Bighorn Loop Ski Trail

Two skiers make their way on a slight incline through a lodgepole pine forest.

A 5.5-mile winter ski loop through rolling terrain at Mammoth Hot Springs, rated easy to more difficult with 320 feet of elevation gain. Skier-tracked route delivers outstanding views of the Gallatin Mountains and Gardners Hole. Shuttle access from Mammoth Hotel is required; bison and elk frequent the trail, demanding wildlife awareness and safe distances.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 5.5
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 320

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 5.5
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 320
Estimated Time: 2-3 hours depending on fitness, snow conditions, and photography stops
Trail Surface: Packed snow (skier-tracked), rolling terrain with some forested sections
Trail Features: Rolling terrain
Gallatin Mountains views
Gardners Hole views
Forested trail sections
Winter landscape vistas
Open meadow sections
Trail Highlights: Outstanding winter mountain views with Gallatin Mountains and Gardners Hole visible from rolling sections. Reliable bison and elk sighting opportunity. Skier-tracked trail ensures navigable conditions in deep snow.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Indian Creek Warming Hut, Mammoth Hot Springs area
Shuttle Required: 1
Shuttle Details: Ski shuttle operates from Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. Reservations may be required. Contact Yellowstone Park hotels or call 307-344-7311 (Toll-free: 866-439-7375, TDD: 304-344-5395) to reserve. One-way or round-trip options available.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permits required for day use. Shuttle reservation serves as access authorization.
Fees: No trail fees. Shuttle service costs unknown—contact park hotels for current rates.
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: Typically open December through early April when snow coverage permits. Closed May through November. Exact closure dates depend on snowfall and park conditions.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: No reliable potable sources on trail. Carry 2+ liters. Do not drink unfiltered snow/meltwater due to hydrothermal contamination risk.
Accessibility: Skier-tracked easy-to-moderate trail over rolling terrain. Accessible only via ski or snowshoe. No paved, wheelchair, or mobility-device access. 320-foot elevation change requires intermediate fitness.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Bison encounters (25-yard minimum distance required)
Elk encounters (25-yard minimum distance required)
Unstable hydrothermal ground
Winter avalanche and weather exposure
Cold-induced injury (frostbite, hypothermia)
Whiteout visibility conditions
Hazard Details: Federal regulations mandate 100-yard distance from bears/wolves, 25-yard distance from bison and elk. Hydrothermal areas have unstable, scalding ground—stay on designated trail. Winter conditions create avalanche risk on steep sections. Wind chill and snow blindness are real threats.
Cell Service: Unknown—mountain terrain typically has spotty or no coverage
Crowd Level: Moderate—shuttle capacity limits daily visitors
Peak Crowd Times: Winter weekends and holiday weeks (late December through early January, Presidents Day week). Best solitude: weekday mornings in January and February.
Best Season: Winter (December through March)
Best Time To Visit: December through March when snow is stable. Arrive by 6:30 AM to secure a shuttle slot; weekends fill fast. Ski early morning for best snow conditions and light. Check weather for avalanche risk and visibility before driving.
Tips Advice: Carry 2+ liters water minimum—dehydration hits hard at altitude even in winter
Make constant noise: bison and elk frequent this trail
Stay 25 yards from bison, 100 yards from bears/wolves per federal law
Avoid hydrothermal areas; ground is unstable—stay on marked trail
Book shuttle ahead (307-344-7311); winter weekends fill by 7 AM
Layer heavy; temperature swings are brutal once the sun sets
If beginner, rent skis locally; weight and technique matter in powder

More details

Park Area: Mammoth Hot Springs
Trail Markers: Skier-tracked, marked trail. Navigation is straightforward on the loop but whiteout conditions can obscure tracks. Bring a map and compass as backup.
Dogs Allowed: Service animals only, leashed and under control. Backcountry access pass required for service animals.
Biking Allowed: No—ski and snowshoe only
Shade Level: Partial shade—forested sections provide cover, but open rolling terrain exposes skiers to wind and sun reflection off snow
Emergency Contacts: 911 for emergencies. Non-emergency ranger services: 307-344-7381. Mammoth District Ranger Station for pre-trip intel.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: December through March typically. Exact timing varies by year; early-season conditions vary, late-season melt begins March. Call 307-344-7311 for current snow depth and trail conditions.
Mud Season: Not applicable—winter ski trail only
Wildflower Peak: Not applicable—winter trail
Fall Colors Peak: Not applicable—winter trail
Bug Season: Not applicable—winter trail
Insider Tips: The first mile (Indian Creek Loop section) is the easiest; the western loop is where the mountain views and elevation gain kick in
Book shuttle 2-3 days ahead on winter weekends; single-day availability is hit-or-miss
Ski between 7 AM and 2 PM; afternoon temperature swings and wind are brutal
Bison congregate in open meadow sections mid-trail; make noise constantly and photograph from 30+ yards
The 0.12-mile cut-off near Indian Creek Warming Hut shortens the route to ~5.3 miles if weather deteriorates
Recent Updates: No recent trail changes reported
Family Friendly Notes: Suitable for families with intermediate-to-advanced skiers (age 8+). Young children need winter ski experience due to rolling terrain and elevation gain. Shuttle logistics are family-friendly. Constant wildlife supervision required due to bison and elk presence. Snowshoeing is slower (3-4 hours) but accessible for non-skiers.
Nearby Facilities: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel (shuttle origin, lodging, dining). Mammoth District Ranger Station. Indian Creek Campground (7 miles north, winter access limited). Mammoth Campground (year-round, full services in summer only).
Review Summary: Winter skiers report reliable snow coverage, excellent mountain views, and manageable rolling terrain for intermediate-to-advanced skiers. Shuttle dependency adds logistical complexity but limits crowds. Wildlife presence is real—bison sightings are common. Winter conditions and hydrothermal hazards require preparation and respect.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be an expert skier?

No. 'Easy to more difficult' means the route has easy sections, but rolling terrain and 320 feet of elevation require intermediate ski control and fitness. Beginner skiers should practice on flat terrain first.

Can I go solo safely?

Yes, but not recommended. Skier-tracked terrain is navigable alone, but wildlife hazards (bison, elk) are harder to manage without a partner. Bring a satellite communicator if going solo in winter.

What if the shuttle is full or cancelled?

Call 307-344-7311 to reserve ahead. If full, reschedule to a weekday. If weather cancels the shuttle, you cannot legally access the trailhead without it—don't attempt alternative access.

How much water do I need?

Carry 2+ liters. No potable water sources on trail. Do not drink unfiltered snow due to hydrothermal contamination in Yellowstone.

What if I see bison or elk on the trail?

Stop. Stay 25+ yards away. Do NOT approach for photos. Back away slowly if they approach. Bison can run 30+ mph. Violating wildlife distance laws results in fines and injury.

Can I snowshoe instead of ski?

Yes. Snowshoeing is fully allowed and takes 3-4 hours. Same shuttle, same wildlife rules, same hazards. Slower but accessible for non-skiers.

Is this trail open year-round?

No. Winter only—December through March typically, depending on snow. Call the park to confirm current conditions before planning a trip.