Canyon Rim Ski Trail

A group of skiers travel on a trail along the edge of a snow-covered canyon.

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.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 4.5
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Intermediate—easiest to more difficult rating; rim exposure and winter conditions make it tactical despite moderate elevation
Elevation Gain Feet: 200

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 4.5
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Intermediate—easiest to more difficult rating; rim exposure and winter conditions make it tactical despite moderate elevation
Elevation Gain Feet: 200
Estimated Time: 2-3 hours depending on fitness level, snow conditions, and time spent at overlooks
Trail Surface: Skier-tracked forest trail with packed and firm snow; exposed sections along canyon rim
Trail Features: Canyon rim overlooks
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone vistas
Forested skiing through pine
Inspiration Point descent
Grand View Point panorama
Summer cabin area
Canyon Lodge vicinity
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.

Trailhead & access

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

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: 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)
Trail Status: Open (winter season)
Seasonal Closures: Closed late spring through early December. Winter-only trail; summer/fall access unavailable due to snow absence and road conditions.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: No natural water sources on trail. Carry water or melt snow.
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.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Canyon rim drop-offs (100+ feet)
Cold-related injury (hypothermia)
Whiteout and limited visibility
Dehydration in dry cold
Snow concealing hazards
Hazard Details: 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.
Cell Service: Poor to absent—unreliable in backcountry sections. Do not rely on cell for emergency communication.
Crowd Level: Moderate during peak winter weekends; quieter mid-week and early season
Peak Crowd Times: Weekends and school holidays during December-February; shuttles fill by mid-morning on peak days
Best Season: Winter
Best Time To Visit: December through February for stable snowpack and maximum daylight. Arrive by 6 AM to secure shuttle capacity. Early morning also beats afternoon winds. Spring snow is slushy and unreliable; late-season conditions deteriorate fast.
Tips Advice: 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.

More details

Park Area: Canyon Village
Trail Markers: Well-marked with skier-tracked path and signs at junctions. Bring map as backup navigation.
Dogs Allowed: Service animals only with backcountry permit
Biking Allowed: No—designated ski and snowshoe trail only
Shade Level: Mixed—forested sections provide shade; canyon rim sections are exposed and subject to wind
Emergency Contacts: Yellowstone Park ranger line: 307-344-2117; Emergency: 911. Satellite communicator (Garmin InReach) strongly recommended.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: December through March (weather-dependent; early and late season may have marginal snow)
Mud Season: N/A—winter ski trail only
Wildflower Peak: N/A—winter season
Fall Colors Peak: N/A—winter season
Bug Season: N/A—winter conditions
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.
Recent Updates: No recent updates to trail status reported. Confirm shuttle availability and road conditions with ranger station before arrival.
Family Friendly Notes: 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.
Nearby Facilities: Canyon Visitor Education Center (trailhead, warming lobby), Canyon Campground, Canyon Lodge dining and lodging area
Review Summary: 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.

Frequently asked questions

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Can I bring my dog?

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

How much does this cost?

$35 park entrance fee (7-day vehicle pass) or $20 per person on foot/ski. Shuttle fees apply if you use transportation (amount varies).