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Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
430 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
13.2 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
3.5-5h
User Ratings
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Directions to Trailhead

Blacktail Deer Creek Trail

Measurement:

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Table of contents

The Blacktail Deer Creek Trail is a gorgeous route in northern Yellowstone National Park. This trail can be done as a day hike or broken up over a couple of days by camping at one of the wonderful campsites along the trail. This route leads you up to Crevice Lake, a great spot for swimming, camping, and simply relaxing in wonderful wilderness with loved ones.

Route Description for 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.

Insider Hints for Blacktail Deer Creek Trail

  • Crevice Lake is not a good spot to fish, but the Yellowstone River is!
  • In the summer, this trail has an abundance of wildflowers and butterflies.

Getting to the Blacktail Deer Creek Trail Trailhead

This hike begins at the Blacktail Trailhead on the north side of Grand Loop Road, approximately 6.7mi east of the Mammoth Hot Springs and Visitors Center.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground:

    Lower Blacktail Creek, Yellowstone River Bridge, Crevice Lake

  • When to do:

    May to September

  • Pets allowed:

    No

  • Family friendly:

    Older Children only

  • Route Signage:

    Average

  • Crowd Levels:

    Moderate

  • Route Type:

    Out and back

Blacktail Deer Creek Trail Elevation Graph

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