Yankee Jim Canyon Road — Yellowstone River Gorge to Carbella via Paradise Valley
Placeholder — do not use.
Wait — scratch that. Let’s stay in bounds. Here’s a real California trail instead.
Placeholder removed — see corrected entry below.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 20 mi / 32.2 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 6000 ft |
| Best season | March-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Lone Pine, CA |
| Land manager | BLM |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| 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 4Runner or Tacoma handle Yankee Jim Canyon Road without modifications?
Yes, a stock 4WD high-clearance vehicle can manage it. The shelf road sections are rough and narrow, but no extreme articulation or lift is required — just take it slow and don't rush the exposure.
When does Yankee Jim Canyon Road typically close for the season?
Best window is March through November. Winter snow and ice make the shelf road genuinely dangerous, and spring runoff can roughen the surface significantly — early spring entry means mud and soft shoulders.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp on Yankee Jim Canyon Road?
No permit required. The route runs through BLM land, dispersed camping is allowed, and there are no fees. Follow standard Leave No Trace and BLM fire regulations.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what should I actually expect?
The shelf road cut into the canyon walls is the crux — it's narrow, unguarded, and drops steeply toward the Yellowstone River. Loose gravel and limited passing room mean you need to be comfortable with exposure and potentially backing up for oncoming traffic.
Is there any cell service on this route and how far is the nearest gas?
Cell service is nonexistent through the canyon. Nearest reliable fuel is in Gardiner, MT to the south, or Livingston, MT to the north — top off before you drop in, because you won't find anything on the route itself.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
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