Blacktail Deer Creek Trail

The Blacktail Deer Creek Trail is a fantastic route in Yellowstone National Park. Proper, supportive hiking footwear is essential on this route, and we recommend bringing along a set of hiking poles to aid on your ascents and save your joints some strain on the declines. Be warned that this trail is more difficult on the return. Make sure you save some energy, snacks, and water for your hike back out to the car. The Blacktail Deer Creek Trail is a great spot to see wildlife, including bison, elk, and pronghorn. If you do see wildlife, do not feed them and be sure to admire from a safe distance.

This Blacktail Deer Creek Trail sneaks over the Wyoming/Montana border to Crevice Lake, a lovely spot for picnics and camping. This trail is moderately challenging, but it can be a great hike for families with older children. With stellar views the whole way, this trail is the perfect place to spend the day exploring the beauty of Yellowstone National Park.

To hike the Blacktail Deer Creek Trail, begin at the Blacktail Trailhead and follow the trail north. In the first mile, the trail will divide twice, stay right at both divides, and continue north across Rescue Creek. Just past Rescue Creek, you’ll see the Lower Blacktail Creek Campground on your right; this is a lovely, well-maintained campsite and a great spot to set up for the night if you wish to do so. Just one mile past the Lower Blacktail Creek Campground, look out for the waterfall on your right; this cascade is a great spot to stop for a water break or a quick snack before continuing along the trail. Approximately 0.9 miles past the waterfall, you’ll reach the Yellowstone River. You have actually crossed over the border into Montana at this point in the hike! Cross over the Yellowstone River by using the Blacktail Bridge, then continue along the path for 0.3mi to a divide. At this divide, take the trail on your left to hike the last little bit to Crevice Lake.

Kick back and relax and enjoy your time on the shores of Crevice Lake. If you are looking to set up for the night, check out the Crevice Lake campsite on the lake’s north shore or the Yellowstone River Bridge site back along the river. When you are ready to head home, simply retrace your steps back to the Blacktail Trailhead where you began.