Pebble Creek Ski Trail

Q: Do I need special gear?

Yes. Expert-level backcountry skis, insulated boots rated for -20°F, full winter camping kit (4-season tent, rated sleeping bag -10°F+, closed-cell foam pad), topographic map, compass, GPS, avalanche transceiver, multiple insulating layers, 3L water capacity, 2-3 days of high-calorie food, first-aid, repair kit. This is not a day-pack trail.

Q: Can I do this as a day trip?

Only experienced parties in late winter/early spring with ideal snow and avalanche conditions. Most visitors require overnight camping. Start at dawn, be off the mountain by 3 PM to avoid skiing in darkness. Margin for error is zero.

Q: What if I get lost in unbroken snow?

Bring map, compass, and GPS—use all three. No cell service. If you cannot navigate confidently with a topo map in winter conditions, do not go. Mark your route so you can retrace. Backcountry means self-rescue.

Q: Is the backcountry permit hard to get?

Free, but in-person only. Available from Mammoth or Old Faithful visitor centers, or West/South entrance stations. Plan ahead—winter season is busy among expert skiers. No phone reservations or walk-ins guaranteed during peak periods.

Q: What's the biggest mistake skiers make on this trail?

Underestimating the length and commitment. Route-finding errors, starting too late and skiing in darkness, and overestimating their winter mountaineering skills. Respect the terrain or it will break you.

Q: Do I need an avalanche transceiver?

Highly recommended. This trail includes steep terrain where avalanche risk exists in certain snow conditions. Check the avalanche forecast with rangers. If there's any slope steeper than 30 degrees in your planned route, carry transceiver, shovel, and probe.

Distance

13 mi

Elevation Gain

1,357 ft

Est. Time

8-10 hours for experienced skiers; add time if route-finding or breaking trail in fresh snow.

Route Type

One-way (point-to-point)

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

Winter (late winter to early spring for optimal conditions)

Overview

About This Trail

Pebble Creek Ski Trail is a 13-mile one-way backcountry ski route through unbroken snow with multiple stream crossings and steep terrain—expert skiers only. Elevation gain of 1357 feet demands serious fitness and winter mountaineering skills. This is expedition skiing, not resort recreation: overnight camping is standard, navigation requires map/compass, and stream crossings can disable in winter. Solitude and pristine winter landscape reward those prepared for true wilderness self-sufficiency.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Expert / Most Difficult

Trail Highlights

Pristine backcountry skiing through unbroken snow with panoramic views of Yellowstone's Northeast backcountry, forested glades, and mountain terrain. Reward is solitude, wilderness self-reliance, and views few visitors ever see.

Insider Tips

• Stream crossings are the grit check. Scout before committing. • False ski tracks from previous parties may mislead; use map/compass as authority. • Start at dawn. Winter darkness at 4:30 PM means you need a 6-hour buffer. • Bison move predictably in winter; don't surprise them. • If you're breaking trail in fresh powder, plan for 50% slower speed. • Winter camping on unbroken snow demands deep anchor placement and wind discipline.

Best Season to Hike

Winter (late winter to early spring for optimal conditions)

Hiking Tips

Check avalanche and snow conditions with rangers before departure—don't guess.
Tighten your boots and pack light; every ounce matters over unbroken snow.
Carry 3L minimum water capacity; winter streams are cold shock.
Make noise for bears; travel in groups of 2+.
Mark your route; unbroken snow erases footprints fast.
Warm beverage in insulated thermos is survival, not luxury.
Winter camping setup must be bulletproof in wind.

Family Info

NOT family-friendly. Expert backcountry skiers only. Steep terrain, stream crossings, winter exposure, isolation, and wildlife hazards make this unsuitable for families, children, or inexperienced skiers. Overnight camping in winter is grueling and dangerous for the unprepared.

What Hikers Say

Experienced backcountry skiers praise the solitude and pristine snow conditions, but all emphasize: this is not for casual recreation. Avalanche risk, navigation demands, stream crossings, and winter exposure require serious preparation, fitness, and decision-making. One reviewer captured it: "Beautiful, brutal, humbling. Know your limits before you come here."

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 13 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,357 ft

Duration: 8-10 hours for experienced skiers; add time if route-finding or breaking trail in fresh snow.

Difficulty: Expert / Most Difficult

Route Type: One-way (point-to-point)

Surface: Backcountry ski trail through unbroken snow with multiple stream crossings. Forested sections and open slopes. Steep and technical in places.

Getting There

Trailhead: North of Pebble Creek Campground along the Northeast Entrance Road. Alternate access/exit near Warm Creek Picnic Area.

Requirements

Permit Required

Free backcountry use permit required. Must be obtained in person from: Mammoth Hot Springs Visitor Center, Old Faithful Visitor Center, or West/South entrance stations. No phone reservations. Plan ahead and secure permit before departure. Check current snow and avalanche conditions with ranger.

Fees: Yellowstone entrance fee: $35 per private vehicle; $20 per person on foot/ski (valid 7 days). Backcountry permit is free.

Shuttle Available

No shuttle. Access via personal vehicle to Northeast Entrance Road trailhead north of Pebble Creek Campground.

Trail Rules

Dogs: Service animals only. Qualified service animals welcome throughout park and must be leashed under control at all times.

Biking: No. Winter ski trail only.

Trail Markers: Skier-tracked trail with minimal marked signage. Previous ski tracks may be buried by new snow. Bring topographic map, compass, and GPS. Navigation is your responsibility.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Stream crossings along trail provide water but are extremely cold in winter. Carry insulated bottles. Melt snow for additional water and warm beverages.

Shade: Mixed. Forested sections provide overhead protection; open slopes and ridges are fully exposed to sun and wind.

Cell Service: No cell service in backcountry area. Assume you're on your own.

Hazards:

Trail includes multiple stream crossings—ice-covered or flowing—that are foot-numbing in winter. Steep descents demand precise ski technique or crashing is likely. Navigation through unbroken snow requires map, compass, and GPS; inexperienced route-finding can lead to cliffs or gullies. Bison and elk frequent this area; federal law requires 25 yards minimum distance. Bears and wolves require 100 yards. Winter exposure—no shelter, limited daylight—means one mistake (injury, lost route, gear failure) can trigger hypothermia in hours. No cell service. Emergency response in winter backcountry is slow or impossible.

Emergency: Mammoth Hot Springs Ranger Station (winter permit and condition info): contact via visitor center. In emergencies, backcountry rescue response is extremely limited in winter. Prevention and self-sufficiency are your only insurance.

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Ghost town. Limited to expert backcountry skiers; very few attempt this route in winter.

Peak Times: Not heavily traveled. Mid-to-late winter (February-March) sees occasional use when snow is stable.

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Rooty, steep, and extremely technical. Unbroken snow with multiple stream crossings and 1357 feet elevation gain over 13 miles. This trail is not accessible to casual or intermediate skiers. Expert-level skiing, backcountry navigation, and winter mountaineering skills are non-negotiable.

Family Notes:

Nearby Facilities

Pebble Creek Campground (nearest; 15+ miles). Mammoth Hot Springs area: visitor center, ranger station, limited winter services (15 miles). Tower Ranger Station (18 miles). Northeast Entrance: minimal services. Most services are seasonal and winter hours are limited.

What Hikers Say

Reviews

" Experienced backcountry skiers praise the solitude and pristine snow conditions, but all emphasize: this is not for casual recreation. Avalanche risk, navigation demands, stream crossings, and winter exposure require serious preparation, fitness, and decision-making. One reviewer captured it: "Beautiful, brutal, humbling. Know your limits before you come here.""

Reviews from Google

FAQs

Are there bears on this trail?

Yes. Bison and elk also frequent this area year-round. Federal law requires 100 yards minimum distance from bears and wolves, 25 yards from bison and other wildlife. Make noise, carry bear spray, travel in groups, and avoid sudden encounters. Winter means fewer active bears, but don't assume safety.

Do I need special gear?

Can I do this as a day trip?

What if I get lost in unbroken snow?

Is the backcountry permit hard to get?

What's the biggest mistake skiers make on this trail?

Do I need an avalanche transceiver?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

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