Trail

Seven Mile Bridge

TrailOPERATIONAL★ 4.8
Seven Mile Bridge over a calm river at sunset in Yellowstone National Park with a pickup truck parked along the road.

13.9 miles one-way through open valleys with a relatively flat grade. Endurance is the name of the game, and wildlife presence keeps you alert. Prepare with bear spray, water, and a planned shuttle or two-car system to complete the route safely.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
13.9
Route Type
One-way
Difficulty Level
Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet
500

Trail profile

Distance Miles
13.9
Route Type
One-way
Difficulty Level
Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet
500
Estimated Time
6-8 hours
Trail Surface
Packed dirt
Trail Features
  • Open valleys
  • Wildlife viewing opportunities
  • River crossings
  • Long-distance, one-way route
  • Bear country
Trail Highlights
Open valleys with wildlife sightings in a long-distance hike; early light yields better wildlife photography and solitude

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
Seven Mile Bridge Trailhead along West Entrance Road, Yellowstone National Park
Parking Lot Size
No published figure for trailhead parking capacity.
Parking Fill Time
No documented data on how quickly the parking fills; reviewers do not report parking congestion.
Shuttle Required
0
Shuttle Details
Plan a shuttle or two-car drop-off for the one-way hike; coordinate in advance

Permits & conditions

Permits Required
Yes
Permit Details
Backcountry camping permits required year-round via Recreation.gov; for other permits contact Backcountry Office at (307) 344-2160
Fees
Varies
Trail Status
Open
Seasonal Closures
Bear management area restrictions March 10–June 30; off-trail travel prohibited during that window

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
0
Water Sources
Reliable creeks (filter needed)
Accessibility
Rugged; not wheelchair accessible

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Bear encounters (grizzly and black bears)
  • Bison
  • Elk
  • River crossings
  • Lightning
Hazard Details
Northern stretch is a bear management area; off-trail travel restricted Mar 10–Jun 30; river crossings can be swift and cold
Cell Service
Spotty to non-existent; Verizon strongest in developed areas; expect no service on most trails
Crowd Level
Moderate
Peak Crowd Times
Midday in peak season; weekends and holidays
Best Season
Summer and early fall (July–September)
Best Time To Visit
July–September; start at dawn to beat heat and possible afternoon storms.
Tips Advice
  • Carry 2 liters water minimum
  • Bear spray and bear-safety knowledge required in bear country
  • Start early, pace steady; shade is limited in open valleys
  • Filter creek water and plan a shuttle/two-car drop-off for the one-way hike

More details

Park Area
Yellowstone National Park, West Entrance Road area (Wyoming)
Trail Markers
Bring map; markers not described; navigation may require GPS
Dogs Allowed
Dog policy not published.
Biking Allowed
Biking policy not published.
Shade Level
Limited shade in open valleys
Emergency Contacts
Backcountry Office: (307) 344-2160
Map Recommended
1
Alltrails Link
www.alltrails.com
Snow Dates
Snow can linger into mid-April; most snow melts by July
Mud Season
Mud season timing is not documented.
Wildflower Peak
Mid-June to July
Fall Colors Peak
Late September to October
Bug Season
Late summer (August)
Insider Tips
  • Start before sunrise to catch wildlife and avoid heat
  • Carry bear spray and know how to deploy
  • Trekking poles help at river crossings and stability
  • Filter water from creeks; carry extra water
  • Coordinate a shuttle or two-car plan for the one-way hike
Recent Updates
Trail status open; bear safety restrictions apply seasonally; verify backcountry permits and closures
Family Friendly Notes
Not recommended for young children due to bear country and potential river crossings
Nearby Facilities
Nearest services in West Yellowstone or Gardiner; trailhead lacks facilities
Review Summary
A long, relatively flat one-way route with abundant wildlife opportunities and constant bear awareness. Endurance is the core requirement, with limited cell service adding to the challenge. Proper planning for permits and a shuttle is critical for a safe through-hike.

Location

Seven Mile Bridge spans a wetlands area at sunset in Yellowstone National Park, offering a scenic overlook with a distant marsh and pine trees.Seven Mile Bridge spans a clear river with evergreen trees and a rocky cliff in Yellowstone National Park.Seven Mile Bridge trail crosses a river valley with pine trees and distant canyon in Yellowstone National Park.Seven Mile Bridge in Yellowstone National Park sits amid snow-dusted meadows and evergreen forest with a lone elk nearby.Seven Mile Bridge trail winds across a rocky meadow in Yellowstone National Park under bright blue skies.

Frequently asked questions

Are bears a danger on Seven Mile Bridge Trail?

Yes. It’s bear country; carry bear spray, make noise, travel in groups, and follow safety protocols.

Do I need permits for day hiking?

Backcountry camping permits are required for overnight stays and some activities; day hiking may not require a permit, but verify with the Backcountry Office.

Is cell service available along the trail?

Very limited; expect spotty to no service on most portions; Verizon may be strongest near developed areas.

How long does the hike take?

Estimate 6–8 hours for most hikers, depending on pace and stops.

Is a shuttle mandatory?

Not mandatory, but essential for a safe one-way hike; arrange a shuttle or two-car plan in advance.

Brink of Lower Falls

0.7 miles out-and-back. Steep climb back. The brink of Lower Falls rewards the grit.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated January 2026. Report an issue.