ONLY AVAILABLE APRIL 20th to OCTOBER 31st, 2024
If you want to see a hidden waterfall, walk around a remote lake, spot antlers and bones, cross a suspension bridge, and enjoy the beauty of the Yellowstone River, you’ll want to book this tour. We may even see bison, elk, deer, pronghorn and bears! This is a classic, yet lesser-known adventure in the Northern Range, giving you a chance to see wildlife and a gorgeous stretch of the Yellowstone River.
Starting at the Blacktail Deer Creek Trailhead, seven miles east of Mammoth Hot Springs on Grand Loop Road, the trail climbs a small hill before dropping down to the Yellowstone River. Losing roughly 1,500ft in elevation to get to the river, which will have to hike up on the way back, the trail skirts Blacktail Deer Creek, giving plenty of opportunities to see wildlife of all sizes.
Once we reach the river, we will take a look at a spot where the floods of 2022 washed away a patrol cabin, have a bite to eat, and then cross the suspension bridge to head toward Crevice Lake and Knowles Falls. Once atop the falls, we will have a chance to wander a little more down the trail to take in more of the canyon views and the rocks that give the trail its name. Currently, the hike stops just beyond Knowles Falls due to a washout of the trail from the June 2022 floods. If/when the trail is expanded, options for a longer hike will be offered.
After enjoying the river for a bit, we will begin the hike out of the canyon, back up the creek, through the prairie, and end at the parking area where we started.
The mileage on this trail will be around 12 miles with a little less than 2,000 feet of elevation gain total.
THIS IS A PRIVATE TOUR FOR YOU AND YOUR GROUP!
Trek Overview
Hiking toward the Black Canyon of the Yellowstone is an experience that those in the know do as an annual adventure. Showcasing the remote beauty found along the Yellowstone River, this trail is one where you’ll wish you could spend more time wandering. Highlighted by the suspension bridge over the Yellowstone, Knowles Falls, Crevice Lake, and glimpses into the rocky and wild canyon, a hiking tour here will surely give a greater appreciation for the backcountry of Yellowstone National Park.
Along this hike, you’ll go down to the river along a well-maintained scenic trail, reaching the river after 3.8 miles. From the bridge, the lake is a half mile away and the falls are a mile and a half beyond that. With bones of bison and elk scattered about, as well as the occasional elk antler, there will be plenty to see as we hike.
Once we reach the falls, groups making good time with lots of energy left will have a chance to continue on to see into the canyon, possibly a mile and a half downriver. The trail beyond this point is closed due to the June 2022 floods.
To reach Knowles Falls and back, the mileage will be around 12 miles total, with a little less than 2,000 feet of elevation. It is important to note that almost all the elevation gain will be on the return trip.
The Highlights
- A lesser-known waterfall
- Potential wildlife sightings
- Bones and antlers
- A suspension bridge
- River views
- A remote lake
- Flood damage from June 2022
