Garnet Hill Trail

Three people hike through a field of sagebrush in front of a hill.

An 8-mile meadow loop around Garnet Hill following an old stagecoach route. Moderate terrain with river views and prolific wildlife—bears, bison, elk, wolves, and badgers frequent this area. The full loop is currently affected by a washout; check Backcountry Conditions before heading out. Expect 4-5 hours of hiking with constant wildlife awareness required.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 7.6
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Estimated Time: 4–5 hours depending on wildlife encounters and pace

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 7.6
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Estimated Time: 4–5 hours depending on wildlife encounters and pace
Trail Surface: Dirt stagecoach road (first 1.5 miles), then mixed trail with variable footing, meadow sections, and forested passages
Trail Features: River views (Yellowstone River)
Historic stagecoach route
Meadow terrain with mountain vistas
Mixed forest and open sections
Wildlife viewing opportunities
Trail Highlights: Scenic Yellowstone River views, abundant wildlife encounters (bears, bison, elk, wolves, badgers, mule deer), historic stagecoach road section, varied terrain from open meadows to forested passages. The eastern loop around Garnet Hill offers the best river exposure.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Approximately 50 yards north of Tower Junction on the Northeast Entrance Road. Park in the large lot east of the Tower service station.
Parking Lot Size: Large
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: Not applicable—single trailhead, no shuttle service

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: Day-use hiking requires no permit. Check the NPS Backcountry Conditions report for current trail status before departing.
Fees: $35 per vehicle (7-day entrance pass) or $20 per person (foot entry)
Trail Status: Open with current closure affecting full loop—check Backcountry Conditions for latest status.
Seasonal Closures: Typically November through mid-April when park roads close; exact dates vary by entrance and road segment. Check road status before visiting in shoulder seasons.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: Elk Creek and Yellowstone River nearby; all water requires filtering. Carry 2–3L to avoid dependence on unreliable sources in this remote area.
Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible. The 8-mile loop has topographic features and trail conditions unsuitable for mobility devices.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Bears and bison—abundant in this area
Horses on trail—yield properly
Trail washout affecting full loop
River exposure near Yellowstone River
Variable footing on unmaintained sections
Hazard Details: This area is home to many bears and bison; constant caution is non-negotiable. Trail is frequently used by horseback riders—move to the downhill side if horses approach and remain still until they pass. The full loop is currently affected by a trail washout; refer to the NPS Backcountry Conditions report for current status. River sections have exposure and loose footing; stay alert near drop-offs and variable terrain.
Best Season: Mid-April through early November when most park roads are open. Summer (June–September) offers the most stable weather and longest daylight.
Best Time To Visit: June through September when park roads are fully open. Start by 6 a.m. to maximize daylight in this high-wildlife area. Avoid low-light hours when bears and bison are most active. Early morning offers the best wildlife viewing.
Tips Advice: Make noise constantly—bears are abundant here. Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Bring 2–3L water minimum; creek water requires filtering.
Tighten your boots—loose terrain and hidden roots after the shelter increase ankle risk.
Move to the downhill side if horses approach; stay still until they pass.
Check NPS Backcountry Conditions before leaving—washout status changes seasonally.
Start early to avoid hiking in dim light when bears and bison are most active.

More details

Park Area: Tower Junction
Trail Markers: Generally well-marked loop primary route; bring a map to navigate around washout section and avoid confusion at trail junctions.
Dogs Allowed: No
Biking Allowed: No
Shade Level: Mixed. Meadow sections are exposed to full sun; forested sections after the shelter offer partial shade. Overall expect significant sun exposure—wear sun protection and a hat.
Emergency Contacts: Yellowstone Dispatch: 911. Ranger station at Tower Junction available during business hours. Satellite phone recommended for emergencies in this remote area.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Typically December through March with significant snow accumulation; check park road status before visiting, especially in early spring (April–May) and late fall (October–November).
Bug Season: June through August, especially near Elk Creek and Yellowstone River sections; bring insect repellent.
Insider Tips: The washout prevents completion of the full loop—most hikers do the eastern Garnet Hill section only, which is the scenic payoff anyway.
The stagecoach road section (first 1.5 miles) is deceptively easy; difficulty increases sharply after the shelter.
Elk Creek section north of the shelter is quieter than the Garnet Hill loop and offers solitude.
Early morning (before 8 a.m.) yields the best wildlife viewing and reduces encounter risk due to lower hiker volume.
The false summit at Mile 5 will deceive you—the actual loop rejoins at Mile 6+. Keep pushing.
Recent Updates: Trail washout limits the full loop route. Check the NPS Backcountry Conditions report before your hike for current trail status and accessibility.
Family Friendly Notes: Suitable for families with hiking experience and older children (10+). Constant wildlife supervision is mandatory—never let kids wander. The 4–5 hour duration demands good fitness and endurance. Teach kids how to respond if horses approach (move to downhill side, stand still). This is not a leisurely family stroll.
Nearby Facilities: Tower Junction has a service station. Roosevelt Old West Dinner Cookout is located at a shelter 1.5 miles into the hike (seasonal operations). No other services within the first 1.5 miles.
Review Summary: Hikers praise river views and wildlife encounters but report the trail washout limits full-loop completion. Fitness and wildlife awareness are non-negotiable; this is a moderate tactical challenge due to bears and bison, not terrain difficulty.

Frequently asked questions

Are there really bears here?

Yes—many. This is prime bear country. Carry bear spray, make noise constantly, and know how to use your spray. This is non-negotiable. If you're not comfortable with bears, skip this trail.

Is this trail hard? Can I do it?

Moderate means 4–5 hours of consistent walking on mixed terrain. The first 1.5 miles are easy; after the shelter it gets harder. If you can hike 5 miles with moderate elevation elsewhere, you can do this section. Fitness is mandatory.

Can we bring kids?

Yes, but they need hiking experience and you need constant wildlife supervision. The 4–5 hour duration suits older kids (10+). Teach them about horses on the trail and how to react if wildlife appears. Never let them wander.

Do we need permits?

No day-use permits are required for this trail. Just check Backcountry Conditions before you go—the washout status and trail access may affect your route plan.

What about the washout? Does it ruin the hike?

The washout prevents the full loop, but most hikers do the eastern section (Garnet Hill loop) only, which is the scenic part anyway. Check the NPS Backcountry Conditions report for current details before leaving.

How much water should I bring?

2–3 liters minimum. Elk Creek and Yellowstone River are nearby but require filtering. Better to carry enough than depend on unreliable sources in this remote area.

What if I encounter horses?

Move to the downhill side of the trail, stay still, and let them pass. Don't make sudden movements or shout. Trails here are multi-use and horses have the right-of-way.