Trail

Sepulcher Mountain Trail

Trail

An 11-mile alpine loop climb gaining 3,400 feet to the 9,652-foot summit of Sepulcher Mountain. This is serious terrain: strenuous, navigation-dependent, and grizzly country that demands fitness and map skills. Summit payoff includes alpine meadows, views of the surrounding ranges, and frequent wildlife encounters (mountain goats, bighorn sheep, moose). Expect 6-8 hours of steady climbing through forest and meadow before breaking into open alpine slopes.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
11
Route Type
Loop
Difficulty Level
Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet
3400

Trail profile

Distance Miles
11
Route Type
Loop
Difficulty Level
Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet
3400
Estimated Time
6-8 hours if fit; up to 10 hours with navigation delays
Trail Surface
Forest floor (early), alpine meadow (mid), loose scree and exposed rock (upper alpine and descent)
Trail Features
  • Alpine summit at 9,652 feet
  • Mountain goats
  • Bighorn sheep
  • Moose
  • Alpine meadows
  • Open slopes with expansive views
  • Forest hiking early on
Trail Highlights
Summit views of the northern range, close wildlife encounters, alpine terrain

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
North of Liberty Cap, near the stone house (same trailhead as Beaver Ponds Trail)
Shuttle Required
0
Shuttle Details
Not required

Permits & conditions

Permit Details
No permit required, but check the Backcountry Situation Report at nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/situationreport.htm before heading out
Fees
$35 Entrance - Private Vehicle (valid 7 days)
Trail Status
Open
Seasonal Closures
Winter (generally November through May, weather-dependent; check road access at Mammoth entrance)

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
0
Water Sources
Unreliable—no established water sources on trail. Carry minimum 3 liters. Filter at mountain streams if desperate, but plan for full self-sufficiency.
Accessibility
Steep, rocky, and rooty throughout. Not accessible to mobility-limited hikers. Loose scree descent punishing. Trekking poles essential.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Grizzly bears
  • Steep terrain and scree
  • Altitude effects (9,652 ft)
  • Exposed alpine conditions
  • Lightning risk during storms
  • Navigation difficulty
Hazard Details
Grizzly bears frequent this area—make noise constantly. Steep scree descent taxing on joints. Altitude can trigger headaches; ascend slowly. Summit and upper slopes fully exposed to sun, wind, and lightning. Navigation is challenging—many hikers miss junctions without a map.
Cell Service
Unreliable or nonexistent in the backcountry—rely on map and compass, not GPS
Crowd Level
Moderate
Peak Crowd Times
July-August weekends; mornings less crowded than afternoons
Best Season
Summer and Fall
Best Time To Visit
Start by dawn in July-September when snow is melted and weather stable. Begin by 6 AM to finish before afternoon thunderstorms. Summer is best—fall conditions deteriorate mid-September.
Tips Advice
  • Carry minimum 3 liters of water and electrolytes—high altitude and sun exposure dehydrate fast
  • Make constant noise (bear bell, talking) to avoid surprising grizzlies
  • Pack the detailed park map and a compass—trail junctions are not well marked
  • Tighten your boots—loose rock and scree on descent will punish your ankles
  • Bring trekking poles to absorb the 3,400 feet of descent impact
  • Start before 7 AM to allow buffer time for navigation and weather changes

More details

Park Area
Mammoth Hot Springs
Trail Markers
Poorly marked—trail junctions and turns are easy to miss. Requires map reading.
Dogs Allowed
No
Biking Allowed
No
Shade Level
Minimal at summit and upper slopes; forest provides shade early on
Emergency Contacts
Mammoth District Ranger Station (check nps.gov/yell for contact info). Yellowstone Emergency: 911 (if signal available)
Map Recommended
1
Snow Dates
November through May (variable by elevation and year)
Fall Colors Peak
September through mid-October
Insider Tips
  • The "false summit" at around mile 8 will trick you—the true peak is another 0.3 miles further with similar elevation. Keep going.
  • Snow passes (check the north slope of the mountain) often hold snow into mid-July—expect slippery descents even in summer
  • The open slope descent (right side of the loop) is faster but riskier—many hikers prefer backtracking the ascent route
  • Evening light on the northern range from the summit is spectacular; plan your descent timing accordingly
  • Bighorn sheep often hang on the rocky upper slopes—binoculars reveal them before they flee
Recent Updates
Check the NPS Backcountry Situation Report (nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/situationreport.htm) for current trail and wildlife conditions before departure
Family Friendly Notes
Not suitable for young children under 12. Requires solid hiking fitness, map navigation ability, and wilderness awareness. Older teenagers with backcountry experience and strong adult supervision can manage. Younger kids risk altitude sickness, navigation disorientation, and grizzly encounter stress.
Review Summary
Hikers consistently report the elevation gain and navigation challenge as the trail's defining difficulty—this isn't a leg-warmer stroll. Those who summit praise the solitude, wildlife encounters, and expansive alpine views. The descent is where most injuries occur; respect the scree and use poles.

Frequently asked questions

Are there really bears out here?

Yes. Grizzlies frequent this area. Make constant noise, travel in groups if possible, and carry bear spray. Check the Situation Report before going.

Will I get lost?

Likely, without a map. The trail has many unsigned junctions and the route isn't obvious in some meadow sections. Bring a detailed Yellowstone map and compass. GPS helps but isn't reliable here.

Is 11 miles and 3,400 feet too hard for me?

If you've hiked less than 8 miles with 2,000+ feet gain recently, yes—this will be painful. If that's normal for you, this is challenging but doable. Train first; don't test yourself here.

What's the best time to start?

Before 7 AM. You want to summit by early afternoon and descend before dark. Afternoon thunderstorms hit fast at altitude; finishing descent by 4 PM is critical.

Do I need special gear?

Trekking poles, detailed map, compass, and bear spray are essential—not optional. Three liters of water minimum. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) and layers (weather changes fast).

Can I do this as a day hike?

Yes, but barely. 6-8 hours of hiking plus navigation stops means 8-10 hours minimum on the trail. Leave before 7 AM, don't linger at the summit, and accept that you'll be hiking the descent in fading light if anything goes wrong.

What wildlife will I see?

Mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and moose are common. Grizzly bears use this area. Expect to see tracks and scat. Stay alert, make noise, and maintain distance from all wildlife.

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.