Lamar River Trailhead (3K1): 33-Mile Round Trip to Cold Creek, Yellowstone

Q: Do I need a permit for day hiking?

No permit required for day hikes. Overnight camping, fishing, boating, or riding requires permits.

Q: Is there potable water at the trailhead?

No. There is no potable water at the hiker's trailhead; nearest water source is Tower Junction.

Q: Is a shuttle required to access Lamar River Trailhead 3K1?

No. A shuttle is not mandatory.

Q: What is the best season for this trail?

May through October offers the best conditions and wildlife opportunities; snow and storms can linger into late spring.

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Overview

About This Trail

Your mission begins at Lamar River Trailhead 3K1. Hike an out-and-back that follows open meadows along the Lamar River, with an optional extension toward Specimen Ridge that can transform the day into a scramble. Wildlife is prolific and bison delays are possible; prepare for sun exposure and river crossings on connecting routes. Start early, bring 2–3 liters of water per person, and move with caution.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Easy Stroll to Technical Scramble (depending on route)

Trail Highlights

Wildlife-rich meadows along the Lamar River; potential wolf and bear sightings; expansive river corridor with mountain backdrop

Insider Tips

• Strategy: For longer hikes, consider starting at the Specimen Ridge trailhead and finishing with the Lamar River Trail for a gradual ascent. • Timing: Start early for better wildlife sightings and to avoid midday storms. • Family: Shorter sections work for families, but bear awareness is mandatory.

Best Season to Hike

May–October

Hiking Tips

Carry 2–3 liters of water per person.
Hike in groups of 3+ and carry bear spray.
Start early to secure parking and maximize wildlife viewing.
Expect sun exposure; bring sun protection and layers.
Rivers crossings require caution; dry crossings preferred when water is high.

Family Info

Shorter out-and-back sections are family-friendly, but bears and river crossings require supervision and hands-on guidance

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 33 miles

Elevation Gain: 800 ft

Duration: Core Lamar River segment ~3 hours; longer if extending via Specimen Ridge and wildlife delays.

Difficulty: Easy Stroll to Technical Scramble (depending on route)

Route Type: Out-and-back

Surface: Mostly packed dirt and grassy meadows; some rougher sections after rain; river crossings required on connecting trails.

Getting There

Trailhead: Lamar River Area, Yellowstone National Park. Trailhead 14.8 miles east of Tower Junction on Northeast Entrance Road (HWY 212). Search for 'Lamar River Trailhead 3K1'

Parking: Large parking lot; can fill up, arrive early

Fills Up: Full by sunrise during peak season

Requirements

Permit Required

Overnight permits required; day hiking no permit. Overnight permits must be picked up in person within 48 hours of trip; some can be reserved by mail, fax, or in person.

Fees: Varies

Shuttle Available

No mandatory shuttle.

Trail Rules

Dogs: Not allowed

Biking: Not allowed

Trail Markers: Well worn markers; bring a map

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Creeks present; filter water; carry 2–3 liters

Shade: Full sun exposure in open meadows

Cell Service: Limited cell service in Yellowstone; emergency calls only

Hazards:

Travel in groups of 3+; carry bear spray; avoid river crossings after heavy rains; seek shelter during thunderstorms; wear sun protection

Emergency: Dial 911 for emergencies; Yellowstone National Park dispatch available

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Can be crowded at the trailhead; the trail itself can offer solitude away from the lot

Peak Times: Peak crowds typically 7:00–9:00 AM during the May–October window

Accessibility & Family

Family Notes:

Shorter out-and-back sections are family-friendly, but bears and river crossings require supervision and hands-on guidance

Nearby Facilities

Nearest potable water at Tower Junction; vault toilets at Stock Trailhead (0.25 miles west of the hiker's trailhead)

Reviews

★★★★☆

4.9 /5

Based on 132 Google reviews

Reviews from Google

So it's very nice, but I do feel Lamar Valley is overrated compared to other places in the park.. we went on early morning at sunrise, we heard the bark of the wolfs but didn't spotted them, we saw a loner bison but not nothing more, so compared to other places in the park I haven't find any more than other places

We had to hike uphill and off trail to avoid a lounging herd of bison. ( more than once) Not normally a hard hike, but we went uphill alot.

A nice trail with beautiful and peaceful background. People normally walk on the trail and go inside the jungle to see bears and wolves. There are warnings here for bear sighting, so be careful while roaming. Also the river is beautiful with small bridge. We spent some time here along the bridge, clicked photos. We enjoyed our time here.

Showing 3 of 132 reviews

FAQs

Are grizzly bears present on Lamar River Trailhead 3K1?

Yes. Hike in groups of 3+ and carry bear spray; stay alert and make noise to avoid surprising wildlife.

Do I need a permit for day hiking?

Is there potable water at the trailhead?

Is a shuttle required to access Lamar River Trailhead 3K1?

What is the best season for this trail?

📖 nps.gov 📖 hiiker.app 📖 tetonhikingtrails.com 📖 yellowstonetrips.com 📖 yellowstone.org 📖 wildlandtrekking.com 📖 hikeamazing.com 📖 outdoor-society.com 📖 wanderlog.com 📖 annestravels.net 📖 recreation.gov 📖 reddit.com 📖 yellowstonehikingguides.com 📖 wikipedia.org 📖 youtube.com ⭐ Google Reviews 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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Lamar River Trailhead 3K1