Trail

Watkins Creek Trailhead

TrailOPERATIONAL★ 4.8
Watkins Creek Trailhead sign at Yellowstone National Park displaying trail rules and notices.

Watkins Creek Trailhead demands grit. The Coffin Lakes objective spans roughly 10 miles round trip with about 2,638 ft of gain; longer links exist for tougher backcountry days. Expect sun-soaked meadows, creek crossings that demand footing, and steep, chunky sections. The payoff is isolation among alpine waters and dense forest as you push through.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
10
Route Type
Out-and-back (Coffin Lakes option); possible connections to Continental Divide Trail or West Fork Watkins Creek
Difficulty Level
Difficult
Elevation Gain Feet
2638

Trail profile

Distance Miles
10
Route Type
Out-and-back (Coffin Lakes option); possible connections to Continental Divide Trail or West Fork Watkins Creek
Difficulty Level
Difficult
Elevation Gain Feet
2638
Estimated Time
4-6 hours for Coffin Lakes; longer for extended, multi-day routes
Trail Surface
Meadows with sage and wildflowers; singletrack; horse traffic; creek crossings; ascents to mountain passes
Trail Features
  • Alpine lakes and passes
  • Creek crossings
  • Open meadow corridors
  • Horse traffic on shared singletrack
  • Wildflowers in midsummer
Trail Highlights
Coffin Lakes, high-country passes, and solitude among forest and meadow

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
Watkins Creek Trailhead, off USFS Road 167, ~18.5 miles from West Yellowstone, MT (about 35 minutes)
Parking Lot Size
Ample parking
Parking Fill Time
Not normally crowded; rarely fills; plan for dawn arrival
Shuttle Required
0
Shuttle Details
Not required; no shuttle mandated

Permits & conditions

Permit Details
Dispersed camping may require a permit; day-use generally permit-free
Fees
Varies; day-use often free; dispersed camping permits may apply
Trail Status
Open
Seasonal Closures
Snow can persist into early summer at higher elevations; mud season in spring and fall

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
0
Water Sources
Creeks present; water not potable; filter before drinking
Accessibility
Rooty and steep in places; some smoother sections; not wheelchair accessible

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Bear country
  • Creek crossings
  • Steep chunky sections
  • Wet, slippery footing near crossings
  • Weather swings
Hazard Details
Carry bear spray; make noise in bear country; creek crossings can require wading or detours; exposed meadows demand sun protection; be ready for rapid weather changes
Cell Service
Limited to none
Crowd Level
Infrequently used
Peak Crowd Times
Dawn and early morning; otherwise quieter trails
Best Season
Summer months (July–September)
Best Time To Visit
Start by 6:00 AM to beat potential afternoon storms and heat; best season is July–September.
Tips Advice
  • Tighten your boots.
  • Carry 2 liters water minimum.
  • Bear spray ready; be loud in bear country.
  • Start cold, pace yourself, and expect sun in meadows with shade later.

More details

Park Area
Yellowstone National Park / Gallatin National Forest (Watkins Creek Trailhead)
Trail Markers
Well-marked in most sections; carry a map for junctions
Dogs Allowed
Leashed dogs allowed
Biking Allowed
Limited to certain sections; verify local regulations
Shade Level
Full sun in meadow sections; shaded forest portions
Emergency Contacts
Call 911 for emergencies; contact Yellowstone rangers through the West Yellowstone district
Map Recommended
1
Snow Dates
Snow can linger into early summer at higher elevations
Mud Season
Spring and fall, especially after rain or snowmelt
Wildflower Peak
Mid-July to early August
Fall Colors Peak
Early October
Bug Season
Mosquito activity in marshy areas during warm months
Insider Tips
  • Start at dawn; Coffin Lakes yields best payoff for a day hike.
  • For extra challenge, link to the Continental Divide Trail or explore West Fork Watkins Creek.
  • Pack extra water and check weather; storms can arrive fast.
  • Bear spray is essential; store food properly and stay vocal on approach routes.
Recent Updates
Infrequently used trail with ongoing bear advisories; SWMMBA-maintained sections noted; stay vigilant for changing conditions
Family Friendly Notes
Initial meadow sections are gentle, but creek crossings and elevation gain may challenge very young children
Nearby Facilities
West Yellowstone services: gas, groceries, lodging, trail information
Review Summary
Hikers report a demanding ascent with creek crossings and exposure; solitude is the recurring reward. The route varies from moderate to steep, depending on choice of objective and extensions.

Location

Watkins Creek Trailhead at Yellowstone National Park winds through a green meadow with pine trees and a bright blue sky.Watkins Creek Trailhead leads through meadow and pines toward distant snow-capped peaks in Yellowstone National Park.Watkins Creek Trailhead in Yellowstone National Park winds through grassy meadows and pine forest under a bright blue sky.Watkins Creek Trailhead in Yellowstone National Park overlooks a grassy valley with distant pine-covered mountains.

Frequently asked questions

Are there bears on Watkins Creek Trail?

Yes. It’s bear country; carry bear spray and make noise to avoid surprising wildlife.

Is a day-use permit required?

Day-use generally does not require a permit; dispersed camping may need one.

Is water potable on the trail?

Water from creeks is not potable; filter before drinking.

Is the trail well-marked?

Mostly well-marked; carry a map and be prepared for a couple junctions that require basic navigation.

Is the trail suitable for families with kids?

The early meadow sections are gentle, but creek crossings and elevation gains can challenge younger children.

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 January 2026. Report an issue.