Red Canyon Creek Trail — 9-Mile Out-and-Back Hike in Custer

Q: Is cell service available on the trail?

Cell service is unreliable; don’t rely on it for emergencies—carry a map/compass and tell someone your plan.

Q: Is this trail family-friendly?

Yes for many families, thanks to manageable switchbacks, but keep kids close and aware of wildlife and the elevation gain.

Q: Do I need a day-use permit for Red Canyon Creek?

No day-use permit is mentioned for this route; backcountry camping permits may apply if you extend beyond the day hike.

Q: What should I pack for weather changes?

Pack layers, sun protection, water, bear spray, and a light rain shell; weather can shift quickly in subalpine zones.

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Distance

9 mi

Elevation Gain

1,900 ft

Est. Time

4-6 hours

Route Type

Out-and-back

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

Early July to mid-August

Overview

About This Trail

Red Canyon Creek runs 9 miles out-and-back with 1,900 ft of elevation gain. The climb is steady with switchbacks; no technical scrambling, but the workout is real. You’ll move from creekside forest into subalpine meadows with whitebark pines and wildflowers—the payoff is quiet solitude and high-energy reward for the effort.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Moderate Workout

Trail Highlights

Quiet, creek-adjacent corridor into subalpine meadows with wildflowers and sparse crowds; wildlife potential adds to the realism of mountain hiking.

Insider Tips

• The trail is shared with bikes—make noise and stay visible. • Start early to dodge potential afternoon storms. • Bring bear spray and trekking poles for stability on elevation. • Check flood conditions after heavy rain; mud can linger.

Best Season to Hike

Early July to mid-August

Hiking Tips

Carry 2 liters of water minimum and filter creek water in lower sections.
Bear spray is highly recommended in bear country; make noise and stay alert.
Trekking poles help on elevation gain and long miles.
Start cold, pace yourself, and plan 4–6 hours with extra time for flowers and wildlife.

Family Info

Described as approachable for many ages due to manageable switchbacks; however, elevation gain and wildlife risk warrant supervision and caution for kids

What Hikers Say

Hikers praise the steady gain and quiet atmosphere, with wildflowers in bloom shaping a high-reward hike. The bike-sharing aspect and wildlife presence affect wildlife viewing and pace. Overall, a solid moderate workout with meaningful rewards.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 9 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,900 ft

Duration: 4-6 hours

Difficulty: Moderate Workout

Route Type: Out-and-back

Surface: Varies from creekside easy walking to packed dirt with rocky switchbacks

Getting There

Trailhead: Red Canyon Road (#681), ~2.5 miles north of Highway 287; ~5.5 miles west of the junction of Highways 191 and 287 (8 miles north of West Yellowstone)

Parking: Small pullout at the trailhead that accommodates only a handful of vehicles; on weekends and during peak wildflower season (early July–mid-August) it can fill by mid-morning.

Fills Up: Not a choke point; parking rarely fills up

Requirements

Permit Required

N/A

Fees: $0

Shuttle Available

N/A

Trail Rules

Dogs: Not documented in the official notes; if you bring a pet, confirm leash rules with the managing agency before hiking.

Biking: Yes—trail is shared with bikes

Trail Markers: Moderately well-marked; bring a map and compass as backup

Map/GPS recommended

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Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Creek along the lower section; carry water and filter as needed

Shade: Mixed; forested sections provide shade, open meadows offer sun

Cell Service: Cell service is limited to none in most of the area; bring a satellite communicator or offline maps for emergencies.

Hazards:

Carry bear spray and make noise; note that some segments can flood after storms; expect sun in alpine zones and mixed footing on rocky switchbacks; bikes share the route, so stay audible and visible.

Emergency: Yellowstone National Park emergency services

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Generally low

Peak Times: Mornings are quieter; weekends may see more hikers and bike traffic

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Mixed—forest floor sections with rocky switchbacks; elevation gain is moderate but sustained

Family Notes:

Described as approachable for many ages due to manageable switchbacks; however, elevation gain and wildlife risk warrant supervision and caution for kids