Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
bench at the top. Looking out, Pelican Valley's meadows lie to the left, Stevenson Island
sits in the lake ahead, and the Absaroka Range outlines the horizon in the distance.
Pelican Valley
Duration
6-8 hours
Distance
16-mile loop
Difficulty
Moderate
Elevation Change
Negligible
Start/Finish
Pelican Valley Trailhead (5K3;
Click here
)
Nearest Town/Junction
Fishing Bridge
Summary
Birdwatchers favor this rolling stroll through meadows and sagebrush in the
heart of bear country.
Rangers recommend a minimum party of four hikers for this popular lollipop loop, among
the most concentrated grizzly country in the lower 48 states. Backcountry camping is not
allowed anywhere in the valley. Bring plenty to drink and a hat, since there's no shade
along the trail. Hiking in the morning or late afternoon on overcast, rainy or even snowy
days offers the best chance to catch a glimpse of wildlife.
Pelican Valley (including the nearby Turbid Lake trail) is closed for bear activity from
April 1 to July 3 and is open for day use only (9am to 7pm) from July 4 to November 10.
The July 4 opening is typically the busiest day in the valley, when animals are likely to be
most skittish. Off-trail travel is prohibited on the first 2.5 miles of the trail.
The trailhead sits at a gravel parking lot on the east end of an old service road. It is off
the north side of the East Entrance Rd, 3.5 miles east of Fishing Bridge and 23.5 miles
west of the East Entrance. The lot is across the road from the trailhead for Storm Point
and Indian Pond. Use the north side of Trails Illustrated's 1:63,360 map No 305
Lake Yel-
lowstone
.
The
Pelican Valley Trail
follows the abandoned Turbid Lake service road due east for
a few minutes, then veers north along the forest edge to an overlook, which provides the
first sight of the Pelican Creek drainage, a couple of miles away. Look for pelicans at the
mouth of the creek. The trail descends through open meadow to the valley floor, passing
