Trail
Seven Mile Bridge
13.9 miles one-way through open valleys with a relatively flat grade. Endurance is the name of the game, and wildlife presence keeps you alert. Prepare with bear spray, water, and a planned shuttle or two-car system to complete the route safely.
Quick facts
- Distance Miles
- 13.9
- Route Type
- One-way
- Difficulty Level
- Moderate
- Elevation Gain Feet
- 500
Trail profile
- Distance Miles
- 13.9
- Route Type
- One-way
- Difficulty Level
- Moderate
- Elevation Gain Feet
- 500
- Estimated Time
- 6-8 hours
- Trail Surface
- Packed dirt
- Trail Features
- Open valleys
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
- River crossings
- Long-distance, one-way route
- Bear country
- Trail Highlights
- Open valleys with wildlife sightings in a long-distance hike; early light yields better wildlife photography and solitude
Trailhead & access
- Trailhead Location
- Seven Mile Bridge Trailhead along West Entrance Road, Yellowstone National Park
- Parking Lot Size
- No published figure for trailhead parking capacity.
- Parking Fill Time
- No documented data on how quickly the parking fills; reviewers do not report parking congestion.
- Shuttle Required
- 0
- Shuttle Details
- Plan a shuttle or two-car drop-off for the one-way hike; coordinate in advance
Permits & conditions
- Permits Required
- Yes
- Permit Details
- Backcountry camping permits required year-round via Recreation.gov; for other permits contact Backcountry Office at (307) 344-2160
- Fees
- Varies
- Trail Status
- Open
- Seasonal Closures
- Bear management area restrictions March 10–June 30; off-trail travel prohibited during that window
Facilities & rules
- Restrooms At Trailhead
- 0
- Water Sources
- Reliable creeks (filter needed)
- Accessibility
- Rugged; not wheelchair accessible
Safety & strategy
- Hazards
- Bear encounters (grizzly and black bears)
- Bison
- Elk
- River crossings
- Lightning
- Hazard Details
- Northern stretch is a bear management area; off-trail travel restricted Mar 10–Jun 30; river crossings can be swift and cold
- Cell Service
- Spotty to non-existent; Verizon strongest in developed areas; expect no service on most trails
- Crowd Level
- Moderate
- Peak Crowd Times
- Midday in peak season; weekends and holidays
- Best Season
- Summer and early fall (July–September)
- Best Time To Visit
- July–September; start at dawn to beat heat and possible afternoon storms.
- Tips Advice
- Carry 2 liters water minimum
- Bear spray and bear-safety knowledge required in bear country
- Start early, pace steady; shade is limited in open valleys
- Filter creek water and plan a shuttle/two-car drop-off for the one-way hike
More details
- Park Area
- Yellowstone National Park, West Entrance Road area (Wyoming)
- Trail Markers
- Bring map; markers not described; navigation may require GPS
- Dogs Allowed
- Dog policy not published.
- Biking Allowed
- Biking policy not published.
- Shade Level
- Limited shade in open valleys
- Emergency Contacts
- Backcountry Office: (307) 344-2160
- Map Recommended
- 1
- Alltrails Link
- www.alltrails.com
- Snow Dates
- Snow can linger into mid-April; most snow melts by July
- Mud Season
- Mud season timing is not documented.
- Wildflower Peak
- Mid-June to July
- Fall Colors Peak
- Late September to October
- Bug Season
- Late summer (August)
- Insider Tips
- Start before sunrise to catch wildlife and avoid heat
- Carry bear spray and know how to deploy
- Trekking poles help at river crossings and stability
- Filter water from creeks; carry extra water
- Coordinate a shuttle or two-car plan for the one-way hike
- Recent Updates
- Trail status open; bear safety restrictions apply seasonally; verify backcountry permits and closures
- Family Friendly Notes
- Not recommended for young children due to bear country and potential river crossings
- Nearby Facilities
- Nearest services in West Yellowstone or Gardiner; trailhead lacks facilities
- Review Summary
- A long, relatively flat one-way route with abundant wildlife opportunities and constant bear awareness. Endurance is the core requirement, with limited cell service adding to the challenge. Proper planning for permits and a shuttle is critical for a safe through-hike.
Location
Photos
Frequently asked questions
Are bears a danger on Seven Mile Bridge Trail?
Yes. It’s bear country; carry bear spray, make noise, travel in groups, and follow safety protocols.
Do I need permits for day hiking?
Backcountry camping permits are required for overnight stays and some activities; day hiking may not require a permit, but verify with the Backcountry Office.
Is cell service available along the trail?
Very limited; expect spotty to no service on most portions; Verizon may be strongest near developed areas.
How long does the hike take?
Estimate 6–8 hours for most hikers, depending on pace and stops.
Is a shuttle mandatory?
Not mandatory, but essential for a safe one-way hike; arrange a shuttle or two-car plan in advance.
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Purple Mountain Trailhead
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Wraith Falls Trailhead
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West Thumb Overlook Trail
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Morning Glory Pool
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Brink of Lower Falls
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Recommended gear for Yellowstone National Park
Sources
- nps.gov
- National Park Service
- Google Reviews
- YourNPGuide Editorial
Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works.
Last updated January 2026. Report an issue.