Old Faithful to Shoshone Lake Backcountry Road
Restricted thermal road to Yellowstone's backcountry
This restricted-access road starts behind Old Faithful’s visitor complex and punches eight miles through prime grizzly habitat to Shoshone Lake, Yellowstone’s largest backcountry water body. The route passes DeLacy Creek Hot Springs and follows the original stagecoach road used before the Grand Loop was built, crossing thermal areas where the ground temperature can crack axles if you’re not careful. Park regulations limit this road to official vehicles and permitted research groups, but special access can be arranged for scientific or educational purposes through Yellowstone’s backcountry office.
Easy driving on maintained gravel when dry, but the real challenge is getting permission — this isn’t a casual weekend trip. The road requires advance permits, escort vehicles, and strict adherence to wildlife protocols since this corridor sees heavy bear traffic. Best accessed May through October when thermal activity is manageable. No camping allowed on the road itself, but Shoshone Lake offers backcountry camping with proper permits. What you get is access to Yellowstone’s wildest thermal features and fishing for native cutthroat in waters most visitors never see.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 16 mi / 25.7 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7900 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock high-clearance |
| Nearest town | West Yellowstone, Montana |
| Land manager | Yellowstone National Park |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | nps.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this road without modifications?
Yes. The road is gravel with minimal technical obstacles and only 400 feet of elevation gain. A stock high-clearance vehicle handles it fine — lifted rigs aren't necessary here.
When does this backcountry road open and close each year?
June through September is the reliable window. Snow and wet conditions can keep it closed into late spring, and early fall storms can shut it down before October — check with Yellowstone NPS directly before you go.
Do you need a special permit to drive this road?
Yes. This is a restricted-access road inside Yellowstone National Park and requires a backcountry permit in addition to the standard park entry fee. Permits are obtained through the NPS — don't show up without one.
What's the hardest part of this trail and what should I actually expect?
Nothing here is technically difficult — the challenge is the water crossings, which can vary with seasonal runoff levels. The remoteness is the real factor; if something goes wrong, you're deep in Yellowstone with zero cell service and limited rescue options.
Is there any cell service on this trail, and should I carry my own water?
There is zero cell service the entire route — plan accordingly and tell someone your itinerary before you leave. Water is available from natural sources along the way, but treat everything; this is Yellowstone backcountry, not a campground spigot.
Trail track
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