Trail

Gneiss Creek

TrailOPERATIONAL★ 4.9
Gneiss Creek road winds through forested canyons in Yellowstone National Park, offering a rugged roadside landscape.

Mission Brief: Gneiss Creek is a 13.9-mile point-to-point dirt trail with minimal vertical gain. It runs through backcountry terrain where bears, bison, and elk roam; creek crossings demand focus and proper footwear. Plan for a two-day backpack or a long day for fit hikers; bring water treatment and navigation gear. Hydration, bear safety, and shuttle logistics are non-negotiable.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
13.9
Route Type
Point-to-Point
Difficulty Level
Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet
200

Trail profile

Distance Miles
13.9
Route Type
Point-to-Point
Difficulty Level
Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet
200
Estimated Time
Backpacking: ~2 days. Day hikers: time varies with how much of the trail you cover; plan for long day or overnight.
Trail Surface
Dirt; meadow and forest sections
Trail Features
  • Open meadows
  • Forest sections
  • Creek crossings
  • Wildlife viewing opportunities
  • Post-fire regeneration areas
Trail Highlights
Long dirt traverse with wildlife opportunities and evidence of 1988 fire regeneration; multiple creek crossings and open meadow sections for expansive travel

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
Gneiss Creek Trailhead along Highway 191 (west boundary, ~9.7 miles from West Entrance on Route 19 toward Bozeman) OR Seven Mile Bridge Trailhead along West Entrance Road
Parking Lot Size
Limited parking at the Gneiss Creek Trailhead; no published capacity data.
Parking Fill Time
Parking tends to fill quickly on weekends and during peak season; plan to arrive early to secure a space.
Shuttle Required
1
Shuttle Details
Coordinate shuttle between Gneiss Creek Trailhead and Seven Mile Bridge; plan for two-vehicle logistics if doing a one-way trip; arrange pickup at finish in advance

Permits & conditions

Permits Required
Yes
Permit Details
Overnight camping, fishing, boating, and riding require permits. For overnight camping, contact the Backcountry Office at (307) 344-2160
Fees
Varies; backcountry permit costs not published
Trail Status
Open with bear area considerations
Seasonal Closures
Bear management area closure March 10 – June 30

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
0
Water Sources
Creeks along the trail; water should be filtered or treated
Accessibility
Backcountry trail; rough, natural terrain

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Bear country
  • Creek crossings
  • Lightning exposure
  • Wildlife encounters (bison, elk, wolves)
  • Limited cell service
Hazard Details
Bear management area in northern sections; stay on designated trails during closure; keep 100 yards from bears/wolves, 25 yards from large mammals; creek crossings can be high and slippery; thunderstorms demand quick descent from open areas and avoidance of tall isolated trees; cell service is unreliable
Cell Service
Dead zone in backcountry
Crowd Level
Lightly used
Peak Crowd Times
Early mornings and weekends in July–September
Best Season
July–September
Best Time To Visit
July–September after bear management area closure; dawn or dusk for wildlife opportunity; avoid spring mud around creek crossings.
Tips Advice
  • Carry 2 liters of water minimum
  • Filter water at creeks along the trail
  • Carry bear spray and know how to use it
  • Trekking poles help on creek crossings
  • Bring map/compass and navigation tools

More details

Park Area
Yellowstone National Park — Gneiss Creek area, western boundary near Highway 191 (Gallatin County, MT)
Trail Markers
Well-marked in places; carry map/compass; backcountry navigation advised
Dogs Allowed
No
Biking Allowed
No
Shade Level
Mixed; forested sections provide shade, open meadows are sun-exposed
Emergency Contacts
Yellowstone Backcountry Office: (307) 344-2160; Yellowstone General Information: (307) 344-2111; In emergencies dial 911
Map Recommended
1
Snow Dates
Trail can be snow-covered in winter and early spring; winter variants exist for ski trails
Mud Season
Spring and fall around creek crossings
Wildflower Peak
July–August
Fall Colors Peak
Late September to early October
Bug Season
Summer; mosquitoes can be an issue; bring repellent
Insider Tips
  • Plan a shuttle or two-vehicle logistics for a one-way hike
  • Beware bear area closure window (Mar 10–Jun 30); adjust timing
  • Start early or late for wildlife activity; pack warm layers for morning/late day
  • Water filter and navigation tools are non-negotiable
Recent Updates
Bear area closure dates and backcountry permit updates; general trail maintenance notes available from NPS sources
Family Friendly Notes
Length and wildlife risk make it challenging for young children; better for experienced hikers or older, capable kids
Nearby Facilities
Closest services in West Yellowstone and Gardiner; no facilities along the trail
Review Summary
Hikers report a long, low-gain trek with ample wildlife opportunity and solitude; distance requires good endurance and solid navigation, especially with creek crossings and bear risk. Water treatment and bear safety are essential, and a shuttle is part of the logistics for a one-way plan.

Location

Gneiss Creek Trail near Yellowstone National Park follows a windy canyon road through pine forest under cloudy skies.Gneiss Creek trail winds through a lush, sunlit meadow in Yellowstone National Park during a bright summer day.Gneiss Creek boundary line marker at Yellowstone National Park, a weathered wooden post with autumn trees in the background.Gneiss Creek landscape with pine forest and distant snow‑capped peaks in Yellowstone National Park.Gneiss Creek area in Yellowstone National Park stretches across a grassy plain with distant snow-capped mountains and dramatic clouds.

Frequently asked questions

Are bears frequent on this trail?

Yes. Bears are present year-round; stay on designated trails, carry bear spray, and make noise to avoid surprising wildlife.

Do I need a permit for day use?

Backcountry regulations apply; overnight camping, fishing, boating, and riding require permits. Day use may be subject to backcountry rules depending on season.

Is a dog allowed on this trail?

No. Dogs are not permitted on backcountry trails in Yellowstone.

Is cell service available along the trail?

No reliable service; treat as a dead zone and rely on navigation tools.

How do I get the backcountry permit?

Call the Backcountry Office at (307) 344-2160 for overnight camping permits and regulations.

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 January 2026. Report an issue.