Trail

Slough Creek Trail

Trail
A creek meanders past a rocky outcropping.

This is a moderate hike on a historic wagon trail into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness—tactical for hikers with solid fitness. The opening mile is a relentless switchback climb with zero shade: steep, exposed, and leg-sapping. You'll descend to pristine meadows with Slough Creek access, but bears and moose own these flats—tactical noise and group size are mandatory. The first meadow is a solid turnaround for most; push 2.6 more miles to the second meadow if your legs have fuel left.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
3.4
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet
600

Trail profile

Distance Miles
3.4
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet
600
Estimated Time
2-3 hours to first meadow; 4-5 hours with optional second meadow extension
Trail Surface
Packed dirt with rocky sections and loose scree; muddy in early season
Trail Features
  • Historic wagon trail
  • Alpine meadows
  • Slough Creek
  • Forest sections
  • Mountain vistas
  • Wildlife habitat
Trail Highlights
Pristine meadow access with Slough Creek fishing opportunities, views of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, and excellent wildlife habitat (moose and grizzly bear territory). The historic wagon trail offers a tangible connection to Yellowstone's backcountry heritage.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
On the dirt road toward Slough Creek Campground; where the road bears left, park beside the vault toilet
Parking Lot Size
Small pullout parking area adjacent to vault toilet
Parking Fill Time
Typically fills by mid-morning in peak season (July-August); arrive by 6-7 AM
Shuttle Required
0
Shuttle Details
None required

Permits & conditions

Permit Details
No permit required for day hiking. Backcountry camping requires a permit from park rangers.
Fees
$35 (7-day park entrance pass for private vehicle; no additional trail fees)
Trail Status
Typically open late June through September; weather and snow dependent
Seasonal Closures
October through May (park road closures; check conditions before visiting)

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
1
Water Sources
Filter water at Slough Creek (accessible at first meadow); carry 2-3L from trailhead as no water at start
Accessibility
Not ADA accessible. Steep opening climb and uneven rocky terrain make this challenging for those with mobility limitations.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Grizzly bears
  • Moose
  • Steep rocky terrain
  • Loose scree
  • Horse traffic
  • Sun exposure
  • Dehydration risk
  • Weather changes
Hazard Details
Bears and moose are active here—group size of 3+ and constant noise are non-negotiable; never solo hike without a satellite communicator. Steep opening climb is loose scree and rocks, slippery when wet; descent pounds knees hard. Horse and wagon traffic uses this trail; if encountered, immediately move to downhill side and remain motionless. Afternoon thunderstorms develop quickly in summer—descend before 2 PM.
Cell Service
Intermittent to absent—assume no coverage in meadows; do not rely on cell phone for emergency
Crowd Level
Moderate to heavy on weekends and mid-summer; early mornings and September have fewer hikers
Peak Crowd Times
Weekends year-round; mid-July through mid-August; summer school breaks
Best Season
Late June through September
Best Time To Visit
Late June through September when park roads open and weather stabilizes. Start by 6 AM to beat afternoon heat and secure parking. September offers fewer crowds than July-August peak.
Tips Advice
  • Make constant noise for bears and moose—talk, clap, never surprise them.
  • Carry 2-3L water minimum; filter at Slough Creek if needed.
  • Trekking poles mandatory—the descent is steep, loose, and knee-destroying.
  • If horse or wagon traffic appears, move to the downhill side of trail and stand motionless until they pass.
  • Wear sturdy hiking boots; loose scree demands ankle support.
  • Start by 6 AM to secure parking and finish before afternoon heat and thunderstorms.

More details

Park Area
Northern Yellowstone, east of Tower Junction
Trail Markers
Well-worn trail with clear historic wagon ruts visible throughout; cairns mark major junctions
Dogs Allowed
No
Biking Allowed
No—steep opening climb and loose terrain unsuitable for bikes
Shade Level
Heavy shade in first 0.5 miles; full sun exposure across meadows with minimal afternoon shelter
Emergency Contacts
Emergency: 911. Nearest ranger station: Slough Creek Campground (summer season) or Tower Fall Ranger Station. Satellite messenger device recommended for solo travel.
Map Recommended
1
Snow Dates
October through May (weather-dependent; early June possible snow patches)
Mud Season
May through early June during snowmelt; trail conditions very poor
Wildflower Peak
Late July through August (alpine wildflowers throughout meadows)
Fall Colors Peak
Mid-September through late September
Bug Season
June through August (heavy mosquito and blackfly activity near water sources, especially at dusk)
Insider Tips
  • The first meadow (mile 1.7) is a psychological turning point—many feel conquered by the climb here. Push through; you're only halfway.
  • Fishermen access Slough Creek just past the first meadow; bring a rod if you're inclined.
  • Horse traffic appears without warning—listen for hooves and move early.
  • The second meadow (mile 4.3) has zero crowds by late afternoon; solitude and views reward the extra effort.
  • Morning light (6-8 AM) in the first meadow is golden-hour gold for photography; shadows eliminate by noon.
  • Historic wagon ruts mark the way; follow them if trail clarity drops.
Recent Updates
No recent closures or major trail changes reported as of June 2026. Check park website for current road and trail conditions.
Family Friendly Notes
Viable for older children (age 10+) with good fitness. The steep opening mile requires hand-holding and encouragement. Keep kids close due to bear habitat. Group size and noise protocol are mandatory. First meadow is age-appropriate turnaround; second meadow too far for most families.
Review Summary
Hikers confirm the opening climb is indeed 'lung-busting,' but the meadow payoff justifies it. First meadow is a solid turnaround for most hikers. Wildlife encounters (especially moose) are common—make noise and respect distance. Fishing access and meadow solitude attract repeat visitors.

Frequently asked questions

Are there really bears here?

Yes. Grizzlies and black bears use these meadows actively. Group size of 3+ minimum, constant noise, and bear spray are non-negotiable. Never hike this solo without a satellite communicator.

How steep is the initial climb?

Steep enough that most hikers slow to a walk by halfway. Expect 25-30% grade in sections. Switchbacks help, but your quads will remind you. Trekking poles reduce knee damage on descent.

Can I drink from Slough Creek?

Yes, but filter it. Giardia is present in backcountry water. Filter, boil, or use tablets. First meadow is your only reliable water source.

Is the trail well-marked?

Yes. Historic wagon ruts are visible throughout, and cairns mark junctions. Bring a map anyway—weather and snow can obscure markers in early season.

Do I need trekking poles?

Yes. The descent is steep and loose; poles are the difference between sore knees and injured knees. Mandatory, not optional here.

What's the best turnaround for families?

First meadow (mile 1.7 out, 3.4 round-trip total). It's a psychological win, offers creek access, and keeps you off-trail by early afternoon—critical for bear avoidance.

Do I need a permit?

No for day hiking. Backcountry camping requires a permit from park rangers.

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 June 2026. Report an issue.