Rescue Creek Trail - Hiking near Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park
N Entrance Rd, Gardiner, MT 59030, USA,Mammoth Hot Springs,Montana
45.01794271121928, -110.69371923882892
Address: N Entrance Rd, Gardiner, MT 59030, USA
GPS: 45°1'4.6"N 110°41'37.4"W
Maps | Directions
State: Montana
Trails/Routes: 7.9 mi

Rivers Trails National Park Pet Friendly

Hike

Rescue Creek Trail is an 8 mile hike that crosses the Montana/Wyoming boarder. This double trail makes for a leisurely hike through beautiful hills and colorful yellow green grasslands. This trail, though long, is level and well marked making it easy and relaxing to follow.

The trail begins at a footbridge that crosses over the Gardner River. The trail is near the Yellowstone River and a view of the river peaks through the hills in a couple places throughout the trail. Bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope and elk are frequently spotted in this area of Yellowstone and are often seen by hikers on the trail.

The trail starts and ends at different trailheads, so hikers should prepare by having a vehicle waiting at the opposite trailhead, or by being ready to hike 16 miles there and back. Trailheads can be found either one mile south of the park's North Entrance or 7 miles east of Mammoth on Grand Loop Road.

Rescue Creek Trail winds through forests and meadows making it easy for hikers to have a peaceful connection with nature. The wildlife that frequents this area and the low level of foot traffic make this hike the perfect respite from the crowds of Yellowstone National Park.

Updated June 27, 2026
4.2K Written by tasiawhicker

More Information

Yellowstone National Park Itinerary

This Yellowstone National Park Itinerary will help you get started as you plan your vacation to Yellowstone National Park.

https://www.justgotravelstudios.com/collections/national-park-itineraries/products/yellowstone-national-park-itinerary?ref=9zpxis0diin

Yellowstone Guided Backpacking & Day Hiking Trips

Yellowstone Guided Backpacking Adventures! All-Inclusive Tours. Join our friendly and knowledgeable guides on a journey through this one-of-a-kind ecosystem.

https://www.trailguidesyellowstone.com/
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Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.

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  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 Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park

  1. Head northwest on US-89 N toward Ycc Trl
    Toll road
    Parts of this road may be closed at certain times or days
    (0.7 mi)
  2. Turn right onto US-89
    Entering Montana
    (3.1 mi)
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Rescue Creek Trail courtesy of Jacob W. Frank Rescue Creek Trail courtesy of Jacob W. Frank↗
RescueCreek Trail and Lava Creek Trail by hike734
4.2K

Added by tasiawhicker

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