Hiking the Hellroaring Trail in Yellowstone National Park

The Hellroaring Trail doesn’t just take you into Yellowstone’s wilderness—it pulls you into its wild, untamed heart. This 4-mile trek is a symphony of steep descents, roaring waters, and quiet meadows that hum with life. It’s a hike for those who crave adventure with a side of soul-stirring solitude.

The journey begins at the Hellroaring Creek Trailhead, where the forest immediately swallows you whole. Towering lodgepole pines crowd the trail, their scent mingling with the earthy aroma of pine needles underfoot. Switchbacks carry you downward, every turn revealing a new vista of the sprawling Yellowstone backcountry.

Then, the trail delivers its signature thrill: the suspension bridge. Hanging high above the Yellowstone River, the bridge creaks and sways beneath your feet, its motion like walking on the deck of a ship in restless seas. Far below, turquoise waters churn and twist through canyon walls, their roar as constant as a heartbeat.

Once across, the world opens into a meadowed expanse where Hellroaring Creek meanders through sagebrush and wildflowers. The water is so clear it feels like looking into liquid glass. On sunny days, the landscape glows golden and green, and if you’re quiet, you might catch a moose grazing or a bison ambling nearby.

The return climb demands effort, but the memories carry you upward. By the time you reach the trailhead, the Hellroaring Trail has done more than test your legs—it’s left a mark on your spirit, a reminder that the wildest places are often the ones that speak the loudest.

Adventure Guide Summary

Hellroaring Trail

Trailhead: 3 miles south of Tower Junction on the Grand Loop Road.
Distance: 4 miles round trip to Hellroaring Creek.
Difficulty: Moderate; steep descent and climb with a 600-foot elevation change.
Features: Suspension bridge, Yellowstone River canyon, meadows, and wildlife.
Tips: Carry bear spray, pace yourself on the ascent, and bring sturdy footwear.

Adventure Map

Reviews

Collin Smith2 months ago

We decided to do a scout hike on the difficulty of the trail before committing, going down is easy, heading back is quite a lot of work. Bring plenty of water and rest a lot if you’re not experienced with the trail or hiking. Gorgeous trail and hike even with the difficulty of it. I would recommend this if you’re going long distance hiking, rather than a loop.

Rebecca Kostenbader2 months ago

Great hiking trails in Yellowstone. The trail to the suspension bridge is very steep and open, lots of switchbacks. Bring lots of water, you will need more than you think! View over bridge is awesome.

Steve Hessa year ago

Short little drive off the loop to the parking area. Not crowded at all. Most people were here for the longer hikes, I just did the bridge and back. It’s slightly more than a mile to the bridge. Its all downhill. Which means it’s all uphill on the way back. About a half mile of switchbacks in the middle of the hike. Bring water, it’s exposed and it’s a bit hot. It’s just a little too hard to rate “easy” but save for the switchbacks its not bad.

J Johnson5 years ago

Very nice hike! Over a suspension bridge and then a nice walk following the river from the top of the canyon. Hell Roaring Creek and and nice place to have lunch on the hike. then over some rolling hills (buffalo roaming afar) and Osprey Nest in a very tall tree near the gorge, Geese and Marmots busy watching you in a nice wooded area on your return back to the parking lot. Really perfect weather too!

Trachemysta4 years ago

Nice, but a bit strenuous hike (on the way back). It is downhill in the first part with little shade, so watch out for the sun. We only made it till the bridge and went back up. This took us around 1 h, but it was worth it. If you have time it goes on and can reach other nice spots.