Seven Mile Hole Trail
A long canyon-rim approach followed by a steep descent to the Yellowstone River.
Route overview
Follow the canyon-rim route to the signed Seven Mile Hole junction, descend to the river and retrace the full route.
Seven Mile Hole begins with rim walking and views toward Silver Cord Cascade before joining the Washburn Spur and descending more than 1,000 feet in 2.3 miles. The climb out comes late in the day, and the route passes dormant and active thermal features where hikers must remain on trail.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho
- Distance
- 16.0 km round trip
- Typical duration
- 5–8 hours
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- More than 305 m on the return from the canyon, plus rolling rim travel
- Best season
- Summer through early autumn after snowmelt
- Trail type
- Out and back
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No for day hiking
Safety context
Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Steep return climb, thermal ground, bears, heat, treated-water requirement and long rescue response
Highlights
Silver Cord Cascade, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone River, thermal features
Why find a buddy
High-value buddy route because partners must align on pace, water treatment, thermal-zone discipline and the strenuous climb out.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.