Hiking Pebble Creek

Enjoying the Upper Meadows

Difficulty: 3

Distance: 4 miles out-and-back to the upper meadows, 12 miles one way to the lower trailhead

Time to Complete: 3 hours ·

Seasonality: Summer, Fall ·

Fees/Permit: Yes - Yellowstone entrance fee

Dog Friendly: No

Pink fireweed. Yellow goldenrod. Purple lupine. White yarrow. Between the bright green of the willows along Pebble Creek and the silver sage on the hills above, portions of the Pebble Creek trail travel through some of the finest dry meadow gardens in Yellowstone National Park. The landscape surrounding the trail demonstrates what is called the sagebrush-steppe plant community - found along the entire Northern Range of Yellowstone, dominated by sagebrush, several species of grasses, and a dazzling display of wildflowers in late June through early July.

The entire Pebble Creek trail is twelve miles one-way and requires a car shuttle. However, an out-and-back hike to the second crossing takes hikers into the heart of the Northern Range - often referred to as the Serengeti of North America. The sagebrush-steppe surrounding the trail provides foraging habitat for moose, pronghorn, deer, elk, and bison, as well as for the wolves that hunt them. The best time for wildlife viewing is at dawn and dusk.

From the trailhead, the Pebble Creek Trail climbs a ridge, steep at times, for 1.5 miles before dropping down the backside and into the Pebble Creek drainage. The trail then parallels, crosses, and re-crosses Pebble Creek several times. A turnaround at the second crossing makes for a great 8-mile out-and-back with views of the Upper Meadows.

Who's going to love it: Wildlife enthusiasts and anglers alike. There's a good chance of spotting elk, moose, deer, and grizzly bears just around the next corner - with occasional wolf packs visiting the area. The trail offers open views, particularly in the evening or early morning. Pebble Creek also offers excellent fishing for cutthroat trout, Yellowstone's native species.

Directions: From Cody, drive 76.5 miles through Silver Gate, Montana to the Northeast Entrance. Once through, drive 1.2 miles west and turn north into the Warm Creek Trailhead parking area past the picnic area. Parking is free with an Entrance Pass.