Pelican Valley Trail

People on horseback ride through a field of sagebrush with mountains in the distance.

A 6.2-mile valley hike into prime grizzly country through meadows, forest, and along Pelican Creek, capped by an overlook framing the Absaroka Mountains. Moderate difficulty on fairly level terrain—but NOT a casual stroll. Groups of 4+ are mandatory for bear safety, and you must exit by 7 PM hard stop (day-use only 9 AM–7 PM). This is wilderness hiking with real consequences: constant bear vigilance, strict off-trail rules, and time pressure. The payoff: solitude and pristine valley views far from the RV crowds.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 6.2
Route Type: There-and-back
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Estimated Time: 3–4 hours at a steady pace. Budget extra time for safety pauses and photos, but stay aware of the 7 PM exit deadline—it's non-negotiable.

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 6.2
Route Type: There-and-back
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Estimated Time: 3–4 hours at a steady pace. Budget extra time for safety pauses and photos, but stay aware of the 7 PM exit deadline—it's non-negotiable.
Trail Surface: Fairly level, single-wide, bare ground trail. No bridge crossing Pelican Creek (creek crossing is unbridged). Exposed in meadow sections.
Trail Features: Meadows
Valley overlook
Forest sections
Hydrothermal features
Pelican Creek
Absaroka Mountains views
Scenic lookout
Trail Highlights: Pelican Valley overlook (mile 1.5) with views of Pelican Creek curving through meadow and Absaroka Mountains framing the far side. Hydrothermal features mid-trail add geological interest. Low visitor density due to bear safety requirements and timing constraints—true wilderness solitude.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Gravel road 3 miles (4.8 km) east of Fishing Bridge Visitor Center; park at end of road.
Shuttle Required: 0

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permits required for day-use hiking. This is a day-use only trail (9 AM–7 PM); no backcountry camping allowed. Check the NPS Backcountry Situation Report for current closures and bear activity updates before departing.
Fees: $35 per private vehicle (7-day Yellowstone entrance pass). The trail itself has no additional fee.
Trail Status: Typically open late July through early November (closed until July 4 annually for bear management).
Seasonal Closures: Closed until July 4 annually due to Bear Management Area closure (bear denning and cub emergence period). Operational late July through early November, subject to snow and NPS situation reports. Always verify status on the NPS Yellowstone website before planning your trip.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: Pelican Creek is available along the trail mid-hike (around mile 2+). Water treatment or filtration is mandatory. No potable water at trailhead; carry all water for the start of the hike.
Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible. Fairly level, single-wide, bare ground trail with no maintained accessibility features. Creek crossing is unbridged. Exposed in meadow sections.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Grizzly bears in prime habitat
Washed-out bridge at trail end
Fragile and hazardous hydrothermal area
Unbridged creek crossing
Hard 7 PM exit deadline (trespassing after)
Afternoon sun exposure
Off-trail travel prohibition with enforcement
Hazard Details: Prime grizzly bear habitat: off-trail travel is PROHIBITED on the first 2.1 miles (serious enforcement). Groups of 4+ required; solo hiking is illegal. Constant noise mandatory to avoid surprising bears. Hydrothermal area (mile 2+) is fragile and hazardous—single-file only, no touching. Unbridged creek crossing with variable water level. Hard 7 PM exit or you're trespassing in a bear-restricted area. Afternoon sun exposure in meadow can cause heat exhaustion if you don't hydrate.
Cell Service: Unreliable or absent. Assume no cell service in Pelican Valley. Carry a satellite communicator or InReach if you need emergency backup communication.
Crowd Level: Solitary to light. Bear safety requirements (groups of 4+) and strict timing (9 AM–7 PM day-use only) limit casual visitors.
Peak Crowd Times: Mid-summer (July–August) during peak Yellowstone season, though absolute numbers remain low due to bear restrictions.
Best Season: Summer and Fall
Best Time To Visit: July 4 through early November. Arrive at the trailhead by 9 AM when it opens. Plan to START your return leg by 2 PM—this gives a 2-hour buffer to exit by the 7 PM hard cutoff. Early morning light (9–11 AM) is best for Absaroka Mountain views. Do NOT attempt an afternoon start; you'll be hiking out in darkness.
Tips Advice: Make constant noise: talk loudly, use a bear bell, clap. Do not go silent.\n
Carry 2L water minimum. Pelican Creek is available mid-trail but treat/filter it. Start hydrated.\n
Hike in a TIGHT group of 4+. Do not allow anyone to wander off-trail, especially the first 2.1 miles.\n
Bring a headlamp or high-powered flashlight (backup for 7 PM exit—darkness comes fast).\n
Trekking poles reduce knee strain on descent and help with the unbridged creek crossing.\n
Check the NPS Backcountry Situation Report before you go—bear activity changes daily, and closures update in real-time.\n
Wear a hat and sunscreen. Meadow sections are full sun exposure in afternoon.

More details

Park Area: Fishing Bridge
Trail Markers: Well-worn trail with obvious path through meadow and forest. Markers are visible in normal conditions. However, off-trail hazards are severe in this bear habitat, so a map and compass/GPS are essential.
Dogs Allowed: No
Biking Allowed: No
Shade Level: Mixed exposure. Meadow sections (first 1.5 miles and around hydrothermal area) are full sun. Forest sections provide dappled shade. Afternoon sun is intense in meadow; peak sun 11 AM–3 PM.
Emergency Contacts: Emergency: dial 911 or signal/shout for ranger assistance. Nearest ranger station: Fishing Bridge area (3 miles from trailhead at Visitor Center).
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Snow typically clears by late July (trail opens July 4 with bear closure, operationally clear by late July). Snow-free late July through early November.
Mud Season: Muddy conditions May–June after snowmelt. Trail is generally passable by late July. Check the NPS Backcountry Situation Report for spring/early summer conditions.
Bug Season: June–August: heavy mosquito activity, especially near Pelican Creek and wetland meadow sections. Bring insect repellent with DEET; long sleeves help. September onward: mosquitoes decline significantly.
Insider Tips: The main overlook at mile 1.5 is the scenic payoff—do NOT skip it. This is where Absaroka Mountains frame Pelican Creek.\n
The meadow false summit at mile 2.1 marks the boundary of the off-trail prohibition—stay on-trail from here or face enforcement.\n
Hydrothermal area mid-trail is fragile: single-file, no touching, no stepping off-trail.\n
Start by 9:30 AM to summit by noon, leaving 5 hours for return and safety buffer.\n
Morning light (before 11 AM) frames the mountains best. Afternoon shadows flatten the view.\n
Bring EXTRA water; Pelican Creek is your only mid-hike source.
Recent Updates: Trail closed until July 4 annually for Bear Management Area (bear denning and cub emergence). Always check the NPS Backcountry Situation Report online for current closures, bear activity sightings, and trail condition updates before your hike. Closures can be extended based on real-time bear encounters.
Family Friendly Notes: NOT recommended for young children. While the terrain is moderate and fairly level, hiking in prime grizzly bear habitat requires sustained alertness and strict rule-following. Children cannot maintain the required noise-making discipline and off-trail awareness level. Groups of 4+ are mandatory, and the 9 AM–7 PM time window is rigid. Ages 12+ with outdoor experience and comfort in bear country: acceptable. Under 12: skip this trail.
Nearby Facilities: Fishing Bridge Visitor Center (3 miles from trailhead). Fishing Bridge RV Park for lodging. Supplies, restrooms, and ranger staff available at Fishing Bridge area before driving to trailhead.
Review Summary: Hikers who complete this trail praise the solitude and pristine Pelican Valley views. The Absaroka Mountain backdrop and hydrothermal features reward the effort. However, reviews emphasize that the grizzly bear precautions are serious and non-negotiable: groups of 4+, constant noise-making, strict off-trail rules, and rigid timing. This is NOT a casual family walk—it's wilderness hiking with real stakes and real consequences.

Frequently asked questions

Are there really bears here?

Yes. This is PRIME grizzly habitat. Groups of 4+ are mandatory, not optional. You will not encounter bears often, but you must assume they're present every step. Make constant noise, stay together, and follow off-trail prohibitions strictly.

Can I do this trail solo?

No. NPS requires groups of 4+. Solo hiking is not permitted. You MUST hike with at least 3 others. This is a safety rule with enforcement.

What if I'm not that fit?

If you can walk 6 miles on relatively flat ground at a moderate pace, you can do it. The terrain is moderate, not steep or technical. Bring trekking poles to reduce knee strain on descent. Take breaks as needed, but stay aware of the 7 PM time limit.

Is 3–4 hours realistic?

Yes, for a normal pace with brief photo stops. But timing is CRITICAL: you must exit by 7 PM. Budget 3.5 hours for the hike itself, then 30 minutes buffer before turnaround. Start by 9:30 AM and plan to reverse by 2 PM for a safe margin.

What if the trail is closed when I want to hike?

It's closed until July 4 annually. Check the NPS Backcountry Situation Report online before your trip for current closures, bear activity updates, and trail conditions. Closures can be extended based on recent bear sightings. Never assume the standard opening date.

Do I need special gear?

Yes: bear bell or air horn, 2L water minimum, headlamp/flashlight (backup for 7 PM exit—critical), trekking poles, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), and a map/GPS. Bear spray is optional but recommended if trained. Wear sturdy hiking boots for the unbridged creek crossing.