Snow Pass Ski Trail

Q: Can we skip the shuttle and do a round-trip from one trailhead?

Yes. Most skiers do this. Glen Creek is the natural out-and-back starting point with the mellow approach. Add 2-3 hours return time if skiing back uphill, depending on fitness and snow conditions.

Q: How many water/food stops are on the trail?

Zero. This is backcountry. Melt snow (bring a lighter) or carry all water from the start. Glen Creek is nearby but filtering in winter is slow. Bring high-calorie snacks—the cold burns fuel fast.

Q: Will we see bison or elk?

Likely. They use this corridor year-round. Keep 25 yards away and never approach. Make constant noise to alert them to your presence. Federal law enforces these distances.

Q: What if conditions are icy?

Turn around. Icy drop-offs kill experienced skiers. NPS flags this hazard for a reason. Check recent conditions with Mammoth rangers; they have real reports. Come back when snow conditions improve.

Q: Do I need avalanche gear?

Not mandated, but smart. This terrain is steep enough for slab avalanches in heavy snow. Check the avalanche forecast (NOAA/park ranger) before going. Beacon, probe, and shovel are survival tools if you trigger one.

Distance

4.2 mi

Elevation Gain

700 ft

Est. Time

2-3 hours one-way; 4-6 hours round-trip from Glen Creek depending on snow conditions and descent speed

Route Type

One-way (with return option)

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

Winter

Overview

About This Trail

Snow Pass Ski Trail is a 4.2-mile winter ski expedition with 700 feet of vertical gain that cuts through dense forest and icy terrain before opening into panoramic views of Swan Lake Flats. The difficulty varies wildly—smooth rolling terrain for 2.2 miles (if you start from Glen Creek), but vicious icy switchbacks with cliff edges elsewhere. Expect encounters with bison and elk. This is a one-way proposition requiring shuttle logistics and serious winter backcountry judgment.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Mixed (Easiest to Most Difficult)

Trail Highlights

700-foot ascent through dense forest to Snow Pass saddle, then descent to panoramic vistas of Swan Lake Flats. Option to link to Bunsen Peak Road Ski Trail for extended expedition.

Insider Tips

• Glen Creek Trailhead offers the mellow entry; don't let 'easiest' fool you—you'll still need solid winter edge control. • The Upper Terrace connector descent is the real lung-buster; save your energy. • Link to Bunsen Peak Road Ski Trail (south across the road) for a full expedition day. • Bison favor the open meadow sections; they're predictable but maintain your 25-yard distance. • Check avalanche forecast with ranger station before heading into steeper slopes.

Best Season to Hike

Winter

Hiking Tips

Winter ski jacket, goggles, and gaiters mandatory—wind chill is brutal at elevation.
Carry minimum 1L water (snow is your backup) and high-calorie snacks; cold burns fuel fast.
Tighten boot bindings before icy sections—loose equipment means disaster on drop-offs.
Make noise constantly—bison and elk use this corridor; give them 25 yards minimum.
Check with Mammoth District Ranger Station for recent icing and hazard reports before departure.
Bring map and compass; visibility can vanish in whiteout conditions.

Family Info

Only appropriate for experienced winter skiers. Icy drop-offs on some sections mean hand-holding young children not practical in ski gear. Ski ability and cold tolerance are non-negotiable prerequisites.

What Hikers Say

Winter skiers report the Glen Creek approach is more moderate than feared, but the forested ascent and icy technical sections separate the grit from the tourists. The payoff—open views across Swan Lake Flats and the exhilarating descent—is genuine but demands respect for winter hazards and wildlife encounters.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 4.2 miles

Elevation Gain: 700 ft

Duration: 2-3 hours one-way; 4-6 hours round-trip from Glen Creek depending on snow conditions and descent speed

Difficulty: Mixed (Easiest to Most Difficult)

Route Type: One-way (with return option)

Surface: Skier-tracked snow

Getting There

Trailhead: Glen Creek Trailhead on Swan Lake Flats; or connector from Upper Terrace Loop Ski Trail; or south of Upper Terrace Loop parking area on Mammoth-Norris Road

Requirements

Permit Required

Service animals require backcountry access permit. Contact Mammoth District Ranger Station or visit https://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm for application details.

Fees: No trail fee. Yellowstone entrance: $35 (private vehicle, 7 days). Shuttle fee (if used): unknown.

Shuttle Required

One-way or round-trip skier shuttles may be offered through park concessionaire. Confirm availability and schedule with Mammoth District Ranger Station before arrival. Winter roads (Mammoth-Norris) are snowpacked; 4WD or chains likely needed for self-drive access.

Trail Rules

Dogs: Service animals only (must be leashed; backcountry access permit required)

Biking: No (winter ski trail only)

Trail Markers: Skier-tracked corridor; well-defined in good snow; markers become invisible in storm conditions.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Melt snow or filter Glen Creek en route; bring backup water capacity of 1+ liter.

Shade: Partial (heavily forested for first section and ascent; open terrain after Snow Pass saddle)

Cell Service: Limited to none (backcountry winter conditions)

Hazards:

NPS warns: 'Some curves have steep drop-offs and can be hazardous when icy.' Bison and elk frequent the trail; federal law requires 25 yards minimum distance. Bears and wolves require 100 yards. Winter conditions create whiteout risk; visibility and safety change hourly.

Emergency: 911 (life-threatening emergencies); Mammoth District Ranger Station (non-emergency backcountry support via https://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm)

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Solitude (winter backcountry crowds are minimal; most park traffic is summer)

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Trail difficulty varies by route choice. Glen Creek Trailhead approach: 2.2 miles of relatively flat/rolling terrain. Upper Terrace/Mammoth-Norris routes: steep icy sections with challenging technical difficulty. Not wheelchair accessible; backcountry winter ski experience required.

Family Notes:

What Hikers Say

FAQs

Is this trail safe for intermediate skiers?

Depends on your route. Glen Creek approach (2.2 miles) is manageable for intermediate skiers with solid winter experience. The Upper Terrace/Mammoth-Norris sections demand expert edge control and icy terrain comfort. Know which trailhead you're using and scout conditions first.

Can we skip the shuttle and do a round-trip from one trailhead?

How many water/food stops are on the trail?

Will we see bison or elk?

What if conditions are icy?

Do I need avalanche gear?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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