Pelican Valley Trail

Overview

This is one of the park’s wildest day hikes: a mostly flat, 6.2-mile total out-and-back to the washed-out bridge on Pelican Creek. Expect huge meadows, a mix of forest, and a real chance at seeing big wildlife. It’s moderate more for its rules and remoteness than steepness—there’s one short hill to an overlook, then gentle grades through valley floor.

Route snapshot

From the trailhead, cross a few small bridges through meadow into the trees, climb a brief hill to a broad valley view, then continue across open country. You’ll pass a small hydrothermal area (stay on the tread), ford a small creek, climb a cut bank, and continue to the common turnaround at the washed-out bridge over Pelican Creek. Do not attempt unsafe fords here; treat the bridge site as your turnaround unless conditions and regulations clearly allow otherwise.

Wildlife and what to expect

This is prime grizzly habitat with frequent bison in the valley. Hike in a tight group (4+ recommended), keep bear spray accessible, make noise, and give wildlife space (think football-field distances from bears/wolves). You may also spot elk, black bears, and smaller birds like grouse. Parts of the path can be narrow, brushy, and occasionally marshy near the creek; orange markers help where the tread fades.

Rules, restrictions, and safety

Pelican Valley sits in a Bear Management Area with strict seasonal rules: typically closed until July 4, day-use only 9 am–7 pm, and no off-trail travel for the first 2.1 miles. Stay on established trail—especially around thermal ground—and avoid carcasses. Expect potential shallow creek crossings; lightning can roll in fast across open meadows. Dogs are not allowed. Check the current Backcountry Situation Report before you go.

Best time to hike

Plan for July through September when the area is generally open and drier. Start right at 9 am to bank daylight within the day-use window and to enjoy cooler temps and better wildlife viewing. Mid-summer can be buggy—bring repellent—and the open valley bakes in afternoon sun, so a brimmed hat and extra water help.

Access and logistics

Trailhead is 3 miles east of Fishing Bridge Visitor Center down a short gravel road across from Indian Pond; park at the end. Parking is usually reasonable, and there’s a vault toilet. Crowd levels are low by park standards—great for solitude, but you must be self-reliant.

Pro tips

• Don’t blow past the overlook after the short climb—this is your best big-sky photo spot with the Absarokas as a backdrop.
• If bison are on the trail, wait or give them a very wide berth; they own the right-of-way here.
• Orange markers appear where the path fades; if you stop seeing them, you’re probably off-route—backtrack instead of wandering.