Overview
The Hellroaring Plateau sits in the northern Absaroka Range near Yellowstone's northern boundary, in a section of the Custer Gallatin National Forest that receives a fraction of the visitation that Yellowstone itself draws. The trail climbs 2,000 feet over five miles through dense Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir before emerging onto an open plateau with views that extend south toward the park's interior and north across the Absaroka foothills.
What distinguishes this area is its position in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem. The terrain here is among the most wildlife-rich in the contiguous United States. Wolves, grizzly bears, elk, bison, and pronghorn all use this corridor seasonally, and encounters are not unusual. That fact raises both the stakes and the reward of hiking here. You are in a genuinely wild place where predators are present and the landscape operates on its own terms.
The moderate-hard rating reflects the sustained 2,000-foot climb rather than any technical terrain. The trail is clear and well-marked through the forest. Above treeline, route-finding requires more attention, but the plateau is open and navigable on a clear day.
The Route
Miles 0 to 3: Trailhead to Treeline
The trail begins in the transition zone between grassland and forest, climbing steadily through a mix of sagebrush and pine before entering the dense subalpine forest. Wildlife sign is common near the trailhead: bison can sometimes be seen on the open slopes in early morning, and wolf tracks are visible in muddy sections during wet weather. Keep bear spray accessible from the first step.
The forest section involves steady climbing through spruce and fir with occasional openings offering views back toward the Yellowstone plateau. Stream crossings at approximately miles 1.5 and 2.5 provide water for filtering.
Miles 3 to 5: Plateau Approach and High Point
Above treeline, the trail transitions to open tundra and talus. The final two miles to the plateau's edge involve the most significant elevation gain per mile of the route. On clear days, the view from the plateau rim is a genuinely striking panorama: Yellowstone's volcanic plateau to the south, the Absaroka peaks to the north and east, and the endless grassland of the Paradise Valley visible beyond Gardiner to the northwest.
When to Visit
July through September is the standard hiking window. Snowpack from the previous winter can persist on the plateau into early July. September is a particularly compelling month, with elk rut activity and the landscape in transitional colors before first snow. Morning starts are important afternoon thunderstorms are routine on exposed plateau terrain in summer.
Before visiting, check current conditions and any fire or bear management closures in this area. The conditions-checking guide has resources specific to the Gardiner district.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry the following for this route:
- Bear spray, accessible at all times (not buried in pack)
- 2-3 liters of water capacity with filter for refilling at streams
- Full rain gear and warm insulating layers for the exposed plateau
- GPS device or detailed topo map; cell service is absent
- Headlamp for early-morning starts during elk rut season
- Trekking poles for the descent
Individual needs vary. The wildlife density in this area warrants particular attention to food storage and scent management.
Practical Details
No permit is required for day hiking as of 2026. Dispersed camping is permitted in the national forest; all food must be properly stored per USFS guidelines for bear-active areas. Review Leave No Trace principles before camping. Wildlife management closures can occur in this area with little advance notice check with the Gardiner Ranger District before your trip.
This trail is in national forest, not a national park. The America the Beautiful pass is not required for the trailhead. For veteran fee benefits, see our veteran benefits guide.
Getting There
From Gardiner, Montana (the north entrance to Yellowstone, approximately 50 miles south of Livingston on US-89), take US-89 north, then turn east on forest roads into the Hellroaring drainage. Specific forest road numbers for the trailhead are available from the Gardiner Ranger District. The trailhead is approximately 8-10 miles from Gardiner by road. Cell service is available in Gardiner but disappears quickly on the forest roads.