Seven Mile Hole Trail

Seven Mile Hole is a strenuous 10-mile out-and-back from Glacial Boulder pullout (4K6) to the Yellowstone River and back. Allow 5–8 hours. The route starts with a stretch along the canyon rim, then drops more than 1,000 feet over 2.3 miles. You climb that same slope on the way out, so save energy for the return rather than treating the river as the hard part.

For the first 1½ miles, the path stays near the canyon edge, looking across at Silver Cord Cascade. The waterfall is a narrow white line against the far wall; this opening section gives you a worthwhile view before the steep work starts. For a photo, keep plenty of canyon around the cascade so the drop and distance across the gorge still read.

After the rim section, continue another ½ mile to the Washburn Spur Trail, then follow it for ¾ mile to the Seven Mile Hole turn. The route drops more than 1,000 feet in the next 2.3 miles. Down low, narrow switchbacks cross loose, rocky ground in places. Watch your footing, and do not leave the path when it passes active and dormant hot springs.

The end is a river-level stop on the Yellowstone, not a developed overlook. The payoff is standing at the canyon bottom after the long descent; the way back is the same trail, with a sustained climb to the rim. The name refers to the river spot about seven miles downstream of the base of Lower Falls, not to the trail's round-trip mileage.

Start at the Glacial Boulder pullout on the road to Inspiration Point. The park lists this as a summer and fall hike and does not allow pets. Grizzly bears frequent the area. There is no reliable water along the route until the Yellowstone River; filter river water before drinking, and check current backcountry conditions before you go.