Hellroaring Creek Trail-NPS

Yellowstone National Park Montana

Listing Type: National Park Trail
City: Yellowstone National Park Montana
Region: Yellowstone Country
406-307-344-7381

The Hellroaring Trail travels from the Mammoth-Tower Road to the park's north boundary, and continues into the Gallatin National Forest. The trail follows Hellroaring Creek through sageland and stands of Douglas fir and past rock outcrops over 2 billion years old. Pronghorn, elk;, mule deer, moose and bison may all be seen along the Hellroaring Creek Trail from November to June. During the summer chances aren't very good for seeing large animals, although moose and mule deer are sometimes spotted in the morning. The confluence of Hellroaring Creek and the Yellowstone River is a delightful spot. There is the cold clear rushing water of the creek, the deep surging river, a sandy beach and the sheer walls of the Black Canyon of the Yellowstone. Osprey nest in these cliffs and are frequently seen flying over the river looking for trout. Although there is no marked trail to this spot, it can be easily reached by walking downstream through the sagebrush along Hellroaring Creek from the junction with the Yellowstone River Trail.

The Hellroaring Trailhead is 3.5 miles from Tower Junction on the Mammoth-Tower Road and is just north of Floating Island Lake. The trail descends a series of switchbacks, dropping about 600 feet in a mile to the suspension bridge over the Yellowstone River. The trail then travels through sagebrush, past the Buffalo Plateau Trail junction, to the junction with the Yellowstone River Trail.

From the junction, the Hellroaring Creek Trail heads north up the forested valley of Hellroaring Creek. Hellroaring Mountain looms high above on your left and Buffalo Plateau rises to your right. About a mile past the junction a patrol cabin will come into view across the creek. From here it is 1/2 miles further to the stockbridge over Hellroaring Creek. The bridge crosses over a calm, deep pool of the creek. Look down while crossing and you may be able to see cutthroat trout swimming in the clear water below you. (Once across the bridge, there is a trail leading south along the west side of the creek back to the Yellowstone River Trail). From the bridge, the Hellroaring Creek Trail continues north through the rocky forested valley to the park's north boundary. The trail continues into the Gallatin National Forest where several long loop hikes are possible.

Length: 8.0 miles.Trail Begins: Hellroaring Ranger Station.Trail Ends: Wyoming Border

Area Map: Gallatin National Forest Visitor Map USGS Map1: Specimen Creek.USGS Map2: Tower Junction (Wyoming - Montana).Township 9S; Range 10E; Section 23

Directions: The Hellroaring Creek Trail travels from the Mammoth-Tower Road to the park's north boundary, and continues into the Gallatin National Forest. The Hellroaring Trailhead is 3.5 miles from Tower Junction on the Mammoth-Tower Road and is just north of Floating Island Lake.

Hellroaring Creek Trail-NPS
Yellowstone National Park, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190

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