Kepler Cascades Ski Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Waterfall

The trailhead to the Kepler Cascades Ski Trail is found on the southeast side of the Old Faithful Lodge cabins, near the Firehole River. From the Visitor's Center, head for the Old Faithful Lodge, turn right and continue down a service road past some cabins on your left to the Mallard Lake Trailhead. Follow the Mallard Lake Trail across a bridged crossing of the Firehole River. The Kepler Cascades Ski Trail begins to the right just past the bridge.

After 25 yards, the trail takes a left and climbs uphill through a narrow gap in the trees. Shortly youll see the main road ahead on the right. Here you have the option of skiing the road or staying on the ski trail. The road has more gradual uphill sections, while the trail has more steep hills. The trail ends just across from the Kepler Cascades parking lot. Skiers often combine this trail with the 2.8-mile Lone Star Geyser Trail that begins just beyond Kepler Cascades.

Kepler Cascades is 100-150 foot multi-tiered cascade in the Firehole River. The falls were named in 1881 by Park Superintendent P.W. Norris after Kepler Hoyt, the 12-year-old son of Wyoming Territorial Governor, John Hoyt, who toured Yellowstone that year.

Thanks to guidebook author, Tom Carter, for sharing this trail description. To learn more about visiting Yellowstone, check out his book, Day Hiking Yellowstone.