Service dogs only, with a backcountry permit required. Regular pets are not allowed due to wildlife conflict and safety issues.

Canyon Rim Ski Trail - 4.5mi Loop

Q: Can I ski this solo or do I need a group?

Solo skiing is legal but risky in backcountry. Ski with a partner. If you go alone, tell a ranger where you're going and when you'll return. Carry a satellite communicator (Garmin InReach) because cell service is dead.

Q: How cold is it and what gear is mandatory?

Expect -10°F to 20°F with wind chill dropping it further. Insulated ski jacket, base layers, mid-layer fleece, goggles, gloves, wool socks, and a balaclava are not optional. Hypothermia sets in fast—don't skimp on gear.

Q: Is the shuttle mandatory or can I hike back?

Hiking out 4.5 miles in ski boots through snow is brutal and takes 2-3 hours. Shuttle is strongly recommended. Reserve ahead; shuttles fill quickly.

Q: What if the weather turns bad mid-run?

Whiteout conditions develop fast. Stop immediately, dig a snow shelter if needed, and wait. Or ski back to the start if you know the way. This is why a map and compass are non-negotiable.

Distance

4.5 mi

Elevation Gain

200 ft

Est. Time

2-3 hours depending on fitness level, snow conditions, and time spent at overlooks

Route Type

Loop

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

Winter

Overview

About This Trail

The Canyon Rim Ski Trail is a 4.5-mile loop that demands respect. You'll ski through forest and along a narrow rim with serious drop-offs into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone—one wrong edge means consequences. The trail is rated easiest to more difficult, so snow conditions and your skill level will dictate the actual grit. Expect views that will make you stop mid-run, if you can handle the exposure.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Intermediate—easiest to more difficult rating; rim exposure and winter conditions make it tactical despite moderate elevation

Trail Highlights

Unobstructed views into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone while skiing—an uncommon experience that rewards the effort and the exposure risk you're accepting.

Insider Tips

• The first descent to Inspiration Point is moderately steep—control your speed. • Summer cabin area offers wind shelter halfway through; valuable if conditions deteriorate. • Grand View Point (Mile 2) is the real payoff; don't rush it. • Afternoon winds spike around 2 PM—start early to finish before then. • Fresh snow can hide drop-offs along the rim; exercise extra caution. • The loop back through the lodge area is scenic but often soft snow; plan your energy.

Best Season to Hike

Winter

Hiking Tips

Remove skis and walk to overlooks—don't test canyon rim edges.
Carry minimum 2L water; cold makes dehydration sneaky.
Wear insulated layers with wind shell; exposure is real on the rim.
Use headlamp or start early; winter darkness is brutal.
Make noise while skiing to avoid surprising wildlife.
Check shuttle availability before arriving—reservations may be required.
Ski with a partner; solo backcountry skiing is risky here.

Family Info

Suitable for families with intermediate ski ability. Keep children close on rim sections and teach them to remove skis near overlooks. Cold exposure limits very young children; consider age 8+ with proper insulated gear.

What Hikers Say

Skiers report the rim views are unmatched in the park, but the exposure demands respect and solid technique. Winter conditions are highly variable—mid-season (January-February) offers the best snowpack. This is not a scenic cruise; it's a tactical run with real hazards and real consequences for mistakes.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 4.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 200 ft

Duration: 2-3 hours depending on fitness level, snow conditions, and time spent at overlooks

Difficulty: Intermediate—easiest to more difficult rating; rim exposure and winter conditions make it tactical despite moderate elevation

Route Type: Loop

Surface: Skier-tracked forest trail with packed and firm snow; exposed sections along canyon rim

Getting There

Trailhead: Canyon Visitor Education Center. Follow North Rim Drive east for 1 mile to trail entry.

Requirements

Permit Required

No permit required for day-use skiing. Backcountry permit required only if bringing qualified service animals due to wildlife conflict risk.

Fees: $35 park entrance fee (7-day vehicle pass) or $20 per person (foot/ski entry); shuttle fees apply if used (amount varies)

Shuttle Required

One-way or round-trip skier shuttles available for a fee. Shuttle reservations may be required to access this trail. Contact: 307-344-7311, Toll-free 866-439-7375, TDD 304-344-5395. Book through park hotels or call ahead.

Trail Rules

Dogs: Service animals only with backcountry permit

Biking: No—designated ski and snowshoe trail only

Trail Markers: Well-marked with skier-tracked path and signs at junctions. Bring map as backup navigation.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: No natural water sources on trail. Carry water or melt snow.

Shade: Mixed—forested sections provide shade; canyon rim sections are exposed and subject to wind

Cell Service: Poor to absent—unreliable in backcountry sections. Do not rely on cell for emergency communication.

Hazards:

Caution is advised along the canyon rim with steep drop-offs; NPS advises removing skis and walking to viewpoints. Winter cold poses real hypothermia risk—wind chill can drop below -20°F. Variable snow conditions and potential whiteouts can reduce visibility. Altitude (8,000+ feet) and exertion in cold air increase dehydration risk.

Emergency: Yellowstone Park ranger line: 307-344-2117; Emergency: 911. Satellite communicator (Garmin InReach) strongly recommended.

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Moderate during peak winter weekends; quieter mid-week and early season

Peak Times: Weekends and school holidays during December-February; shuttles fill by mid-morning on peak days

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Narrow, skier-tracked trail through forest with 200 feet elevation gain/loss. Canyon rim sections have steep drop-offs. Service animals permitted with backcountry permit.

Family Notes:

Nearby Facilities

Canyon Visitor Education Center (trailhead, warming lobby), Canyon Campground, Canyon Lodge dining and lodging area

What Hikers Say

FAQs

Is this trail safe if I'm an intermediate skier?

Yes, if you have control on varied terrain. The 'easiest to more difficult' rating means you can choose your slope angles. The rim sections are the real hazard, not the skiing difficulty. Remove skis and walk overlooks if uncertain—no shame in that.

Can I ski this solo or do I need a group?

How cold is it and what gear is mandatory?

Is the shuttle mandatory or can I hike back?

What if the weather turns bad mid-run?

Can I bring my dog?

How much does this cost?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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