No, but skiing solo is foolish. Bring a partner or book a park guide.

If you ski 2 miles of intermediate runs without stopping, yes. This trail never lets your legs rest.

Roller Coaster Ski Trail - 1.8mi Advanced

Q: Do I need special gear?

Helmet mandatory. Sharp skis essential. Wrist guards recommended. Gaiters for snow.

Q: What if weather turns ugly?

Bail immediately. The meadow is your escape. Don't be brave—mountains kill brave skiers.

Q: How long will it take?

1-2 hours for fit skiers. Cautious skiers: 2.5-3 hours. Fitness and snow conditions vary timing.

Distance

1.8 mi

Elevation Gain

150 ft

Est. Time

1-2 hours for fit skiers; 2.5-3 hours for cautious or less experienced

Route Type

Roundtrip

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

Winter (December through February typical; March possible but less reliable)

Overview

About This Trail

The Roller Coaster Ski Trail is a 1.8-mile roundtrip winter route through lodgepole pines with rolling descents and several steep drop-offs. This is technically demanding skiing—icy sections and a narrow bridge crossing demand precision and grit. You'll experience fast-flowing descents through forest, interspersed with white-knuckle technical sections and exposure. Not for casual skiers: this trail bites back.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

More Difficult

Trail Highlights

Fast, technical ski descent through dense forest with adrenaline-pumping drop-offs. Bridge crossing is the crux. Merges with Canyon Rim Trail.

Insider Tips

• The service road opener (0.3 mi) is your warm-up—dial in your edges and rhythm before the real descent. • Meadow section is your pressure-relief valve if conditions deteriorate—bail here if needed. • Scout the narrow bridge at walking pace before skiing downhill. • Trail merges with Canyon Rim Trail at end. Left fork extends your run; right returns to start. • Check snow conditions with park rangers the morning-of. Icy days change everything.

Best Season to Hike

Winter (December through February typical; March possible but less reliable)

Hiking Tips

Helmet mandatory—drop-offs are unforgiving.
Carry 2L water—dehydration is silent at altitude and cold.
Sharp skis are non-negotiable—icy patches will test your nerve.
Scout the narrow bridge before committing downhill.
Dress in layers—weather in the canyon shifts fast.
Make noise on blind turns—signal your presence to other skiers.
Never ski alone on technical terrain.

Family Info

Not suitable for young children. Steep drop-offs and icy conditions are unforgiving. Older kids (12+) only with expert supervision and helmets mandatory.

What Hikers Say

Winter skiers rate this trail intense and rewarding. Icy conditions keep you honest and the drop-offs demand respect. Definitely not for casual skiers—requires expert technique and mental toughness.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 1.8 miles

Elevation Gain: 150 ft

Duration: 1-2 hours for fit skiers; 2.5-3 hours for cautious or less experienced

Difficulty: More Difficult

Route Type: Roundtrip

Surface: Packed snow on service road (first 0.3 mi), transitioning to skier-tracked forest trail

Getting There

Trailhead: From Canyon Visitor Education Center, go east on North Rim Drive 100 yards, turn left up service road 0.3 miles

Requirements

Permit Required

Service dogs allowed with backcountry access permit. Skier shuttle may require advance reservation (check with park hotels).

Fees: No trail fee. Park entrance: $35 vehicle or $20 per person on ski. Shuttle fee varies.

Shuttle Required

One-way or round-trip skier shuttles available for a fee. Reservations and information: park hotels, 307-344-7311 (Toll-free: 866-439-7375, TDD: 304-344-5395)

Trail Rules

Dogs: Service dogs only with backcountry access permit

Biking: No—winter ski trail only

Trail Markers: Well-defined through forest section. Trail merges with Canyon Rim Trail at end.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: No natural water sources. Carry all water—2L minimum.

Shade: Forested sections provide heavy shade. First 0.3 miles on exposed service road and meadow.

Cell Service: Spotty to none. Bring emergency whistle and let park rangers know your plan.

Hazards:

CAUTION: parts of trail have steep drop-offs hazardous when icy. Narrow bridge is tight. Exposure on service road and meadow. Cold and wind can turn dangerous quickly. Icy patches demand expert technique.

Emergency: Yellowstone Park: 307-344-7311 (Toll-free: 866-439-7375, TDD: 304-344-5395)

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Moderate—winter conditions and shuttle limits keep crowds manageable.

Peak Times: Weekends during stable snow windows in late December and January

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Service road beginning is smooth and wide. Trail narrows in forest. Narrow bridge is tight. Total elevation gain 150 feet. Rolling terrain requires constant leg engagement and technical skill.

Family Notes:

Not suitable for young children. Steep drop-offs and icy conditions are unforgiving. Older kids (12+) only with expert supervision and helmets mandatory.

Nearby Facilities

Canyon Village has lodging, dining, shops. Canyon Campground nearby for winter camping. Canyon Visitor Education Center at trailhead area.

What Hikers Say

FAQs

Can I handle the drop-offs?

Yes, if intermediate-plus. Scout them first. Icy sections make them scarier than they are.

Do I need special gear?

What if weather turns ugly?

Is a guide required?

How long will it take?

Am I fit enough?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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