Hellroaring Creek

For those of us who call Montana home, the wild, untamed spaces of our state are a source of pride and a frequent destination for escape. While many campgrounds offer a convenient place to stay, some spots truly embody the spirit of the backcountry, and Hellroaring Creek is a prime example. Located near the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park in Gardiner, this isn't your typical drive-in campground. It represents a more rugged, authentic, and rewarding camping experience. Hellroaring Creek is a destination for those willing to put in a little effort for the ultimate payoff of solitude and immersion in one of the most magnificent natural environments in the world. It’s a place where the Yellowstone River carves a dramatic canyon and where wildlife roams freely, offering a true taste of wilderness adventure.

The journey to Hellroaring Creek is an integral part of the experience. It begins with a hike, and for many Montanans, this is what sets it apart. The trailhead provides access to a network of trails that lead to various backcountry campsites, with Hellroaring Creek itself being a highlight. The beauty of this area lies in its remoteness; once you cross the iconic suspension bridge over the Yellowstone River, you leave the crowds behind and enter a world of sprawling sagebrush meadows, deep canyons, and pristine forests. This is a perfect place to introduce children to the wonders of backpacking and wilderness etiquette, teaching them about a deeper connection to nature beyond just a simple car camping trip. The sense of accomplishment that comes with reaching your campsite and setting up in such a spectacular setting is unmatched.

This region is not just for seasoned backpackers; it offers a variety of routes and experiences, making it suitable for a wide range of skill levels. The trails offer breathtaking views of the Yellowstone River valley, and the sound of the Hellroaring Creek provides a constant, soothing soundtrack to your adventure. It's a place where you can find a quiet spot to fish, watch for wildlife, and simply unplug from the demands of modern life. Unlike some of the more well-known and crowded spots in the park, the Hellroaring area offers a sense of discovery and genuine tranquility. It’s a testament to the fact that some of the best experiences require a bit of effort, and in return, you are rewarded with unparalleled peace and natural beauty.

The experience at Hellroaring Creek is a reflection of the commitment to preserving the wild character of Yellowstone. As a backcountry area, it operates under a different set of rules than front-country campgrounds, all designed to protect the landscape and the animals that call it home. The permit system ensures that visitor impact is minimized, allowing for a sustainable and low-impact way to enjoy the park's wilderness. For those who grew up exploring Montana's vast public lands, Hellroaring Creek feels like a natural extension of that tradition—a place to practice respect for the environment and an appreciation for the raw beauty that defines our home state. It is a true opportunity to disconnect and immerse yourself in the natural world.

The Hellroaring Creek backcountry is accessed via the Hellroaring Trailhead, located a few miles west of Tower Junction in Yellowstone National Park. From Gardiner, Montana, you will enter the park and take the Grand Loop Road east towards Tower Junction. The trailhead is a short, approximately 3.5-mile drive west of the junction on a short dirt road that leads to a parking area. The proximity to Gardiner is a significant advantage, as the town serves as a key gateway to the park and a hub for essential services.

The accessibility of the trailhead, being just off a main park road, makes it relatively easy to get to. However, it is important to remember that this is a backcountry experience. The journey from the trailhead to the actual campsites involves a hike, beginning with a steep descent to the Yellowstone River, which is a major point of consideration for hikers. The trail crosses the Yellowstone River via a sturdy suspension bridge, which is a highlight in itself, offering stunning views of the canyon below. This is where the true wilderness adventure begins, as you leave the road-accessible world behind.

The location in the northern part of Yellowstone is also ideal for wildlife viewing, particularly in the nearby Lamar Valley, often called the "Serengeti of North America" for its abundant wildlife, including wolves, bison, elk, and grizzly bears. While the Hellroaring area is known for its peaceful solitude, it is still within a region teeming with incredible wildlife, which is a major draw for visitors. This proximity allows for a unique combination of peaceful backcountry camping and the opportunity to witness the park's famous inhabitants. It is a perfect base for exploring the north end of the park while enjoying a different, more immersive type of camping.

Hellroaring Creek is a backcountry experience, meaning the services are different from those at a developed campground. The focus is on providing a safe and regulated environment for a true wilderness trip.

Services Offered:

• Designated Backcountry Campsites: The area has specific, pre-determined campsites to minimize human impact on the environment. These sites are the only places where overnight camping is permitted.
• Food Storage: Given the presence of bears, you will find food storage poles or bear-resistant containers at the campsites. This is a crucial safety service to keep both humans and wildlife safe.
• Water Access: Campers have access to Hellroaring Creek and the Yellowstone River for water, but it is essential to filter, treat, or boil all water before consumption.
• Primitive Facilities: There are no flush toilets or running water. Visitors are required to follow Leave No Trace principles, which includes packing out all trash and burying human waste in "cat holes" at a proper distance from water sources and trails.

Features / Highlights:

• Stunning Scenery: The trail and campsites offer breathtaking views of the Yellowstone River's Black Canyon and the surrounding sagebrush steppe. The landscape is a major attraction in itself.
• Wildlife Viewing: The area is known for frequent wildlife sightings, including elk, bison, deer, and the possibility of seeing grizzly bears or wolves, particularly at dawn and dusk.
• Fishing Opportunities: Hellroaring Creek and the nearby Yellowstone River are popular fishing spots. Anglers can find excellent opportunities for trout fishing in a remote and scenic setting.
• Suspension Bridge: The iconic suspension bridge over the Yellowstone River is a highlight of the hike, providing a thrilling and scenic start to the backcountry trip.
• Solitude and Seclusion: One of the biggest highlights is the sense of solitude. Unlike front-country campgrounds, you are truly away from the crowds, offering a quiet and peaceful experience.
• Good for Kids: For families that enjoy hiking and are prepared for a backcountry trip, the adventure offers a wonderful opportunity for children to learn about and connect with nature.

Because Hellroaring Creek is a backcountry area, a special permit is required for all overnight stays. This permit must be obtained from a Yellowstone National Park Backcountry Office in person. It is not a place you can simply show up and set up camp.

Contact Information:

Address: The trailhead is located off Grand Loop Road, near Tower Junction, Gardiner, MT 59030, USA. This is not a direct postal address for a physical office, but rather the general location of the trailhead.

Phone: For backcountry permit information and to check on current conditions, you should contact the Yellowstone National Park Backcountry Office. The phone number for the Tower Junction Ranger Station, the closest office to the trailhead, is recommended. However, for the most current information, it is best to check the official Yellowstone National Park website or call a main park information line. A general number is 307-344-7381.

What is worth choosing Hellroaring Creek? The answer is simple for those who are seeking a truly authentic Montana-style adventure. You choose Hellroaring Creek not for convenience or amenities, but for the experience itself. It's for the Montanan who loves to hike and feels a deeper connection to the land when they've worked for their view. It's for the family that wants to teach their children about resilience, self-reliance, and the immense beauty of the natural world, all while being a safe and accessible backcountry destination. The feeling of crossing the suspension bridge and leaving the front country behind is a profound one. The solitude, the raw natural beauty, and the abundance of wildlife make it an unforgettable experience.

The "good for kids" aspect is particularly noteworthy. While it requires preparation and a willingness to hike, it’s a fantastic way to introduce young adventurers to backpacking. They'll remember the challenge of the hike, the excitement of seeing a bison or elk from a safe distance, and the peacefulness of camping in a remote location. This is a place where you can create lasting memories, far from the distractions of the modern world. You will be trading a campfire ring for a star-filled sky, and the sound of traffic for the rush of Hellroaring Creek. It’s a place that re-centers you and reminds you of what’s truly important. In a state known for its wild spaces, Hellroaring Creek offers a piece of that wildness that feels truly earned and deeply personal. It is the perfect choice for anyone who understands that the best things in life are often found at the end of a trail.

Hellroaring Creek

Gardiner, MT 59030, USA