. See map above for specific location of closures.
Yellowstone River and Thororfare Creek are running at high runoff levels and fords are not recommended for foot traffic or stock crossing at this time. Can be 4 - 6' deep depending on particular waterway. Meadows are wet in places -- caution advised. (6/25/24)
Streams are at peak runoff levels and many are uncrossable. (6/14/24)
Areas of standing water in trail. Clear Creek ford is 2.5 - 3 feet deep. Cub Creek ford is 2 feet deep. (5/21/24)
Meadow Creek ford can be crossed with caution. (6/5/24)
Columbine Creek (south of 5E6) and Beaverdam Creek (south of 5E1) are running deep and swift, likely uncrossable. (6/14/24)
Lingering snow drifts begin south of campsite 6D8 and continue towards Eagle pass.(6/27)
No off-trail travel is permitted along the east shore of Yellowstone Lake until July 14 or later. Refer to the above map for more information on the Clear Creek Bear Management Area.
Stock: Meadows in the Thorofare and Mountain Creek area are muddy and stock sink in on some. (6/27/24)
Snake River fords are crossable with caution. (7/2/24)
Part of Heart Lake closed to all water craft including float tubes. See map above.
The Riddle Lake Trail is closed until at least July 15 due to Riddle/Solution Bear Management Area restrictions. See map above.
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.