Bannock Trail

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Activities in Yellowstone

Categories: Skiing

Location: Northeast Entrance

Season: Winter

Intensity: 3

Duration: 2-2.5 hours

Distance: 4 miles

Directions:

Yellowstone’s main park roads form a “figure eight,” with spurs heading out from the “eight” to the five park entrances. For reference purposes, the “eight” is divided into an upper and lower loop.

From Mammoth Village, drive 18 miles east to the Tower/Roosevelt junction, turn left and go through Lamar Valley to the Bannock Trailhead . The trailhead and parking lot are on the right/south side of the road just a short distance from the Northeast Entrance Station.

Maps: Printable Map

This easy trail through the lodgepole pines along the Soda Butte Creek offers beautiful, rugged winter scenery.

Season: Winter, Intensity: 3, Duration: 2-2.5 hours, Distance: 4 miles, Location: Northeast Entrance

Description

The trailhead for the Bannock Trail is located at Warm Creek picnic area, one mile west of the Northeast entrance. After crossing Soda Butte Creek the trail follows the old road bed that was once used to supply the mining town of Cooke City, Montana. The trail takes its name from the Indian tribe which used this route to reach the buffalo grounds of the great plains. The terrain is mostly flat and the trail traverses open meadows and mixed conifer forests. At the two mile point you will come to Silver Gate, Montana. From there the road bed is used as a snowmobile route and offers good skiing to Cooke City, MT. 3 miles further east. View Northeast Area Ski Brochure and Map

Intensity Measure

Easy

Length & Time

4 miles miles round trip (unless you continue to Cooke City) 2 - 2.5 hours.

Elevation

7,257 feet, with a 132 foot change in elevation

Ski Rentals

Ski rentals, lessons, packages, and repairs are available at Bear Den Ski Shops at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Old Faithful Snow Lodge. Check with these ski shops for daily shuttle schedules to and from the ski trails.

Related Resources

The northeast region of Yellowstone National Park and the Cooke City area together comprise an immense area for the day skier to explore, both for those interested in telemark and cross-country downhill experiences. Inquire locally for ski and avalanche conditions. Always check with the National Park Service Visitor Centers or ranger stations to ensure you have updated information about the weather, backcountry conditions, wildlife and other related information.