Snow Pass

Overview

Snow Pass is a quick, punchy outing in the Mammoth Hot Springs area that trades crowds for a solid workout and big northern-range views. Expect a steep climb through lodgepole forest to a quiet saddle, with peeks toward Golden Gate Canyon on the way up and broader sightlines toward Swan Lake Flats and the Gallatin Range near the pass. The out-and-back is about 2.4 miles total, with roughly 700 feet of climbing packed into the first 1.5 miles. Some trackers log closer to 2.2 miles and ~470 feet; either way, it’s short but stout.

Route

Start from the Snow Pass Trailhead in the forest just south of the Upper Terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs (small roadside pullout). The path wastes no time—climbing steeply via a series of short, sustained grades. Around a mile in, you’ll pass the junction for Clagett Butte; continue up to Snow Pass (~1.5 miles from the start) where the grade eases and views open. Most hikers turn around here for the classic out-and-back. If you’re feeling strong, you can continue another ~0.6 miles over mostly level terrain to the Glen Creek junction before returning the same way to add mileage and meadows.

Variations

Want a bigger loop without an all-day commitment? Link Clagett Butte with Snow Pass (about 5 miles and ~1,250 feet of gain) for ridge-top views, a quiet feel, and a steeper descent back down Snow Pass. Another option is to incorporate the Hoodoos for a longer loop day—expect more meadows, odd limestone blocks, and a wilder vibe.

Best Time to Hike

Spring through fall is prime. Snow and ice can linger in spring (especially in the shade near the trailhead), and mosquitoes can be active in early summer—pack repellent. Mornings or late afternoons bring kinder light and fewer people. Summer afternoons often brew thunderstorms; if lightning threatens, descend from exposed points. In winter, this corridor is also used for cross-country travel—check conditions before you go.

What You’ll See

• Forest to sage transition, with intermittent views toward Mammoth/Golden Gate and bigger vistas near the saddle toward Swan Lake Flats and the Gallatin Range.
• Geology in action: This corner of Yellowstone showcases layers of story—ancient rhyolite lava flows, the intrusive dacite mass of Bunsen Peak, and bright-white travertine from long-lived hot springs (the same rock that builds Mammoth’s terraces). Glaciers later bulldozed and scattered these rocks; the nearby “Hoodoos” are landslide blocks that look like a field of toppled ruins.
• History underfoot: The Snow Pass route (once dubbed “Hell’s Gate”) was part of an early, steep road into the park’s interior in the late 1870s before the gentler Golden Gate road replaced it.

Know Before You Go

• This is bear country. Hike in groups, make noise in blind curves, and carry bear spray where you can reach it fast.
• The trailhead can feel unmarked and the first mile is seriously steep—great training, but not ideal for casual strollers.
• No pets or bikes on this trail. Day hiking doesn’t require a permit, but overnights, fishing, boating, and stock use do. Stay on established paths and practice Leave No Trace.