Yellowstone River Picnic Area Loop
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Yellowstone River Picnic Area Loop
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The trail around the Yellowstone River Picnic Area is a lovely hike with incredible views of Yellowstone National Park. This trail is family-friendly and appropriate for kids of all ages. The picnic area itself is equipped with picnic tables, grills, and a washroom.
Getting there
This trail begins at the Yellowstone River Picnic Area Trailhead on Northeast Entrance Road, just across the river from Tower Junction.
About
| Backcountry Campground | No |
| When to do | May to October |
| Pets allowed | No |
| Family friendly | Yes |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | High |
| Route Type | Circuit |
Yellowstone River Picnic Area Loop
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Yellowstone River Picnic Area Loop Description
The Yellowstone River Picnic Area Hiking Loop is a wonderful hike that’s fun for the whole family. This trail does not have a ton of shade, so be sure to layer on the sunscreen, wear a good sunhat, and bring lots of water for everyone in your hiking party. Picnic areas are common places to see wildlife looking for snacks, especially small critters such as birds and squirrels. If you do see animals, do not feed them under any circumstances. The trail around the picnic area can be a good place to see larger animals, including pronghorn and bison. If you see wildlife, do not approach them, and always admire them from a safe and respectful distance. As with any hike in Yellowstone, it is important to remain bear-aware. Ensure that everyone in your hiking party is familiar with bear safety protocols and always hike with a canister of bear spray in case of encounters.
With incredible views of the Yellowstone River canyon, the Picnic Area Hiking loop is the perfect route for a leisurely hike with the whole family. We recommend you bring along a camera and a picnic basket so you can spend the day enjoying the beauty of the Wyoming wilderness and capturing precious memories with loved ones.
To hike the Yellowstone River Picnic Area Hiking Loop, begin at the trailhead and follow the path southwest to hike the loop counterclockwise. The trail will first take you along the edge of the Yellowstone Canyon; watch your footing here and make sure kids stay well away from the canyon’s edge. From the trail, you can look across the canyon to Bumpus Butte on the other side of the river. After approximately 1.9mi, the trail will split; take the path on your right to loop back up to the trailhead where you began.
If you are looking for a longer, more challenging hike in the area, check out the Agate Creek Trail.
Trail Highlights
Yellowstone River Picnic Area
The Yellowstone River Picnic Area is a lovely spot with nine picnic tables, four grills, and an accessible washroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you grill in the Yellowstone Picnic Area?
Yes, cooking is permitted in the Yellowstone River Picnic Area using the provided grills. Open fires are not permitted at any time.
Insider Hints
In the winter, this route can be a great snowshoeing trail
Head out in the morning for the best chance to see wildlife
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