Hiking the Slough Creek Trail in Yellowstone National Park

If Yellowstone’s grandeur can feel overwhelming, the Slough Creek Trail is its antidote—a place where the park exhales, trading dramatic peaks for soft meadows and the calming flow of a crystalline creek. This trail winds gently through Yellowstone’s quieter side, offering moments of peace and discovery in equal measure.

The journey begins in the Lamar Valley, Yellowstone’s unofficial wildlife capital. From the trailhead, a gradual climb takes you through sagebrush flats alive with wildflowers in summer and the occasional rustle of a hidden animal. Each step draws you deeper into a landscape where time seems to stand still.

After two miles, the first meadow unfolds like a secret revealed. Slough Creek winds through the valley below, its waters sparkling in the sunlight. Stop and listen: the creek murmurs softly, blending with the rustle of grasses swaying in the breeze. It’s a place that invites stillness—a chance to simply exist within the beauty around you.

Another 1.5 miles brings you to the second meadow, an even larger expanse where solitude reigns. Moose often wade in the creek’s shallows, their massive forms serene and unbothered. Bears, too, frequent this area, foraging along the edges of the meadow. Keep your distance but savor the chance to witness wildlife in its element.

For those who venture farther, the trail stretches into Yellowstone’s vast backcountry, offering miles of quiet exploration. But even if you turn back at the first or second meadow, you’ll leave with a sense of Yellowstone’s gentler side—a reminder that wilderness doesn’t always roar. Sometimes, it whispers.

Adventure Guide Summary

Slough Creek Trail

• Trailhead: Near Slough Creek Campground in the Lamar Valley, 15 miles east of Mammoth Hot Springs.
• Distance:
  • 4 miles round trip to the first meadow.
  • 7 miles round trip to the second meadow.
• Difficulty: Moderate; gradual ascent to the meadows with easy terrain beyond.
• Features: Wildlife, pristine meadows, and the serene Slough Creek.
• Tips: Carry bear spray, bring binoculars, and allow time to savor the peaceful surroundings.