Slough Creek Trail

Q: How steep is the initial climb?

Steep enough that most hikers slow to a walk by halfway. Expect 25-30% grade in sections. Switchbacks help, but your quads will remind you. Trekking poles reduce knee damage on descent.

Q: Can I drink from Slough Creek?

Yes, but filter it. Giardia is present in backcountry water. Filter, boil, or use tablets. First meadow is your only reliable water source.

Q: Is the trail well-marked?

Yes. Historic wagon ruts are visible throughout, and cairns mark junctions. Bring a map anyway—weather and snow can obscure markers in early season.

Q: Do I need trekking poles?

Yes. The descent is steep and loose; poles are the difference between sore knees and injured knees. Mandatory, not optional here.

Q: What's the best turnaround for families?

First meadow (mile 1.7 out, 3.4 round-trip total). It's a psychological win, offers creek access, and keeps you off-trail by early afternoon—critical for bear avoidance.

Q: Do I need a permit?

No for day hiking. Backcountry camping requires a permit from park rangers.

Overview

About This Trail

This is a moderate hike on a historic wagon trail into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness—tactical for hikers with solid fitness. The opening mile is a relentless switchback climb with zero shade: steep, exposed, and leg-sapping. You'll descend to pristine meadows with Slough Creek access, but bears and moose own these flats—tactical noise and group size are mandatory. The first meadow is a solid turnaround for most; push 2.6 more miles to the second meadow if your legs have fuel left.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Moderate

Trail Highlights

Pristine meadow access with Slough Creek fishing opportunities, views of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, and excellent wildlife habitat (moose and grizzly bear territory). The historic wagon trail offers a tangible connection to Yellowstone's backcountry heritage.

Insider Tips

• The first meadow (mile 1.7) is a psychological turning point—many feel conquered by the climb here. Push through; you're only halfway. • Fishermen access Slough Creek just past the first meadow; bring a rod if you're inclined. • Horse traffic appears without warning—listen for hooves and move early. • The second meadow (mile 4.3) has zero crowds by late afternoon; solitude and views reward the extra effort. • Morning light (6-8 AM) in the first meadow is golden-hour gold for photography; shadows eliminate by noon. • Historic wagon ruts mark the way; follow them if trail clarity drops.

Best Season to Hike

Late June through September

Hiking Tips

Make constant noise for bears and moose—talk, clap, never surprise them.
Carry 2-3L water minimum; filter at Slough Creek if needed.
Trekking poles mandatory—the descent is steep, loose, and knee-destroying.
If horse or wagon traffic appears, move to the downhill side of trail and stand motionless until they pass.
Wear sturdy hiking boots; loose scree demands ankle support.
Start by 6 AM to secure parking and finish before afternoon heat and thunderstorms.

Family Info

Viable for older children (age 10+) with good fitness. The steep opening mile requires hand-holding and encouragement. Keep kids close due to bear habitat. Group size and noise protocol are mandatory. First meadow is age-appropriate turnaround; second meadow too far for most families.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 3.4 miles

Elevation Gain: 600 ft

Duration: 2-3 hours to first meadow; 4-5 hours with optional second meadow extension

Difficulty: Moderate

Route Type: Out-and-back

Surface: Packed dirt with rocky sections and loose scree; muddy in early season

Getting There

Trailhead: On the dirt road toward Slough Creek Campground; where the road bears left, park beside the vault toilet

Parking: Small pullout parking area adjacent to vault toilet

Fills Up: Typically fills by mid-morning in peak season (July-August); arrive by 6-7 AM

Restrooms at trailhead

Requirements

Permit Required

No permit required for day hiking. Backcountry camping requires a permit from park rangers.

Fees: $35 (7-day park entrance pass for private vehicle; no additional trail fees)

Shuttle Available

None required

Trail Rules

Dogs: No

Biking: No—steep opening climb and loose terrain unsuitable for bikes

Trail Markers: Well-worn trail with clear historic wagon ruts visible throughout; cairns mark major junctions

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Filter water at Slough Creek (accessible at first meadow); carry 2-3L from trailhead as no water at start

Shade: Heavy shade in first 0.5 miles; full sun exposure across meadows with minimal afternoon shelter

Cell Service: Intermittent to absent—assume no coverage in meadows; do not rely on cell phone for emergency

Hazards:

Bears and moose are active here—group size of 3+ and constant noise are non-negotiable; never solo hike without a satellite communicator. Steep opening climb is loose scree and rocks, slippery when wet; descent pounds knees hard. Horse and wagon traffic uses this trail; if encountered, immediately move to downhill side and remain motionless. Afternoon thunderstorms develop quickly in summer—descend before 2 PM.

Emergency: Emergency: 911. Nearest ranger station: Slough Creek Campground (summer season) or Tower Fall Ranger Station. Satellite messenger device recommended for solo travel.

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Moderate to heavy on weekends and mid-summer; early mornings and September have fewer hikers

Peak Times: Weekends year-round; mid-July through mid-August; summer school breaks

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Not ADA accessible. Steep opening climb and uneven rocky terrain make this challenging for those with mobility limitations.

Family Notes:

FAQs

Are there really bears here?

Yes. Grizzlies and black bears use these meadows actively. Group size of 3+ minimum, constant noise, and bear spray are non-negotiable. Never hike this solo without a satellite communicator.

How steep is the initial climb?

Can I drink from Slough Creek?

Is the trail well-marked?

Do I need trekking poles?

What's the best turnaround for families?

Do I need a permit?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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