Trail

Pelican Creek Nature Trail

Trail
A creek spills into a large lake with mountains in the distance.

A short but complete loop through Yellowstone's most diverse habitats—forest, meadow, and lakeshore in less than an hour. Easy enough for families and casual hikers, challenging enough to feel like exploration. You'll see wildlife signs, possibly birds, and end on the shore of Yellowstone Lake. The short distance makes it perfect for a morning warm-up or afternoon break.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
0.6
Route Type
Loop
Difficulty Level
Easy—walk in the park
Elevation Gain Feet
0

Trail profile

Distance Miles
0.6
Route Type
Loop
Difficulty Level
Easy—walk in the park
Elevation Gain Feet
0
Estimated Time
30-45 minutes if you keep moving. Add 15-30 minutes if you stop for photos or birding.
Trail Surface
Packed earth and gravel, with rooty forest sections
Trail Features
  • Forest through diverse Yellowstone habitats
  • Yellowstone Lake shoreline
  • Prime birding area
  • Wildlife viewing opportunities
Trail Highlights
Diverse Yellowstone ecosystems in miniature. Scenic lakeshore access without the effort. Prime birding opportunity with strong chance of sightings. A genuine warm-up for bigger trails.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
West end of Pelican Creek Bridge, 1 mile east of Fishing Bridge Visitor Center
Shuttle Required
0
Shuttle Details
Not required. Park at the trailhead near Pelican Creek Bridge.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details
No permits required for day hiking.
Fees
No trail fee. Park entrance: $35 per private vehicle (7-day pass)
Trail Status
Open
Seasonal Closures
Typically accessible mid-April through early November. Winter snow may restrict or close access.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
0
Water Sources
Yellowstone Lake at trail end. Not safe to drink untreated—carry your own water.
Accessibility
Mostly flat and well-maintained. Some rooty sections in forest require basic foot awareness. Easy for most fitness levels and ages. No steep drop-offs or technical scrambling.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Grizzly bears
  • Sun exposure at lakeshore
  • Uneven rooty terrain in forest sections
  • Thermal features (avoid)
Hazard Details
Grizzly bears are present year-round. Make noise and don't approach wildlife. The sunny lakeshore can cause sunburn; wear protection. Forest sections are rooty but stable. Stay on trail to avoid hidden thermal features.
Cell Service
Sporadic. Don't rely on cell service for emergencies. Signal nearby hikers or return to trailhead.
Crowd Level
Moderate to high. Popular with families and casual hikers, especially midday and peak summer.
Peak Crowd Times
Midday (10am-3pm), July-August peak season
Best Season
Summer and Fall
Best Time To Visit
Early morning (6-7am) for the best wildlife sightings and bird activity. Avoid midday heat (10am-3pm). Fall offers cooler temps and better birding conditions. Winter snow may close the trailhead.
Tips Advice
  • Make noise—bears are present. Carry a bear bell or talk constantly.
  • Bring at least 1L water and sun protection; the lakeshore is exposed.
  • Binoculars are essential; this is prime bird territory.
  • Wear sturdy shoes for the rooty forest sections.
  • The wind picks up at the lake; expect temperature swings.
  • Loop is equally good clockwise or counterclockwise.

More details

Park Area
Central Yellowstone (Fishing Bridge Area)
Trail Markers
Well-marked and obvious. Trail is obvious to follow; getting lost is unlikely.
Dogs Allowed
No. Dogs prohibited in Yellowstone.
Biking Allowed
No. Bikes prohibited on foot trails.
Shade Level
Mixed. Forest provides shade; lakeshore stretch is exposed to full sun.
Emergency Contacts
In emergencies, signal nearby hikers or return to Fishing Bridge Visitor Center. Cell service is unreliable. Contact Yellowstone Ranger Station at the Visitor Center.
Map Recommended
0
Snow Dates
Accessible mid-April through early November depending on snow. Heavy snow closures possible December-March.
Mud Season
Spring (April-May) can be muddy due to snowmelt. Waterproof boots recommended.
Wildflower Peak
June through August; peak wildflower bloom July-August
Fall Colors Peak
Mid-September through early October
Bug Season
July through September, especially near the lake where mosquitoes congregate
Insider Tips
  • Arrive early (before 9am) for parking and wildlife. Animals are most active at dawn.
  • Bring binoculars; this is premier birding real estate.
  • The lakeshore section is windier and colder than the forest—bring a layer.
  • Loop works clockwise or counterclockwise; clockwise gets you to the lake payoff faster.
  • Spring and fall offer the best wildlife sightings and fewest crowds.
Recent Updates
No recent closures or major trail work reported.
Family Friendly Notes
Excellent for families. No steep drop-offs or exposure. Keep kids close near the lake. Short distance holds young attention. Teach bear awareness and staying on trail. Great first hike in Yellowstone.
Nearby Facilities
Fishing Bridge Visitor Center 1 mile away. Food, water, restrooms at Fishing Bridge RV Park. Gas and supplies at Fishing Bridge complex.
Review Summary
Hikers praise this trail as the ideal introduction to Yellowstone's diversity without physical grind. The short distance and lake payoff make it family-friendly and perfect for warm-ups. Wildlife and bird sightings are common. Experienced hikers use it as a morning opener before tackling bigger peaks.

Frequently asked questions

Are there grizzly bears?

Yes. Make noise (talk, use a bear bell, clap) and stay alert. Never approach. If you see a bear, back away slowly and give it space. Never run.

How long does this actually take?

30-45 minutes if you keep moving. Add 15-30 minutes if you stop for photos or birding. It's genuinely quick.

Is this good for kids or older hikers?

Yes. It's short, easy, and scenic. Teach kids to stay close to the lake and listen for bears. Older hikers love the low impact and payoff.

Do I need special gear?

Sturdy shoes for rooty sections, at least 1L water, sun protection, and binoculars for birds. A map is nice but the trail is obvious.

Is it safe to hike alone?

Yes, but always let someone know your plans. Make constant noise to avoid surprising bears. Stay on the trail. Cell service is unreliable.

What's the hardest part?

There isn't one. Rooty forest sections are mildly uneven but nothing technical. Mostly a casual walk for any ability level.

When should I go to avoid crowds?

Before 9am or after 3pm. Weekdays are quieter than weekends. Spring (May-June) and fall (September-early October) have fewer hikers than peak summer.

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 June 2026. Report an issue.