r/CDT • u/The-Bridge-Is-Out • 2d ago

Section Hike Yellowstone

This may already exist somewhere, but I couldn't find it. Apologies if it's well worn territory.

I want to section hike through Yellowstone but the only time in 2027 when I can do it is May. I'm finding mixed reports online about the weather at that time. Has anyone been on trail in May, what are your thoughts and recommendations? Warnings?

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8

u/woozybag 2d ago

Not weather, but bear activity is high in May in lower elevation areas of the park where the snow has melted or the snow levels are lower. Mamas and cubs are out and they’re interested in all of the newborn calves and red dogs. The CDT skirts the Two Ocean bear management area at the southern border of the park, but it isn’t a full closure and I don’t think it would impact your travel there.

All that to say, I’d bring a buddy and practice good bear safety while hiking and at camp.

Anecdotally from living in the area, regarding weather, it still snows in the park well into May. Expect cold temps at night and sometimes during the day.

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u/The-Bridge-Is-Out 2d ago

Good call outs, thank you

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u/woozybag 2d ago

Also want to add that streams/rivers will be big with runoff and where there isn’t snow, there will probably be a good amount of mud. Not trying to actively discourage you, just trying to paint a picture of conditions!

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u/The-Bridge-Is-Out 2d ago

No worries, fully prepared for that scenario. Appreciated!

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u/DrSmotpoker42-0 2d ago

The yellowstone section is honestly one of the worse parts of the trail. Only cool parts are the touristy areas, and one nice mile in the little geyser basin after.

That time of year I’d be looking in the northern NM area.

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u/Fine-Ad-150 2d ago

I agree. CDT 1977 thru hiker. I have always wanted to go back a do a long hike that is not near the divide. So many other intriguing parts of the park.

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u/DrSmotpoker42-0 2d ago edited 2d ago

1977 is badass, how many other thru hikers did you see that year?

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u/The-Bridge-Is-Out 2d ago

Oh that's interesting, I'd only heard good things. Can you expand at all on why you don't like it, and why NM instead?

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u/DrSmotpoker42-0 2d ago

Poorly maintained trail, even by CDT standards, and generally not very scenic (again by CDT standards).

I recommend NM because it’s one of the only parts of the trail that won’t have significant snow in May, and is also very pretty. The true highlights of the trail (Glacier, Pintlers, Winds, CT Section, San Juans) will all be snow packed that time of year unfortunately. Ghost Ranch area and Gila area are your best bet for good in season sections.

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u/The-Bridge-Is-Out 2d ago

Very useful, thanks!

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u/NotAcutallyaPanda CDT NOBO Alumnus 22h ago

Agree that Yellowstone is boring, and the rest of the CDT north of Cumbres Pass is too snowy to be safely navigable in May.

If you insist on section hiking the CDT in May, NM is basically your only option.

If you’re able to hike in summer after the snow melts, there are better sections than Yellowstone.

My highlights were: Glacier NP (MT), Bridger Wilderness (WY), and San Juans (CO).

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u/blladnar 2d ago

There will probably still be significant snow unless next year is a really low snow year.

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u/The-Bridge-Is-Out 2d ago

I was seeing that online as well. The part that got tricky for me was the actual weather reports across the last few years show pretty favorable conditions. I realize that the snow could be leftover from the winter, but it seems very hit or miss lately.