Mist Creek Trail

Dogs Unknown

The Mist Creek Trail has lots to offer. From the West, it starts in Pelican Valley and continues East all the way to the Lamar River Trail. The hike across the Pelican Valley is gorgeous and often secluded. With no roads going through it like the Hayden and Lamar Valley, it is just you and a few other hikers, and sometimes it's JUST you. It is such a vast open space, often with lots of bison.

Be alert as this is prime grizzly habitat too! The trail is pretty easy going across the valley giving you the chance to really take in the scenery. Once you get to the far East side of the valley, you'll encounter the Pelican Valley Backcountry Patrol Cabin. The small wooden bench in the front is a great place to have a rest, grab some calories and make sure your water is full.

Once you continue on you'll be climbing steadily as you make your way up to Mist Creek Pass. Stay alert and make noise as the vegetation gets quite thick around the trail and I've often seen bear tracks on the trail. Once you get to the top of the pass, the view is spectacular!

Looking back to the west and south, you'll see all of the Pelican Valley and Yellowstone Lake. If you look more to the south on a clear day, you can see the Teton Range. This is also one of the few places you'll get cell phone service if you need it. From the top of the pass, continue the decent into a beautiful meadow. There are backcountry sites on each side of the meadow.