Nearly three weeks after a grizzly bear attacked two hikers near Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park continues to enforce temporary trail, backcountry campsite, and fishing closures northwest of the area.
The incident occurred on the afternoon of May 4th on the Mystic Falls Trail. Emergency responders transported both hikers, ages 15 and 28, out of the backcountry by helicopter. Park staff believe a female grizzly bear with two or three cubs-of-the-year was responsible. The investigation remains ongoing.
The following trails are closed: the Fairy Falls Trail north of the Grand Prismatic Overlook, the Sentinel Meadows Trail, the Imperial Meadows Trail, the Fairy Creek Trail, and the Summit Lake Trail. Backcountry campsites OG1, OD1, and OD2 through OD5 are also closed, along with fishing on the Firehole River and its tributaries within the closure area. The closure covers the area west of Grand Loop Road from the north end of Fountain Flat Drive to Black Sand Basin.
Midway Geyser Basin, Black Sand Basin, and the Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail from the Fairy Falls Trailhead to the overlook are open. Fishing on portions of the Firehole River outside the closure zone is also permitted. Geyser basin boardwalk areas remain open.
Park officials say there are no known visitors within the closed backcountry areas and remind visitors that entering closed areas puts both visitors and emergency responders at risk.
The May 4th attack was the first bear-related injury in Yellowstone in 2026. The previous visitor injury occurred in September 2025, and the last fatal bear attack in the park dates to 2015 near Lake Village.
