Trail

Yancey’s Hole Ski Trail

Trail
Two skiers make their way on a slight incline through a lodgepole pine forest.

Yancey's Hole is a beginner-friendly winter ski route following an old stagecoach road in Yellowstone's Tower Country. The 1-mile rolling terrain offers wide open views and frequent wildlife sightings—bison and elk are regulars here. Expect 1-2 hours with proper pacing; this isn't technically difficult, but winter hazards (cold exposure, snow glare, wildlife protocols) demand respect. Suitable for families and first-time park skiers.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
1
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Easiest
Elevation Gain Feet
0

Trail profile

Distance Miles
1
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Easiest
Elevation Gain Feet
0
Estimated Time
1-2 hours depending on snow conditions and pace
Trail Surface
Packed snow over historic stagecoach road
Trail Features
  • Historic stagecoach road foundation
  • Rolling terrain
  • Wide open views of Yancey's Hole area
  • Bison and elk habitat
  • Mountain views of Tower Country
Trail Highlights
A novice-friendly winter route with guaranteed wide views and high probability of elk and bison sightings in Yellowstone's Tower Country. The historic stagecoach road setting adds character to an easy ski experience.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
Parking area southwest of Tower Junction, Tower Area
Shuttle Required
0
Shuttle Details
Not required

Permits & conditions

Fees
$35 (park entrance fee for private vehicle, valid 7 days)
Trail Status
Seasonal—open winter only, access weather-dependent
Seasonal Closures
Closed or inaccessible spring through early winter when snow is insufficient. Tower-to-Cooke City road closures may prevent access.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
0
Water Sources
Melt snow or carry water. No flowing water sources in winter.
Accessibility
Flat rolling stagecoach road, easy to navigate on skis. Service dogs allowed. No technical sections.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Wildlife encounter (bison, elk)
  • Cold exposure and hypothermia
  • Snow glare and eye damage
  • Winter road closures preventing access
Hazard Details
Bison and elk frequent this trail—maintain 25-yard distance. Federal law requires 100 yards from bears/wolves. Cold exposure is the primary winter hazard. Snow glare causes eye strain and burns. Tower-to-Cooke City road may close, preventing trailhead access.
Cell Service
Likely poor—assume no reliable signal
Crowd Level
Light to moderate—Tower Area is less crowded than Old Faithful
Peak Crowd Times
Weekends and holidays
Best Season
Winter (December–February)
Best Time To Visit
December to February when snow is deepest and stable. Start by 7 AM before afternoon sun softens the base.
Tips Advice
  • Stay 25 yards from bison/elk; federal law requires 100 yards from bears/wolves.
  • Hydrate constantly—winter dehydration is sneaky. Melt snow or carry water.
  • Layer aggressively; strip before overheating, add before shivering.
  • Cross-country or backcountry skis with proper bindings; snowshoes work.
  • Goggles or UV-protective sunglasses mandatory—snow glare blinds and burns.
  • Verify Tower-to-Cooke City road access before driving; winter closures are common.
  • Make noise at open areas to alert wildlife.

More details

Park Area
Tower Area
Trail Markers
Well-worn stagecoach road foundation; easy to follow even in snow
Dogs Allowed
Service dogs only. Pets prohibited.
Biking Allowed
No—winter ski trail only
Shade Level
Full exposure—rolling open terrain with zero wind protection. Wear sunglasses for snow glare.
Emergency Contacts
Park rangers at Tower Junction. In emergencies, call 911.
Map Recommended
1
Snow Dates
Typically December through February; all dates weather-dependent
Mud Season
Not applicable—winter ski trail
Wildflower Peak
Not applicable—winter trail
Fall Colors Peak
Not applicable—winter trail
Bug Season
Not applicable—winter season
Insider Tips
  • The stagecoach road foundation is barely visible under snow—trust the width and direction cues.
  • Watch for bison congregations in the open grasslands at mile 0.5–1.0.
  • Mark your turnaround point mentally; the return route is identical.
  • Winter afternoon sun softens the surface—finish early for better descent conditions.
  • Carry a whistle; sound carries far in open terrain.
Family Friendly Notes
Excellent for families and beginner skiers. Rolling terrain poses zero cliff or technical risk. Keep children close to manage wildlife-distance regulations—bison and elk are present and federal law applies.
Nearby Facilities
Tower Junction ranger station has basic services. Mammoth Hot Springs and Canyon Village nearby (30-40 minutes driving) for lodging, dining, and supplies.
Review Summary
Beginner skiers report this is a welcoming winter route with reliable snow conditions and frequent wildlife sightings. The historic setting and open views make it a memorable first Yellowstone ski. Winter road closures and cold exposure are the main concerns.

Frequently asked questions

Is this safe for beginner skiers?

Yes. Easiest terrain with zero technical sections. Bison and elk are present—that's a protocol risk, not a terrain risk. Maintain 25 yards distance and you're fine.

What equipment do I need?

Cross-country or backcountry skis with proper bindings. Snowshoes work. Goggles or UV sunglasses are mandatory—snow glare damages eyes. Winter layers, gloves, hat, and base layers are non-negotiable.

What's the real cold risk?

Frostbite below -10°F, hypothermia if you stop moving and sweat cools on exposed terrain. Pace deliberately; strip layers when you heat up, add before you shiver.

Will I see wildlife?

Bison and elk frequent this trail. Assume you will encounter them. They're not aggressive if you hold distance. Stay 25 yards from bison/elk, 100 yards from bears.

What if Tower roads are closed?

Tower-to-Cooke City road closes without notice. Call the ranger station to confirm access before driving. A multi-hour drive to a closed trailhead is a common winter trap.

How fit do I need to be?

No special fitness required—rolling terrain is beginner-friendly. Your legs stay fresh, but cold exposure and layering strategy matter more than cardio.

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.