Trail

Forces of the Northern Range Self-guided Trail

Trail
Two people, one in a wheelchair, and a service animal explore a boardwalk through the sagebrush.

A 0.5-mile paved boardwalk with 11 interpretive exhibits about Yellowstone's Northern Range—a grassland ecosystem sustaining one of the world's largest and most diverse free-roaming wildlife communities. This is an easy, accessible walk suitable for most ages and abilities, though the boardwalk surface is somewhat uneven with gaps up to 0.5 inches. The critical challenge is wildlife safety: bears and wolves require 100-yard distance, bison and elk need 25 yards—violate these rules and you've created a dangerous situation.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
0.5
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Very easy; accessible for most ages and abilities.
Elevation Gain Feet
0

Trail profile

Distance Miles
0.5
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Very easy; accessible for most ages and abilities.
Elevation Gain Feet
0
Estimated Time
45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on time spent reading the 11 exhibits. Fast walkers can finish in 30 minutes.
Trail Surface
Paved boardwalk with some uneven sections and gaps that may exceed 0.5 inches; surface is somewhat bumpy.
Trail Features
  • Interpretive exhibits (11 stops)
  • Northern Range wildlife habitat
  • Paved boardwalk pathway
  • Tactile exhibits
  • Audio descriptions
Trail Highlights
Explore Yellowstone's Northern Range, where one of the largest and most diverse free-roaming wildlife communities roams: bison, elk, bears, wolves, and more. Interpretive exhibits explain the ecological forces shaping this grassland ecosystem.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
Mammoth to Tower road, Mammoth Hot Springs Area
Shuttle Required
0
Shuttle Details
Not required; this is a short walk from parking.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details
None required. Park entrance fee applies.
Fees
$35 — Entrance - Private Vehicle (7-day pass). Additional nonresident fee ($100) applies to visitors age 16+ who are not US residents.
Trail Status
Open
Seasonal Closures
Weather-dependent; severe snow or storms may restrict access. Check current conditions with Mammoth District Ranger Station.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
0
Water Sources
No water on the boardwalk. Carry all water you need. Closest restroom facilities are at Blacktail Creek pullout.
Accessibility
Entirely wheelchair-accessible boardwalk with tactile exhibits and audio descriptions available. Surface is somewhat uneven and bumpy with some gaps between boards that may exceed 0.5 inches. No designated accessible parking at the trailhead. Closest accessible restroom is at Blacktail Creek pullout.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Wildlife (bears, wolves, bison, elk)
  • Uneven boardwalk surface with gaps
  • Full sun exposure
  • No restrooms or facilities
  • Wildlife safety violations result in fines
Hazard Details
The primary danger is wildlife. Bears and wolves require 100-yard distance; bison and elk require 25-yard distance. Violations result in fines and injury risk. Boardwalk gaps and uneven sections can cause trips. Full sun exposure creates dehydration and sunburn risk. No restroom on-site; closest is at Blacktail Creek pullout.
Best Season
Spring through fall (weather-dependent). Park roads typically open mid-April through early November.
Best Time To Visit
Early morning (before 8am) offers the best wildlife activity. Spring through fall provides optimal weather. Winter is accessible year-round but expect snow and limited services. Avoid midday heat—bring extra water for full sun exposure.
Tips Advice
  • Carry binoculars; you must maintain distance to view animals properly.
  • Bring minimum 1L water; no facilities on the boardwalk.
  • Wear sunscreen and a hat; there is zero shade.
  • Wear sturdy footwear for uneven boardwalk surface.
  • Make noise while walking to avoid surprising wildlife.
  • Respect distance rules: 100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from all other animals.
  • Keep children close and under constant supervision.

More details

Park Area
Mammoth Hot Springs Area
Trail Markers
Well-marked with 11 numbered interpretive exhibits. Path is clear and obvious.
Shade Level
Full sun exposure on the boardwalk; no natural shade. Wear a hat and sunscreen.
Emergency Contacts
Yellowstone National Park Rangers: Mammoth Ranger Station. In emergencies, call 911 if cell service is available or flag down a ranger immediately.
Map Recommended
0
Snow Dates
Winter conditions (snow/ice) possible November through April. Check with Mammoth Ranger Station for current conditions.
Mud Season
Not applicable; boardwalk is all-weather accessible.
Bug Season
Mosquito activity peaks mid-summer in the grassland. Use insect repellent June-August.
Insider Tips
  • Arrive between 6-8am for best wildlife activity and manageable crowds.
  • Bring binoculars; distance rules prevent close-up viewing but you can see animals from afar.
  • Take time with the tactile exhibits; they provide excellent sensory engagement.
  • Audio descriptions add significant context; allow extra time if using them.
  • Combine with nearby Mammoth Hot Springs and historic Fort Yellowstone attractions on the same visit.
Family Friendly Notes
Excellent for families and most ages and abilities on a flat boardwalk. CRITICAL: Teach children the distance rules (100 yards from bears/wolves, 25 yards from other animals) and maintain close, constant supervision. Keep children quiet to avoid startling wildlife. Uneven boardwalk surfaces require careful footing for young children and elderly visitors.
Review Summary
Visitors consistently praise the accessibility and interpretive quality of this boardwalk. The 11 exhibits provide excellent education on Northern Range ecology. Wildlife enthusiasts appreciate the prime animal habitat location, though distance requirements limit close-up viewing. Most visitors recommend 45 minutes to 1 hour for a thorough experience.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Can I do this trail alone?

Yes. It's a short, well-marked boardwalk. The real concern is wildlife awareness—stay alert, make noise, and respect distance rules: 100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from other animals.

Can I bring my kids?

Yes, it's excellent for families. The flat boardwalk suits most ages. Critical: teach children distance rules and maintain close supervision. Uneven surfaces require careful footing for young children.

Can I see bears or wolves?

Possibly, but distance is mandatory: 100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from other animals. Bring binoculars. Early morning increases your odds. Expect distant views only.

What gear do I really need?

Water (at least 1L), sunscreen, and a hat are essential. Sturdy shoes for uneven boardwalk. Binoculars enhance wildlife viewing. Bear spray only if venturing off the boardwalk.

Is the boardwalk wheelchair accessible?

Yes, entirely wheelchair-accessible with tactile exhibits and audio descriptions. Surface is somewhat uneven with small gaps. No accessible parking at the trailhead; closest accessible restroom is at Blacktail Creek pullout.

What if a bison charges?

Back away slowly—do not run. Maintain the mandatory 25-yard distance. Alert nearby rangers immediately. The boardwalk keeps you away from animals if you respect distance rules.

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.