Trail

Red Canyon Creek

TrailOPERATIONAL★ 4.1
Red Canyon Creek trail winds through a meadow in Yellowstone National Park, with forested slopes and distant peaks.

Red Canyon Creek runs 9 miles out-and-back with 1,900 ft of elevation gain. The climb is steady with switchbacks; no technical scrambling, but the workout is real. You’ll move from creekside forest into subalpine meadows with whitebark pines and wildflowers—the payoff is quiet solitude and high-energy reward for the effort.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
9
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Moderate Workout
Elevation Gain Feet
1900

Trail profile

Distance Miles
9
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Moderate Workout
Elevation Gain Feet
1900
Estimated Time
4-6 hours
Trail Surface
Varies from creekside easy walking to packed dirt with rocky switchbacks
Trail Features
  • Creekside lower section
  • Switchbacks
  • Subalpine meadows
  • Whitebark pines
  • Wildflowers
  • Earthquake scarp across lower section
Trail Highlights
Quiet, creek-adjacent corridor into subalpine meadows with wildflowers and sparse crowds; wildlife potential adds to the realism of mountain hiking.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
Red Canyon Road (#681), ~2.5 miles north of Highway 287; ~5.5 miles west of the junction of Highways 191 and 287 (8 miles north of West Yellowstone)
Parking Lot Size
Small pullout at the trailhead that accommodates only a handful of vehicles; on weekends and during peak wildflower season (early July–mid-August) it can fill by mid-morning.
Parking Fill Time
Not a choke point; parking rarely fills up
Shuttle Required
0

Permits & conditions

Fees
$0
Trail Status
Open
Seasonal Closures
Snow-free typically by early summer; watch for late spring flooding and mud after events

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
0
Water Sources
Creek along the lower section; carry water and filter as needed
Accessibility
Mixed—forest floor sections with rocky switchbacks; elevation gain is moderate but sustained

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Bear country
  • Flooding risk after storms
  • Sun exposure in exposed meadows
  • Bike traffic on shared trail
Hazard Details
Carry bear spray and make noise; note that some segments can flood after storms; expect sun in alpine zones and mixed footing on rocky switchbacks; bikes share the route, so stay audible and visible.
Cell Service
Cell service is limited to none in most of the area; bring a satellite communicator or offline maps for emergencies.
Crowd Level
Generally low
Peak Crowd Times
Mornings are quieter; weekends may see more hikers and bike traffic
Best Season
Early July to mid-August
Best Time To Visit
Start early in the day (before 10 AM) to beat potential afternoon storms and heat; best for wildflowers is early July to mid-August.
Tips Advice
  • Carry 2 liters of water minimum and filter creek water in lower sections.
  • Bear spray is highly recommended in bear country; make noise and stay alert.
  • Trekking poles help on elevation gain and long miles.
  • Start cold, pace yourself, and plan 4–6 hours with extra time for flowers and wildlife.

More details

Park Area
Yellowstone National Park, MT/WY
Trail Markers
Moderately well-marked; bring a map and compass as backup
Dogs Allowed
Not documented in the official notes; if you bring a pet, confirm leash rules with the managing agency before hiking.
Biking Allowed
Yes—trail is shared with bikes
Shade Level
Mixed; forested sections provide shade, open meadows offer sun
Emergency Contacts
Yellowstone National Park emergency services
Map Recommended
1
Snow Dates
Snow-free typically by early summer
Mud Season
Spring can be muddy; post-flood conditions may persist
Wildflower Peak
Early July to mid-August
Fall Colors Peak
Late September to October
Bug Season
Summer
Insider Tips
  • The trail is shared with bikes—make noise and stay visible.
  • Start early to dodge potential afternoon storms.
  • Bring bear spray and trekking poles for stability on elevation.
  • Check flood conditions after heavy rain; mud can linger.
Recent Updates
Trail reopened after recent flooding
Family Friendly Notes
Described as approachable for many ages due to manageable switchbacks; however, elevation gain and wildlife risk warrant supervision and caution for kids
Nearby Facilities
No restrooms at the trailhead; plan ahead since there are no facilities in the immediate vicinity.
Review Summary
Hikers praise the steady gain and quiet atmosphere, with wildflowers in bloom shaping a high-reward hike. The bike-sharing aspect and wildlife presence affect wildlife viewing and pace. Overall, a solid moderate workout with meaningful rewards.

Location

Red Canyon Creek Trail winds along a grassy hillside with pine forests and distant mountains in Yellowstone National Park.Red Canyon Creek Trail winds through a rocky canyon in Yellowstone National Park under an overcast sky.Red Canyon Creek trail winds past evergreen trees and a rocky canyon wall in Yellowstone National Park.Sunset over Red Canyon Creek Trail in Yellowstone National Park, with pink clouds casting silhouettes on the pine forest.Red Canyon Creek trail winds along rocky banks and pines through Yellowstone National Park.

Frequently asked questions

Are bears common on this trail?

Yes—this is bear country. Make noise, stay alert, and carry bear spray; store food properly and avoid surprising wildlife.

Is cell service available on the trail?

Cell service is unreliable; don’t rely on it for emergencies—carry a map/compass and tell someone your plan.

Is this trail family-friendly?

Yes for many families, thanks to manageable switchbacks, but keep kids close and aware of wildlife and the elevation gain.

Do I need a day-use permit for Red Canyon Creek?

No day-use permit is mentioned for this route; backcountry camping permits may apply if you extend beyond the day hike.

What should I pack for weather changes?

Pack layers, sun protection, water, bear spray, and a light rain shell; weather can shift quickly in subalpine zones.

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.