Snow Pass Trail - Backpacking near Yellowstone National Park Wyoming
Snow Pass Trl, Wyoming 82190, USA,Yellowstone National Park Wyoming,Wyoming
44.95928429714054, -110.71224323809814
Address: Snow Pass Trl, Wyoming 82190, USA
GPS: 44°57'33.4"N 110°42'44.1"W
Maps | Directions
State: Wyoming
Trails/Routes: 2.0 mi

National Park

Backpack and Hike

Snow Pass Trail is a beautiful day hike for visitors to Yellowstone looking to escape the crowds. Located a half mile south of the Mammoth Hot Springs Upper Terraces. Parking is available at a pullout by the Snow Pass Trail, or 1K2 trail head. 

The hike on Snow Pass Trail is a moderately difficult 2.4 out-and-back trail with beautiful views. This tail has a total elevation gain of 700 feet, and has a series of very steep sections of trail. Hikers should be exprienced and prepared before taking this trail.

This area of Yellowstone is known for it's Hoodoos. Though not traditional Hoodoos, these large and impressive boulders make for a stunning contrast to the surrounding forest. The trail ends at Snow Pass, a stunning little valley surrounded by mountains. This secluded hike makes for a beautiful challenge to add to a day at Yellowstone.

Hikers should make sure to hike in groups of three or more, and be on the lookout for wildlife. Grizzly Bears frequent this area of Yellowstone, and hikers should carry bear spray in an easily accessible location and be sure to keep a safe distance from all wildlife.

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

Snow Pass Trailhead (1K2) (U.S. National Park Service)

This trailhead is nestled into the forests south of the Upper Terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs. This trailhead provides access to:

https://www.nps.gov/places/000/snow-pass-trailhead-1k2.htm
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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 Yellowstone National Park Wyoming

  1. Head northwest on US-20 E
    Parts of this road may be closed at certain times or days
    (19.1 mi)
  2. Turn right onto US-14 E/US-16 E/US-20 E
    Parts of this road may be closed at certain times or days
    Pass by Dairy Queen (on the left in 76.7 mi)
    (77.5 mi)
  3. Turn left onto 12th St (0.5 mi)
  4. Turn right onto River View Dr (0.3 mi)
  5. Turn left onto WY-120 W
    Entering Montana
    (37.1 mi)
  6. Continue onto MT-72 N (21.0 mi)
  7. Turn left onto US-310 W (18.1 mi)
  8. Turn left onto US-212 W (6.8 mi)
  9. Turn right onto State Hwy 421 (9.3 mi)
  10. Continue onto Joliet Rd (8.8 mi)
  11. Turn right onto MT-78 N (0.8 mi)
  12. Turn right onto Old U.S. 10/E Pike Ave (0.2 mi)
  13. Turn left onto MT-78 N/N 9th St
    Continue to follow MT-78 N
    (0.9 mi)
  14. Turn left to merge onto I-90 W toward Butte (75.5 mi)
  15. Take exit 333 toward Yellowstone Nat'l Park (0.3 mi)
  16. Turn left onto US-89 S/US Hwy 89 S (53.0 mi)
  17. Turn left onto E Park St (256 ft)
  18. Turn right onto Robert Reamer Ave (0.2 mi)
  19. Turn right toward US-89 S (427 ft)
  20. Turn left onto US-89 S
    Toll road
    Parts of this road may be closed at certain times or days
    Entering Wyoming
    Destination will be on the right
    (6.8 mi)
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The Hoodoos by hike734
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Added by tasiawhicker

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