Trail

Rescue Creek Trail

Trail
A rocky mountain peak emerges behind rolling, grassy hills.

Rescue Creek Trail climbs gradually through golden aspen groves and open meadows before descending through dense forest to sagebrush flats and the Gardner River in Yellowstone's northern range. This is a moderately strenuous 8-mile through-hike with significant exposure to sun and weather, offering excellent wildlife viewing and seasonal wildflower displays. The route is scenic and rewarding, but demands hydration discipline and physical fitness. CRITICAL: The Gardner River footbridge was destroyed in the 2022 flood—the trail is only accessible from the Blacktail Pond trailhead, and fording the river is unsafe.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
8
Route Type
Through-hike with shuttle required; or out-and-back from Blacktail Pond Trailhead (16 miles total)
Difficulty Level
Moderately strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet
0

Trail profile

Distance Miles
8
Route Type
Through-hike with shuttle required; or out-and-back from Blacktail Pond Trailhead (16 miles total)
Difficulty Level
Moderately strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet
0
Estimated Time
4-6 hours one-way for fit hikers; 8-12 hours for round-trip from Blacktail Pond
Trail Surface
Dirt trail with sections of gravel and exposed root systems through forest and meadow; compacted soil on flats
Trail Features
  • Aspen groves
  • Mountain meadows with wildflowers
  • Dense conifer forest
  • Sagebrush flats
  • Gardner River views
  • Northern range habitat
  • Destroyed footbridge (historical interest)
Trail Highlights
Diverse Yellowstone ecosystems from aspen-meadow transition zone through subalpine forest to semi-arid sagebrush; excellent wildlife viewing opportunities (elk, bison, bears); seasonal wildflower displays in meadows; Gardner River gorge views

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
Blacktail Creek Trailhead parking lot, 7 miles east of Mammoth Hot Springs on the Grand Loop Road (primary access). North Entrance trailhead option exists but Gardner River crossing is impassable.
Parking Fill Time
Fills early on summer weekends; arrive by 6:30 AM for reliable parking
Shuttle Required
1
Shuttle Details
This is an 8-mile through-hike with trailheads 7 miles apart. Standard approach: leave a vehicle at the opposite trailhead, or arrange a shuttle pickup. Most hikers now do a 16-mile out-and-back from Blacktail Pond because the Gardner River bridge is destroyed—crossing is unsafe. The destroyed footbridge was at the turnaround point, making Blacktail the only practical starting point.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details
No permits required for day hiking. Only Yellowstone National Park entrance fee applies.
Fees
$35 per private vehicle for Yellowstone National Park entrance (valid 7 consecutive days, all passengers included)
Trail Status
OPEN WITH CRITICAL ALERT: The Gardner River footbridge was destroyed in the June 2022 flood event. Trail is only accessible from the Blacktail Pond trailhead. Fording the Gardner River is unsafe—do not attempt to cross. Hike to the destroyed bridge site as a 4-mile out-and-back turnaround, or plan a full 16-mile round-trip from Blacktail Pond.
Seasonal Closures
Grand Loop Road typically closes November through early April due to heavy snow. Trail itself may be snow-covered or hazardous December through May. Road opening/closing dates are weather-dependent—confirm access before departing.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
0
Water Sources
Gardner River at mile 4 from Blacktail Pond, but fording is unsafe due to flood damage. NO reliable water sources for the entire hike. Carry all water needed: minimum 3 liters. Spring runoff (May-June) might allow river filtering from a safe distance, but do not attempt to cross.
Accessibility
Not accessible. Trail features rooty forest sections, uneven terrain, steep descents, and narrow passages with drop-offs. Not suitable for mobility devices or hikers with balance issues. Difficult terrain throughout.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Destroyed bridge—unsafe river crossing
  • Extreme sun exposure on flats
  • Grizzly bear country
  • Uneven terrain and root systems
  • Steep descent on return
  • Flash flood risk in heavy rain
  • Wildlife encounters
Hazard Details
The Gardner River bridge was destroyed in the 2022 flood; fording the current is unsafe and potentially fatal. Sagebrush flats offer zero shade and extreme UV exposure—dehydration and heat exhaustion are real risks. This is prime grizzly bear habitat; bear encounters are possible despite low odds if hikers follow safety rules. Uneven root systems and loose terrain in forest sections create ankle-twist risk. The descent is steep and punishing on knees and joints. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer and can cause flash flooding.
Cell Service
Limited to nonexistent. Most of the trail has no cellular coverage. Assume no service for communication or emergency calls.
Crowd Level
Moderate to heavy during peak season (July-August), especially weekends. Less crowded mid-week and in shoulder seasons (June, September).
Peak Crowd Times
July-August weekends see heavy use. Weekday mornings are quieter. Early June and September are less crowded but have more variable weather.
Best Season
Mid-April through early November (when Grand Loop Road is open). Optimal: June through September for snow-free conditions and weather stability.
Best Time To Visit
June through September. Start by 7 AM to beat afternoon sun and heat. Thunderstorms are common in afternoons—get off the exposed flats by 2 PM if possible.
Tips Advice
  • Carry 3 liters minimum water—sun exposure is brutal on sagebrush flats, no water sources available
  • Trekking poles are essential for the knee-destroying descent
  • Start at Blacktail Pond trailhead only—Gardner River bridge is destroyed, fording is unsafe
  • Begin by 7 AM to minimize heat exposure and finish before dark
  • Bring bear spray, make constant noise—this is active grizzly habitat
  • Sun protection is mandatory: hat, sunscreen, long sleeves, and sunglasses
  • Leave a vehicle at the opposite end or plan a 16-mile round-trip out-and-back

More details

Park Area
Mammoth Hot Springs
Trail Markers
Well-marked at the Blacktail Pond trailhead with clear signage. Trail becomes less obvious on sagebrush flats. Bring a detailed map and compass or GPS—trail can be confusing in open sections, especially on return in low light.
Dogs Allowed
No—pets are not permitted on Yellowstone trails
Biking Allowed
No—hiking only
Shade Level
Mixed exposure. Aspen groves and forest sections provide dappled to moderate shade. Sagebrush flats (miles 4-8) are fully exposed to direct sun with minimal shelter. Early morning and late afternoon preferred to minimize solar exposure.
Emergency Contacts
Yellowstone Park Rangers: 911 from land line or satellite phone. Nearest ranger station: Mammoth District Ranger Station, 7 miles west of Blacktail trailhead. SAR response times may exceed 2+ hours in remote areas. Self-rescue capability is essential.
Map Recommended
1
Snow Dates
Typically snow-covered or hazardous December through May, depending on year and elevation. Early-season (May-June) and late-season (September-October) conditions are highly unpredictable and weather-dependent.
Mud Season
May through June, particularly in meadow sections and near water sources. Spring runoff saturates soil, making footing treacherous. Post-hole risk is real if you hike early season.
Wildflower Peak
June through July for meadow wildflowers. Exact peak varies by elevation, winter snowpack depth, and spring weather.
Fall Colors Peak
Late September through mid-October for aspen color change. Timing is unpredictable and depends on early frost and temperature fluctuations.
Bug Season
High mosquito activity June through August, especially near meadows and water sources. Bug spray is essential; long sleeves and head net recommended for early season (June).
Insider Tips
  • Start by 7 AM to beat afternoon thunderstorms and heat—weather can deteriorate quickly
  • The destroyed bridge site is a natural 4-mile turnaround if doing out-and-back from Blacktail
  • Aspen groves are beautiful but deadly slippery when wet—careful footwork required
  • Bring trekking poles—they cut knee strain on the relentless descent by 25-30%
  • Wildlife is most active at dawn and dusk—hike early to maximize viewing chances
  • Take a GPS waypoint at the trailhead for orientation; sagebrush flats are easy to get turned around on
Recent Updates
CRITICAL (June 2022): Gardner River footbridge destroyed in flood event. Trail only accessible from Blacktail Pond trailhead; North Entrance trailhead connection is impassable due to unsafe fording conditions and ongoing hazards.
Family Friendly Notes
Suitable for older children (10+) with prior hiking experience. Moderately strenuous and long—not recommended for younger children or novice hikers. Lack of shade on exposed flats requires constant parental monitoring of water intake and sun exposure. Grizzly bear risk requires adult supervision and strict discipline around bear spray handling. Steep descent on return is hard on young joints.
Nearby Facilities
Mammoth Hot Springs (7 miles west) has lodging, dining, visitor services, ranger station, and supplies. No facilities at Blacktail Pond trailhead. Fill water bottles and buy snacks/lunch before departing.
Review Summary
Experienced hikers praise the diverse scenery and wildlife viewing, but consistently warn about brutal sun exposure on the flats and the destroyed bridge eliminating the through-hike option. Most recent reports indicate people do out-and-back from Blacktail Pond (16 miles total), making it a full-day commitment. Early starters and water discipline are repeatedly mentioned as critical to success.

Frequently asked questions

Is this trail too hard for an average hiker?

Not if you're prepared. The climb is gradual, not steep—no rock scrambling required. But 8 miles in 4-6 hours on uneven terrain demands fitness and hydration discipline. If you're slower than typical, add 2+ hours. Be honest about your fitness; it's better to turn back than get caught in darkness.

Are there bears? Do I need bear spray?

Yes, this is active grizzly habitat. Bear spray is mandatory by park regulations. Odds of encounter are low if you follow the rules: make constant noise, hike in groups, avoid dawn/dusk, and carry spray in a holster, not a backpack. Know how to use it—take a 30-second demo before you depart.

How much water do I need?

Minimum 3 liters for an 8-mile hike. The sagebrush flats have zero shade and zero water sources. Bring a hydration pack and force yourself to drink consistently. Filter at the Gardner River only if you're desperate and can access water safely from a distance—do not attempt to cross the river.

What about the destroyed bridge everyone mentions?

The Gardner River footbridge was destroyed in the 2022 flood. The trail is only accessible from Blacktail Pond trailhead. You can hike to the destroyed bridge site as a 4-mile out-and-back turnaround, or continue beyond if conditions allow—but fording is unsafe and not recommended. Most people do an out-and-back from Blacktail.

Can I do this in one day?

Yes, if you start early and are fit. Eight miles one-way is a long day. Most do out-and-back from Blacktail (16 miles total) starting before 7 AM. Expect 8-12 hours total including water breaks and photo stops. Not ideal for families with young kids.

Do I need a permit or have special fees?

No day hike permit required. Just pay the $35 Yellowstone park entrance fee (valid 7 days for your entire vehicle). The trail is open year-round on good weather days, but park roads close seasonally—confirm Grand Loop Road is open before you go.

Is this trail good for dogs?

No. Dogs are not permitted on any Yellowstone trails per park regulations. Leave them home or arrange a pet sitter. This is grizzly bear country—a dog off-leash could provoke an encounter and endanger your group.

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.