Yellowstone River Trail
This long backcountry trail parallels the northern shore of Yellowstone River.
Plan Around Yellowstone River Trail
A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.
Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Yellowstone River Trail Details
This long backcountry trail parallels the northern shore of Yellowstone River, yielding fantastic views of the canyon as its dark walls rise up around the river. The trail begins near Hellroaring Trailhead and descends almost 1,100 feet through a Douglas fir forest before crossing the river on a suspension bridge and heading into a area dominated by grassy rolling hills dotted with seasonal wildflowers. Stunning scenic views, including glimpses of Knowles Falls and a large, mossy boulderfield near the river, makes this trail popular among hikers, backcountry campers, and anglers. Traveling downhill for almost its entire duration, the trail is never particularily strenuous, but can become more difficult in early spring, as its low elevation often experiences a good deal of snowmelt and flooding.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
18.5 miles
Estimated time
9.25 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Yellowstone River Trail
Compare nearby parks around Yellowstone River Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Yellowstone River Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Yellowstone River Trail while the map context is still fresh.
2.9 mi away
Hellroaring Trailhead
Trailhead parking for Hellroaring Creek Trail, Yellowstone River Trail and Garnet Hill Loop Trail.
3.4 mi away
Floating Island Lake
A small lake situated along the south side of Grand Loop Road at the base of Crescent Hill.
3.9 mi away
Blacktail Plateau Drive
This seven-mile dirt road gives you the option of visiting the Blacktail Deer Plateau.
5.3 mi away
Petrified Tree
This stump of an ancient redwood tree was buried in volcanic ash and fossilized millions of years ago.
5.4 mi away
Lamar River Drainage
Provides some of the best and most consistent fishing in the park, and is home to a number of species.
