North Rim Ski Trail

Skiers stop to admire the views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone from the North Rim Trail.

A 3.0-mile winter ski loop through Yellowstone's Canyon Village area that delivers canyon rim views and mixed-difficulty terrain suitable for intermediate skiers. The trail combines a gentle one-mile road section with more technical forested passages and follows the North Rim for views into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Expect encounters with bison and elk; canyon exposure demands respect and technique. This is a winter-only route best tackled January to March when snow conditions are stable.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 3
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Easiest to More Difficult (Mixed)
Elevation Gain Feet: 0

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 3
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Easiest to More Difficult (Mixed)
Elevation Gain Feet: 0
Estimated Time: 2-3 hours for most skiers; varies with fitness level, snow conditions, and time spent at viewpoints
Trail Surface: Packed/groomed ski trail through forest; first mile follows vehicle road; remaining distance is ungroomed forest path with variable snow
Trail Features: Canyon rim views
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone vistas
Forested terrain
Wildlife viewing opportunities
Historic lodge grounds
Trail Highlights: Pristine views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone from the canyon rim; scenic passage through pine forest; relatively technical middle section with gentler bookend miles

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Canyon Visitor Education Center. Start by following North Rim Drive east for one mile (1.6 km), then turn right onto the marked wooded ski trail entrance.
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: Skier shuttle services (one-way and round-trip) are available for a fee through park hotels. Reservations recommended: 307-344-7311 (Toll-free: 866-439-7375, TDD: 304-344-5395). Shuttles are optional; trail is accessible via parking at the trailhead.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permits or reservations required to ski the trail. Skier shuttle reservations are optional and available through the contact numbers above.
Fees: No trail access fees. Optional skier shuttle services are available for a fee.
Trail Status: Open during winter season when snow coverage permits
Seasonal Closures: Closed spring through fall (typically April-November) when snow coverage is insufficient for skiing

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 1
Water Sources: None on trail. Carry 2L minimum in insulated, freeze-resistant bottles. Winter streams are unreliable.
Accessibility: First mile follows vehicle road and is relatively accessible for skiers with basic fitness. Remaining trail is ungroomed forest with root and rock hazards. Service dogs are permitted.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Canyon rim exposure and drop-offs
Wildlife encounters (bison, elk, bears, wolves)
Avalanche risk depending on snow conditions
Cold exposure and hypothermia risk
Low visibility in poor weather
Icy conditions if present
Hazard Details: Canyon Rim: Steep edges require constant vigilance. NPS directs skiers to remove skis and walk to viewpoints. Falls into the rim are fatal. Wildlife: Bison and elk frequent the trail and lodge areas. Stay 100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from bison. If wildlife approaches, leave immediately. Avalanche: Check park forecasts; certain sections can slide. Cold: Winter sun disappears by 4 PM; if delayed, hypothermia becomes immediate threat.
Cell Service: Unreliable in canyon areas. Do not rely on cell service for emergency communication; tell a ranger your route beforehand.
Crowd Level: Light to moderate; quieter than summer trails but other skiers present during optimal January-March conditions
Peak Crowd Times: Weekends and holidays during peak snow season (January-March)
Best Season: Winter
Best Time To Visit: January to March offer the most stable snow conditions and consolidated base. Start by first light (7-8 AM) to maximize daylight for the 2-3 hour duration. Midweek visits bring fewer skiers; weekends can see moderate traffic. Check park avalanche forecasts and trail conditions before departure.
Tips Advice: Carry minimum 2L water—winter dehydration is real and freeze-resistant bottles are mandatory.
Make constant noise (bells, talking) for bear and bison awareness.
Remove skis and walk to all viewpoints; never ski the canyon rim edge.
Check park conditions, shuttle availability, and avalanche forecasts the day before.
Tell a ranger or park contact your planned route and expected return time.
Pack insulated layers, hat, goggles, gloves, high-calorie snacks, whistle, and avalanche transceiver in unstable conditions.

More details

Park Area: Canyon Village Area
Trail Markers: Well-marked with signs and maintained ski trail markers; route is clear in good visibility but can be obscured in heavy snow or whiteout conditions
Dogs Allowed: Service dogs only. No pets otherwise.
Biking Allowed: No—winter ski trail only
Shade Level: Mostly shaded through dense forest; open canyon rim sections with full sun exposure
Emergency Contacts: Yellowstone Emergency: 911 (when service available). Non-emergency Ranger: 307-344-7381. Medical: Canyon Village Clinic (seasonal). Always notify a ranger of your plans.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Typically December through March; dependent on seasonal snowfall and park management decisions
Mud Season: N/A—winter ski trail only
Wildflower Peak: N/A—winter trail
Fall Colors Peak: N/A—winter trail
Bug Season: Minimal—trail closed outside winter season when mosquitoes and insects are active
Insider Tips: The first mile is road-section warm-up with minimal pitch—good for assessing conditions. The real terrain starts when you turn right into the woods.
Midweek mornings (Tuesday-Thursday) in January-February see the fewest skiers and most stable snow.
Never ski the rim edge; multiple fatal falls have occurred when skiers ventured too close. Always remove skis and walk the final 10 feet to viewpoints.
Grand View Point at Mile 2 is the 'money shot'—allow 15-20 minutes to absorb the canyon vista.
Bison congregate near the lodge buildings; give them space and never approach.
Family Friendly Notes: Intermediate-level skiers with winter experience should lead the outing. Children aged 8+ with solid skiing ability can manage the easier sections (first mile and return segments). Less experienced skiers should stick to the road section and early forest portions; the middle section is technical. The canyon rim exposure and wildlife encounters are serious—adult supervision mandatory.
Nearby Facilities: Canyon Village area has lodges, Canyon Visitor Education Center, and ranger stations. Canyon Campground is nearby for overnight stays. Full services available at Canyon Village.
Review Summary: Skiers praise the canyon views and accessible mixed-difficulty terrain that accommodates intermediates. The variety of scenery—forest and rim vistas—breaks up the 3-mile distance. Wildlife encounters are thrilling but demand respect and vigilance. Winter conditions and canyon exposure are genuine hazards that separate this route from beginner-friendly trails.

Frequently asked questions

Can I ski this trail as a beginner?

Partial. The first mile (road section) and return mile are manageable for skiers with basic control. The middle mile is mixed-to-difficult and requires intermediate technique. Beginners should stick to the easier segments and return via the same route if overwhelmed.

What wildlife should I expect?

Bison and elk frequent the trail, especially near the lodge. Bears and wolves are less common but possible. Make noise constantly (bells, talking). Stay 100 yards from bears/wolves, 25 yards from bison. If wildlife blocks the trail, retreat immediately and take an alternate route if possible.

Is it safe to ski alone?

Safer than solo backcountry, but winter backcountry carries inherent risk. Tell a ranger your route and expected return time. Carry a whistle, map, compass, and communicate with someone at base before and after. Winter daylight ends by 4 PM; plan accordingly.

What gear do I need beyond skis?

Winter layers (merino or synthetic, not cotton), insulated boots, hat, gloves, goggles, 2L+ water in freeze-resistant bottles, high-calorie snacks, avalanche transceiver (recommend), map, compass, whistle, multi-tool, headlamp, and sunscreen. Bring a backpack with emergency supplies.

How stable is the snow?

January-March generally offer consolidated, skiable snow. November-December may have thin, icy, or sparse coverage. Check park avalanche forecasts before departing. Late winter (March) can be wet and variable. Call 307-344-7311 for current conditions.

Can I bring my dog?

Service dogs only. Pets are not permitted. Service dogs are welcome on the trail per NPS policy.