Pebble Creek Ski Trail

Glimpses of mountain views can be seen through the trees along the Divide Ski Trail.

Pebble Creek Ski Trail is a 13-mile one-way backcountry ski route through unbroken snow with multiple stream crossings and steep terrain—expert skiers only. Elevation gain of 1357 feet demands serious fitness and winter mountaineering skills. This is expedition skiing, not resort recreation: overnight camping is standard, navigation requires map/compass, and stream crossings can disable in winter. Solitude and pristine winter landscape reward those prepared for true wilderness self-sufficiency.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 13
Route Type: One-way (point-to-point)
Difficulty Level: Expert / Most Difficult
Elevation Gain Feet: 1357

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 13
Route Type: One-way (point-to-point)
Difficulty Level: Expert / Most Difficult
Elevation Gain Feet: 1357
Estimated Time: 8-10 hours for experienced skiers; add time if route-finding or breaking trail in fresh snow.
Trail Surface: Backcountry ski trail through unbroken snow with multiple stream crossings. Forested sections and open slopes. Steep and technical in places.
Trail Features: Unbroken backcountry snow
Multiple stream crossings
Steep terrain
Forested slopes
Mountain vistas
Winter solitude
Wildlife habitat (bison, elk, bears)
Trail Highlights: Pristine backcountry skiing through unbroken snow with panoramic views of Yellowstone's Northeast backcountry, forested glades, and mountain terrain. Reward is solitude, wilderness self-reliance, and views few visitors ever see.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: North of Pebble Creek Campground along the Northeast Entrance Road. Alternate access/exit near Warm Creek Picnic Area.
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: No shuttle. Access via personal vehicle to Northeast Entrance Road trailhead north of Pebble Creek Campground.

Permits & conditions

Permits Required: Yes
Permit Details: Free backcountry use permit required. Must be obtained in person from: Mammoth Hot Springs Visitor Center, Old Faithful Visitor Center, or West/South entrance stations. No phone reservations. Plan ahead and secure permit before departure. Check current snow and avalanche conditions with ranger.
Fees: Yellowstone entrance fee: $35 per private vehicle; $20 per person on foot/ski (valid 7 days). Backcountry permit is free.
Trail Status: Open (winter season)
Seasonal Closures: Not recommended outside late winter/early spring. Summer/fall: no snow. Early winter: unpredictable snow and avalanche conditions. Check with Mammoth or Tower ranger stations for current trail status.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: Stream crossings along trail provide water but are extremely cold in winter. Carry insulated bottles. Melt snow for additional water and warm beverages.
Accessibility: Rooty, steep, and extremely technical. Unbroken snow with multiple stream crossings and 1357 feet elevation gain over 13 miles. This trail is not accessible to casual or intermediate skiers. Expert-level skiing, backcountry navigation, and winter mountaineering skills are non-negotiable.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Stream crossings (winter)
Steep terrain
Unbroken snow navigation
Avalanche potential
Cold exposure / hypothermia
Wildlife (bison, elk, bears, wolves)
Winter darkness
Isolation (no emergency services)
Hazard Details: Trail includes multiple stream crossings—ice-covered or flowing—that are foot-numbing in winter. Steep descents demand precise ski technique or crashing is likely. Navigation through unbroken snow requires map, compass, and GPS; inexperienced route-finding can lead to cliffs or gullies. Bison and elk frequent this area; federal law requires 25 yards minimum distance. Bears and wolves require 100 yards. Winter exposure—no shelter, limited daylight—means one mistake (injury, lost route, gear failure) can trigger hypothermia in hours. No cell service. Emergency response in winter backcountry is slow or impossible.
Cell Service: No cell service in backcountry area. Assume you're on your own.
Crowd Level: Ghost town. Limited to expert backcountry skiers; very few attempt this route in winter.
Peak Crowd Times: Not heavily traveled. Mid-to-late winter (February-March) sees occasional use when snow is stable.
Best Season: Winter (late winter to early spring for optimal conditions)
Best Time To Visit: Late winter to early spring (February–March) when snow is stable but temperatures manageable. Start at first light. Experienced parties only attempt this in mid-season when avalanche risk is lower and daylight is longest.
Tips Advice: Check avalanche and snow conditions with rangers before departure—don't guess.
Tighten your boots and pack light; every ounce matters over unbroken snow.
Carry 3L minimum water capacity; winter streams are cold shock.
Make noise for bears; travel in groups of 2+.
Mark your route; unbroken snow erases footprints fast.
Warm beverage in insulated thermos is survival, not luxury.
Winter camping setup must be bulletproof in wind.

More details

Park Area: Northeast Area
Trail Markers: Skier-tracked trail with minimal marked signage. Previous ski tracks may be buried by new snow. Bring topographic map, compass, and GPS. Navigation is your responsibility.
Dogs Allowed: Service animals only. Qualified service animals welcome throughout park and must be leashed under control at all times.
Biking Allowed: No. Winter ski trail only.
Shade Level: Mixed. Forested sections provide overhead protection; open slopes and ridges are fully exposed to sun and wind.
Emergency Contacts: Mammoth Hot Springs Ranger Station (winter permit and condition info): contact via visitor center. In emergencies, backcountry rescue response is extremely limited in winter. Prevention and self-sufficiency are your only insurance.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Winter season. Typically skiable late December through March depending on snowpack and avalanche stability. Best conditions: February-March when base is stable but temperatures are less extreme. Check ranger stations for current snow depth and avalanche forecast.
Mud Season: Not applicable—winter ski trail.
Wildflower Peak: Not applicable—winter season.
Fall Colors Peak: Not applicable—winter season.
Bug Season: Not applicable—winter season.
Insider Tips: Stream crossings are the grit check. Scout before committing.
False ski tracks from previous parties may mislead; use map/compass as authority.
Start at dawn. Winter darkness at 4:30 PM means you need a 6-hour buffer.
Bison move predictably in winter; don't surprise them.
If you're breaking trail in fresh powder, plan for 50% slower speed.
Winter camping on unbroken snow demands deep anchor placement and wind discipline.
Recent Updates: Check NPS Yellowstone website and ranger stations for current winter conditions, avalanche forecasts, and trail status before departure.
Family Friendly Notes: NOT family-friendly. Expert backcountry skiers only. Steep terrain, stream crossings, winter exposure, isolation, and wildlife hazards make this unsuitable for families, children, or inexperienced skiers. Overnight camping in winter is grueling and dangerous for the unprepared.
Nearby Facilities: Pebble Creek Campground (nearest; 15+ miles). Mammoth Hot Springs area: visitor center, ranger station, limited winter services (15 miles). Tower Ranger Station (18 miles). Northeast Entrance: minimal services. Most services are seasonal and winter hours are limited.
Review Summary: Experienced backcountry skiers praise the solitude and pristine snow conditions, but all emphasize: this is not for casual recreation. Avalanche risk, navigation demands, stream crossings, and winter exposure require serious preparation, fitness, and decision-making. One reviewer captured it: "Beautiful, brutal, humbling. Know your limits before you come here."

Frequently asked questions

Are there bears on this trail?

Yes. Bison and elk also frequent this area year-round. Federal law requires 100 yards minimum distance from bears and wolves, 25 yards from bison and other wildlife. Make noise, carry bear spray, travel in groups, and avoid sudden encounters. Winter means fewer active bears, but don't assume safety.

Do I need special gear?

Yes. Expert-level backcountry skis, insulated boots rated for -20°F, full winter camping kit (4-season tent, rated sleeping bag -10°F+, closed-cell foam pad), topographic map, compass, GPS, avalanche transceiver, multiple insulating layers, 3L water capacity, 2-3 days of high-calorie food, first-aid, repair kit. This is not a day-pack trail.

Can I do this as a day trip?

Only experienced parties in late winter/early spring with ideal snow and avalanche conditions. Most visitors require overnight camping. Start at dawn, be off the mountain by 3 PM to avoid skiing in darkness. Margin for error is zero.

What if I get lost in unbroken snow?

Bring map, compass, and GPS—use all three. No cell service. If you cannot navigate confidently with a topo map in winter conditions, do not go. Mark your route so you can retrace. Backcountry means self-rescue.

Is the backcountry permit hard to get?

Free, but in-person only. Available from Mammoth or Old Faithful visitor centers, or West/South entrance stations. Plan ahead—winter season is busy among expert skiers. No phone reservations or walk-ins guaranteed during peak periods.

What's the biggest mistake skiers make on this trail?

Underestimating the length and commitment. Route-finding errors, starting too late and skiing in darkness, and overestimating their winter mountaineering skills. Respect the terrain or it will break you.

Do I need an avalanche transceiver?

Highly recommended. This trail includes steep terrain where avalanche risk exists in certain snow conditions. Check the avalanche forecast with rangers. If there's any slope steeper than 30 degrees in your planned route, carry transceiver, shovel, and probe.