Forces of the Northern Range - Hiking near Mammoth, Yellowstone National Park
Grand Loop Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA,Mammoth,Wyoming
44.95940500807, -110.5665399856
Address: Grand Loop Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA
GPS: 44°57'33.9"N 110°33'59.5"W
Maps | Directions
State: Wyoming

Hike

This short 1/2 mile boardwalk located on the Blacktail Deer Plateau between Mammoth Village and Tower Junction will open your eyes and educate you about forces of nature that have sculpted the land before you. It will also teach you about the plants and wildlife alike that live in Yellowstone's Northern Range. This boardwalk offers spectacular mountain views with a display along the way that shows you the names of the peaks that tower before you in the distance.

947 Edited by jamiegarrard

Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.

Read More
  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel & camp on durable surfaces
  3. Dispose of waste properly
  4. Leave what you find
  5. Minimize campfire impacts
  6. Respect wildlife
  7. Be considerate of other visitors

Directions

From Mammoth, Yellowstone National Park

  1. Head northeast on US-89 N
    Toll road
    (184 ft)
  2. Sharp left onto US-89 S
    Partial toll road
    (0.2 mi)
  3. Turn left onto Grand Loop Rd
    Toll road
    (8.2 mi)
  4. Turn left
    Destination will be on the left
    (118 ft)
or

 Located on the Blacktail Deer Plateau between Mammoth Village and Tower Junction. 

to add photos & videos and suggest edits

Guest Review/Comments

/5
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Edit Review Delete Review
Reply Cancel
InDepth - The Northern Range by YellowstoneNPS
Forces of the Northern Range, self guiding trail i by Bharti Raizada Yellowstone's Northern Range HD by Peter Noah Thomas

Other Hiking Trails Nearby

Add Location 7.4 mi

Blacktail Deer Creek to Yellowstone River Trail

Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park

1.4 miles W

A 7-mile out-and-back trail dropping through green fields and boulder formations to waterfall views along the Yellowstone River, with a suspension bridge connecting onward trails.

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

0.8 mi

Wraith Falls Trail

Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park

3.0 miles SW

A less-than-a-mile family-friendly hike near Mammoth Hot Springs to the unique fan-shaped 79-foot Wraith Falls — open year-round and easy for all skill levels.

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

4.0 mi

Lava Creek Trail

Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park

6.3 miles W

A 4.2-mile hike along scenic Lava Creek to the 60-foot tiered Undine Falls, with distant Mammoth Hot Springs views, meadows, Mount Everts, and frequent elk and bison sightings.

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

Hellroaring Creek Trail

Yellowstone National Park

6.5 miles E

A suspension bridge over the Yellowstone River leads to sandy creek-side beaches and a mild backcountry trail past Yellowstone's largest granite slab — great for all ages.

Camp, Hike, Swim

swim Swimming Hole

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

Mammoth/Gardiner Back Road

Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park

6.7 miles W

The only road open into Yellowstone in winter runs from Gardiner, Montana through park headquarters at Mammoth Hot Springs and east to Silver Gate and Cooke City.

Hike, Mountain Bike

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

hike Hiking Trail

0.1-5.3 mi

Mammoth Hot Springs

Mammoth, Yellowstone National Park

6.8 miles W

Colorful limestone terraces covered in glistening hot-spring water, a 1-mile boardwalk with 300 feet of elevation, elk in the parking lot, and an easy family-friendly loop — Yellowstone's showiest geology.

Camp, Hike

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

5.3 mi

Beaver Ponds Trail

Mammoth, Yellowstone National Park

6.8 miles W

A 5-mile loop above Mammoth Hot Springs with beaver ponds of varying sizes, elk, wildflowers, birds, and occasional bear sightings — a perfect morning or evening hike.

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

8.1 mi

Sepulcher Mountain Trail

Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park

6.8 miles W

An 11-mile loop from Mammoth Hot Springs to the 9,652-foot peak of Sepulcher Mountain, passing colorful meadows, aspen forests, and stunning views of Electric Peak — with frequent bighorn, moose, and grizzly sightings.

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

2.0 mi

Snow Pass Trail

Yellowstone National Park Wyoming

7.1 miles W

A moderately difficult 2.4-mile out-and-back with 700 feet of gain near Mammoth Hot Springs, passing impressive boulder hoodoos and ending at a secluded mountain valley — hike in groups and carry bear spray.

Backpack, Hike

hike Hiking Trail

backpack Backpacking Trail

7.9 mi

Rescue Creek Trail

Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park

7.4 miles NW

A level, well-marked 8-mile point-to-point hike across the Montana-Wyoming border through colorful grasslands near Yellowstone, with frequent bighorn sheep, pronghorn, and elk sightings.

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

2.4 mi

Lost Lake Trail

Tower Junction, Yellowstone National Park

7.8 miles SE

An easy 2.8-mile loop behind Roosevelt Lodge, winding through forest, meadows, and along the shores of Lost Lake — open year-round and finishable in under two hours.

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

8.2 mi

Garnet Hill Trail

Tower Junction, Yellowstone National Park

8.1 miles E

A 7.6-mile loop through Yellowstone meadows, sagebrush, and riverside forest with exceptional wildlife — wolves, bears, bison, moose, elk, and badgers all roam this area.

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

4.0 mi

Bunsen Peak Trail

Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park

8.1 miles W

A moderately difficult 4.6-mile hike to Bunsen Peak with a 1,300-foot climb and sweeping views of Mammoth Hot Spring Terraces, Swan Lake Flats, and the Gallatin Mountains.

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

7.8 mi

Osprey Falls Trail

Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park

8.1 miles W

An 8-mile out-and-back near Mammoth Hot Springs hiking green meadows and burned forest to the rim of Sheepeater Canyon and a breathtaking 150-foot waterfall on the Gardner River.

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

7.3 mi

Agate Creek Trail

Tower Junction, Wyoming

8.6 miles E

A moderately difficult 7.3-mile hike along Yellowstone River with colorful cliff overlooks, the Narrows, and a primitive riverside campground at trail's end.

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

0.3 mi

Yellowstone River Picnic Area Trail

Tower Junction, Yellowstone National Park

8.7 miles E

A 3.9-mile loop trail from a Yellowstone picnic area along the canyon rim of the Yellowstone River — steam vents, wildlife sightings in meadows, and canyon erosion views throughout.

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

16.9 mi

Specimen Ridge Trail (2K4)

Buffalo Ford, Wyoming

9.4 miles E

A challenging 17-mile remote hike ascending 3,000 feet to Amethyst Mountain and descending into Lamar Valley — ending at a river ford that may require turning around if uncrossable.

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

Tower Falls

Tower Junction, Yellowstone National Park

10.0 miles SE

Tower Fall plunges 132 feet off Tower Creek in Yellowstone, framed by dramatic rock pinnacles — located about 3 miles south of Roosevelt Junction.

Camp, Hike

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

4.0 mi

Specimen Ridge Day Hike and Fossil Forrest Trail

Buffalo Ford, Wyoming

12.1 miles E

A strenuous 4-mile hike to Specimen Ridge with rewarding views, plus a side route to an outcropping of fossilized trees visible from the ridge — rugged and unmarked, but worth it.

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

8.5 mi

Slough Creek Trail

Tower Junction, Yellowstone National Park

12.7 miles E

An easy 3.4-mile historic wagon trail follows Slough Creek through sweeping meadows in Yellowstone — a peaceful summer and fall walk with beautiful open views.

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

More Similar Arenas Near Forces of the Northern Range:

Hiking Trails Things to Do

Nearby Campsites

Add Location

Mammoth Hot Springs Campground

Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park

6.3 miles W

The only year-round campground in Yellowstone, with 85 first-come sites at 5 miles from the North Entrance, walking distance to the famous Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces and nearby hiking and fishing.

Camp

camp Campsite

Hellroaring Creek Trail

Yellowstone National Park

6.5 miles E

A suspension bridge over the Yellowstone River leads to sandy creek-side beaches and a mild backcountry trail past Yellowstone's largest granite slab — great for all ages.

Camp, Hike, Swim

swim Swimming Hole

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

0.1-5.3 mi

Mammoth Hot Springs

Mammoth, Yellowstone National Park

6.8 miles W

Colorful limestone terraces covered in glistening hot-spring water, a 1-mile boardwalk with 300 feet of elevation, elk in the parking lot, and an easy family-friendly loop — Yellowstone's showiest geology.

Camp, Hike

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

Indian Creek Campground Yellowstone

Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park

9.8 miles SW

Indian Creek Campground is a quiet, wooded, tent-friendly Yellowstone campground near Mammoth Hot Springs, big on wildlife and peace.

Camp

camp Campsite

Tower Falls

Tower Junction, Yellowstone National Park

10.0 miles SE

Tower Fall plunges 132 feet off Tower Creek in Yellowstone, framed by dramatic rock pinnacles — located about 3 miles south of Roosevelt Junction.

Camp, Hike

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

Slough Creek Campground

Tower Junction, Yellowstone National Park

12.7 miles E

A small, popular Yellowstone campground right on Slough Creek where wolf packs are frequently spotted — sites fill fast, so arrive early.

Camp

camp Campsite

Canyon Campground

Canyon Junction, Yellowstone National Park

15.9 miles S

A popular Yellowstone campground of 300-plus sites just minutes from the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and the Upper and Lower Falls, with hiking trails and North Rim Drive access right from camp.

Camp

camp Campsite

Norris Campground

Norris, Yellowstone National Park

16.6 miles SW

Centrally located in Yellowstone NP, this campground puts you within a short drive of Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Hayden Valley, Old Faithful, and Yellowstone Lake.

Camp

camp Campsite

0.8-3.8 mi

Little Gibbon Falls

Norris, Yellowstone National Park

17.3 miles S

A family-friendly 4.5-mile Yellowstone loop reaches fishing and swimming spots along Gibbon Creek, with kid-safe trail, canoeing options, and bearspray-worthy backcountry feel.

Camp, Canoe, Hike

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

canoe Canoeing Area

Pebble Creek Campground

Northeast Entrance, Yellowstone National Park

22.4 miles E

A quiet campground tucked in Yellowstone's far northeast corner near Trout Lake and world-class Lamar and Soda Butte trout rivers — arrive before 11 a.m. to secure a spot.

Camp

camp Campsite

Madison Campground

Madison, Yellowstone National Park

26.3 miles SW

A partly wooded riverside campground at 6,800 feet in Yellowstone, close to Old Faithful and the geyser basins, with great fishing on the Madison River and 270-plus individual sites.

Camp

camp Campsite

Fishing Bridge RV Campground

Lake Village, Yellowstone National Park

29.0 miles S

An RV campground near the mouth of the Yellowstone River where visitors can watch White Pelicans, waterfowl, and trout from the historic Fishing Bridge — fishing from the bridge is no longer permitted.

Camp

camp Campsite

Bridge Bay

Lake Village, Yellowstone National Park

30.1 miles S

A scenic campground on the western shore of Yellowstone Lake at 7,800 feet — wooded upper loops, open meadows, and a nearby marina store, though far from the park's main dining hubs.

Camp

camp Campsite

14.8 mi

Biscuit Basin to Fairy Falls and Firehole Meadows

Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park

37.3 miles SW

A nearly 15-mile backcountry hike starting at Biscuit Basin passes turquoise pools, a 70-foot waterfall, Firehole Meadows, Imperial Geyser, and three stunning blue lakes with rust-red shores.

Backpack, Camp, Hike

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

backpack Backpacking Trail

Grant Village

Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park

39.1 miles S

Named for President Grant near Yellowstone Lake's West Thumb, this village has lakeside dining, a geyser basin next door, campfire ranger programs, and tree-lined campsites steps from the water.

Camp, Canoe, Kayak

camp Campsite

canoe Canoeing Area

kayak Kayaking Area

6.9 mi

Heart Lake Trail

Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park

44.4 miles S

An 8-mile moderate hike to a remote backcountry lake with blue thermal pools, fumaroles, Rustic Geyser, and remarkable fishing for native cutthroat, mountain whitefish, and Arctic grayling.

Backpack, Camp, Hike, Hot Springs

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

hot springs Hot Spring

backpack Backpacking Trail

Big Springs

Island Park, Idaho

46.6 miles SW

A Big Springs campground shaded by Lodgepole Pines on Henry's Fork — with a 1-mile interpretive trail, fish feeding under the bridge, the historic Johnny Sack Cabin, and access to the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway.

Camp, Hike

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

0.1 mi

Lewis Lake Campground

Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park

46.9 miles S

Yellowstone's third-largest lake draws canoeists, kayakers, and serious anglers, with a quiet campground open mid-June through early November on a first-come basis.

Camp, Canoe, Kayak

camp Campsite

canoe Canoeing Area

kayak Kayaking Area

25.6 mi

East Rosebud Lake

Roscoe, Montana

48.1 miles E

East Rosebud Lake is the cliff-ringed gateway to the Beaten Path, one of the most beautiful backpacking routes in Montana's Beartooths.

Backpack, Camp, Canoe, Hike

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

canoe Canoeing Area

backpack Backpacking Trail

More Campsites Near Forces of the Northern Range:

Campsites

Embed Arena

Where do you plan to embed this code?

<script src="https://www.freearenas.com/embed/a82714281"></script>

Copy
×
loading...

Edit Your Experience

Log Your Visit to This Location

We've logged that you went. Is there anything else you want to add?

Thank you for your review/comment

We've recorded your comments. Is there anything else you want to add?

By recording your visit on FreeArenas.com, you'll have a collection of all the great places you've been and provide valuable information for yourself and others in the future.

Have you been to this location?

/5
Cancel

Donate to the Cause

Help us inspire and inform every person to enjoy life and the great outdoors in a responsible way. There's a lot of ways to do this. Here's a few ways we're working on our mission right now: Providing information, Building and maintaining local trails, Helping and teaching kids to fix their bikes, Cleaning up local parks to provide safe and clean places to enjoy nature. Learn More

Update Review

/5

New Collection

Add an Arena

Just some quick info about this location to get started...