Seven Mile Hole

Seven Mile Hole is one of Yellowstone most demanding and rewarding day hikes, descending nearly 1,400 feet into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone to reach the river at the canyon floor. The trailhead sits near Inspiration Point, and the route initially follows the canyon rim through open meadows and lodgepole forest before making its steep plunge to the bottom.

Named for its location seven miles downstream from the Lower Falls, the canyon floor destination features a remarkable concentration of geothermal activity including hot springs, fumaroles, and the dramatic Glacier Boulder, a massive erratic deposited during the last ice age. The Yellowstone River rushes past in a torrent of cold, clear water contrasting starkly with the steaming thermal features nearby. The canyon walls display the characteristic yellow, orange, and white hues from which the park takes its name, created by hydrothermal alteration of rhyolite. Fishing in the Yellowstone River at the canyon bottom is permitted with a valid fishing license. The climb back out is relentless and should not be underestimated, especially in summer heat. Hikers should carry ample water, as the canyon bottom can be significantly warmer than the rim. Wildlife including ospreys, eagles, and occasionally black bears inhabit this remote section of the canyon.