Pelican Valley Trail

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Distance

6.2 mi

Est. 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.

Route Type

There-and-back

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

Summer and Fall

Overview

About This Trail

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.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Moderate

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.

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.

Best Season to Hike

Summer and Fall

Hiking Tips

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.

Family Info

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.

What Hikers Say

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.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 6.2 miles

Duration: 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.

Difficulty: Moderate

Route Type: There-and-back

Surface: Fairly level, single-wide, bare ground trail. No bridge crossing Pelican Creek (creek crossing is unbridged). Exposed in meadow sections.

Getting There

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

Requirements

Permit Required

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.

Shuttle Available

Not applicable.

Trail Rules

Dogs: No

Biking: No

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.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: 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.

Shade: 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.

Cell Service: Unreliable or absent. Assume no cell service in Pelican Valley. Carry a satellite communicator or InReach if you need emergency backup communication.

Hazards:

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.

Emergency: Emergency: dial 911 or signal/shout for ranger assistance. Nearest ranger station: Fishing Bridge area (3 miles from trailhead at Visitor Center).

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Solitary to light. Bear safety requirements (groups of 4+) and strict timing (9 AM–7 PM day-use only) limit casual visitors.

Peak Times: Mid-summer (July–August) during peak Yellowstone season, though absolute numbers remain low due to bear restrictions.

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Not wheelchair accessible. Fairly level, single-wide, bare ground trail with no maintained accessibility features. Creek crossing is unbridged. Exposed in meadow sections.

Family Notes:

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.

What Hikers Say

Reviews

" 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."

Reviews from Google

FAQs

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?

What if I'm not that fit?

Is 3–4 hours realistic?

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

Do I need special gear?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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