Rescue Creek Trail to Turkey Pen Peak (Gardner Side)

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
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.
3.5-4.5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
10.8 km
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.
528 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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Directions to Trailhead

The Rescue Creek Trail to Turkey Pen Peak is a gorgeous hike in Yellowstone National Park. This out-and-back hike just gets steeper and steeper as you make your way to the top of Turkey Pen Peak. Though this route is moderately challenging, we do not recommend it for families with children.

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Route Description for Rescue Creek Trail to Turkey Pen Peak (Gardner Side)

The hike up to Turkey Pen Peak via the Rescue Creek Trail is a gorgeous route on the northern edge of Yellowstone National Park. Sections of this trail are seriously steep. Proper hiking footwear is essential, and we strongly recommend bringing a set of hiking poles to aid your ascent and provide some support on the way back down. With an abundance of wildlife and gorgeous wildflowers in the summer months, the hike to Turkey Pen Peak via the Rescue Creek Trail is well worth the effort. From the top of Turkey Pen Peak, you will earn incredible views of the Yellowstone River Valley and the wilderness beyond.

Beginning at the Rescue Creek Trailhead, follow the Rescue Creek Trail across the Gardner River and a small stream to Turkey Pen Creek. Follow the Creek bed for approximately 2.1 km, then take the spur trail on your right up to the top of Turkey Pen Peak.

Enjoy a well-deserved rest at the summit and soak in the incredible views of the valley below. When you are ready to head home, simply retrace your steps back to the trailhead where you began.

Getting to the Rescue Creek Trail to Turkey Pen Peak (Gardner Side) Trailhead

This hike begins at the Rescue Creek Trailhead on North Entrance Road.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground

    No

  • When to do

    July to September

  • Pets allowed

    No

  • Family friendly

    No

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Low

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Rescue Creek Trail to Turkey Pen Peak (Gardner Side) Elevation Graph

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Rescue Creek Trail to Turkey Pen Peak (Gardner Side) Reviews

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