Bacon Rind Creek Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

The Bacon Rind Creek Trailhead is located at the end of a short gravel road on the west side of U.S. Highway 191, north of West Yellowstone. The trail is used by Yellowstone fishermen and runners accessing trails in Custer Gallatin National Forest-Lee Metcalf Wilderness Area.

The first 2.2 miles of the trail lie in Yellowstone National Park. It’s a pleasant, level trail along the north side of Bacon Rind Creek as it meanders slowly through a narrow meadow. The fishing here is good for 8-10 inch cutthroat and rainbow trout. Look for moose in the willows that line the creek in places.

The creek may have been named by members of the U.S. Cavalry serving in Yellowstone. For 30 years prior to the creation of the National Park Service in 1916, the park was under the care and protection of the U.S. Army. It seems likely scouts protecting the park's western border from poachers named the creek while eating breakfast around the campfire.

At the 2.2-mile mark, the trail leaves Yellowstone and enters Custer Gallatin National Forest. It then begins a steep 2,200 foot climb over the next 3 miles to a bench on the southwest side of Red Mountain. The trail ends at the 7.1-mile mark at its junction with the Skyline Trail (running north-south in the Madison Range).

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

The willows along Bacon Rind Creek provide excellent moose habitat. The area is also frequented by grizzly bear.