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GENERAL INFORMATION
Most of Yellowstone is backcountry and managed
as wilderness; many miles of trails are available for skiing. Track is set only on a few
trails. All unplowed roads and trails are open to cross country skiing and showshoeing.
When skiing on unplowed roadways used by snowmobiles, keep to the right to avoid
accidents.
There are dangers inherent in wilderness: unpredictable wildlife,
changing weather conditions, remote thermal areas, deep snow, open streams, and rugged
mountains with extreme avalanche danger. When you choose to explore Yellowstone, you
experience the land on its own terms; there is no guarantee of your safety. Be prepared
for any situation. Carefully read all backcountry guidelines and regulations, and know the
limit of your ability.
 Most trails are marked with orange metal markers attached to trees.
Few streams have bridges. Parties venturing into the backcountry should carry a USGS
topographic map and a compass and know how to use them. Even on a well-marked trail, it is
easy to get lost in a "whiteout" or blizzard. Only skiers thoroughly familiar
with the area should attempt off-trail travel. When planning your trip, get specific
information on conditions from rangers at a ranger station or visitor center.
Park elevations with adequate skiable snow range from 7,000 to
10,000 feet (2133 - 3048 meters.) Skiers and snowshoers who live at lower elevations
should take a short day or overnight trip to test their capabilities before attempting
longer outings.
A Backcountry Use Permit is required for all overnight ski trips.
Contact a park ranger at a ranger station or visitor center before you begin a ski trip--
whether for a few hours or several days. Trip planning should include allowances for
limited daylight, snow conditions, temperature extremes, and the number of people in the
group, their experience and physical condition. Overnight ski and snowshoe trips during
December and January are difficult due to short days, extreme temperatures, and soft snow.
Learn as much as you can about winter survival. Talk with park rangers before you leave on
any trip.
Choose skis and boots made for touring or mountaineering. Narrow
racing skis won't provide enough surface area to break trail.
NOTE: Be sure to pick up cross country skiing maps available
at Yellowstone's winter visitor centers before embarking on your ski adventure!
The Mammoth Area -- The Indian
Creek Loop, south of Mammoth, is an easy two mile trail which traverses meadow and
forest. The Sheepeater Trail, an easy five mile trip, starts at the Indian Creek
warming hut and travels north to the Bunsen peak trailhead, offering good views of
pristine, snow-covered meadows. The Bighorn Loop is a moderate five mile trail that
starts at the Indian Creek trailhead and follows Indian Creek to the west, offering great
views of the Gallatin mountains. The one and a-half mile Upper Terrace Loop is
accessible by automobile and follows the Upper Terrace Road, passing by numerous thermal
features and offering a good view of Mammoth below. The Bunsen Peak Trail is a
difficult (there are some steep, curving downhill runs) six mile one-way trip which starts
at the Bunsen Peak trailhead and circles west and north around Bunsen peak to a parking
area just south of Mammoth. The trail offers great views of the Gallatin mountains and the
Swan Lake flats.
The Tower Junction Area
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There are four ski trails in the Tower Area. The easiest, best-groomed trail is the Tower
Falls Trail (2.5 miles one way), which follows the road (and the canyon of the
Yellowstone River) from Roosevelt Lodge to the Tower Falls store. Bison and coyotes are
frequently seen along the trail, and the canyon scenery (be sure to stop at Calcite
Springs) is great. Once reaching the Tower store, you can hike down to the base of the
falls for a truly spectacular close-up view of a frozen waterfall. The Lost Lake Trail
(five miles one way starting at the Petrified tree turnoff) is a bit more difficult, and
takes the skier into the Yellowstone backcountry, offering spectacular views of mountains,
forests, Lost Lake, streams and a waterfall -- all covered in an unbroken blanket of snow.
Elk and bison are also commonly spotted. This is a must-ski trail. The seven-mile Blacktail
Plateau Trail is quite difficult, and takes the skier through intermittent patches of
forest burned by the 1988 fires. The ten-mile Chittendon Loop Trail is also
difficult, running primarily through forested areas and offering a good downhill run.
 The Old Faithful Area -- The Black Sand
Basin trail, which begins in front of the Old Faithful Visitor Center next to Old
Faithful, is 4.25 miles round trip. It makes its way around some beautiful thermal
features, including Black Sand Pool. The trail is level, although often tracked by
animals. The Fairy Falls trail, an easy five mile found trip, starts five
miles north of Old Faithful. The view of the falls in winter is stunning. The Lone
Star trail is also an easy trail, but a bit longer at nine miles round trip.
This trail begins at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge, and should not be confused with the much
more difficult Lone Star Geyser Loop trail. The Biscuit Basin trail is
a moderate 5.5 mile round trip that is best begun at the Old Faithful Visitor Center near
Old Faithful Geyser. The trail offers views of wildlife and thermal features.
For those who want a challenge, the seven mile round trip Mystic Falls is a
difficult trail, but one with spectacular views of this wonderful Yellowstone waterfall.
Photography by
Bruce Gourley.
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