Canyon Area Ski Trails
For complete ski trail descriptions, maps and the most current conditions, please visit the Bear Den Ski Shops at Mammoth and Old Faithful.
Canyon area trails are only accessible by oversnow vehicles. Please call 307-344-7311 for more information on scheduled Ski Tours by snowcoach to the Canyon area.
Cascade Lake Trail
7850’ to 8000’
3 Miles, Easiest
150 Feet elevations gain/loss
The Cascade lake ski trail begins on the left (west) side of the Washburn Hot Springs Overlook road. The ski trail follows a service then down a wide trail. The trail winds through a lodgepole forest opening into Cascade Meadows. You continue crossing Cascade Creek. The trail leads out across the meadow to ice covered Cascade Lake. The trail provides a good view of the Washburn Range.
Roller Coaster Trail
1.8 miles, more difficult
200 feet elevation gain/loss
The trail begins at the Canyon Warming Hut going along the North Rim Drive and a service road. Ski down a short moderate slope into a meadow and up into the pine forest. From here the trail is a series of moderate to steep ups and downs. The trail merges with the Canyon Rim ski trail. The Roller Coaster is fast and fun.
Canyon Rim Trail
4.5 miles, easiest to more difficult
200 feet elevation gain/loss
The groomed trail begins at Canyon Warming Hut and follows the North Rim Drive and continues down the Inspiration Point roadway. A moderately steep downhill section leads you to Inspiration Point where it makes a loop and returns back up the hill. The trail continues along the edge of the Canyon Rim for one mile providing excellent views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The trail continues along the roadway past the cabins and up into the summer developed visitor area and back to the Warming Hut.
Washburn Hills
8200’-9700’
More difficult to most difficult, advanced skiers
Take the snowmobile road north from the Canyon Warming Hut towards Washburn Hot Springs Overlook for 2.5 miles. Advanced Nordic skiers will find unlimited moderate to steep slopes for downhill skiing. Avalanche danger can be high, increasing towards Dunraven Pass. Avalanche transmitters, climbing skins, and partners are highly recommended.
Old Canyon Bridge Trail
1 mile, easiest
The groomed trail begins at either the Chittenden Bridge or on the main road at the entrance to the Upper Falls. A very short easy ski with beautiful views of the Yellowstone River above the Upper Falls.
