Yellowstone National Park officials are investigating a bear encounter that left two hikers injured near Old Faithful, leading to temporary closures across several trails, backcountry campsites and fishing areas.
The incident happened Monday afternoon on Mystic Falls Trail, a popular route in the Old Faithful area. Park emergency crews responded after reports that one or more bears were involved. Officials have not yet released the hikers’ conditions, the type of injuries, or what may have caused the encounter.
The attack has drawn attention because it occurred close to one of Yellowstone’s busiest visitor zones. Old Faithful attracts large crowds throughout the season, but the surrounding trails still pass through active bear habitat where wildlife can appear with little warning.
Trails and areas closed while officials investigate
After the incident, Yellowstone temporarily closed a broad area west of Grand Loop Road, from the north end of Fountain Flat Drive to Black Sand Basin. The closure is designed to give park staff time to assess bear activity and reduce the risk of another encounter.
Several trails are currently closed, including Fairy Falls Trail north of the Grand Prismatic Overlook, Sentinel Meadows Trail, Imperial Meadows Trail, Fairy Creek Trail and Summit Lake Trail.
Backcountry campsites OG1, OD1, OD2, OD3, OD4 and OD5 are also closed. Fishing is restricted along the Firehole River and its tributaries inside the closure area.
Some major visitor areas remain open. Midway Geyser Basin and Black Sand Basin are still accessible. The Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail from Fairy Falls Trailhead to the overlook is open, but the trail is closed beyond the overlook.
Park officials have not said when the closed areas will reopen. Visitors should check current conditions before hiking, as closures may change depending on the investigation and bear movement in the area.
Why bear safety matters in Yellowstone
Yellowstone is home to both grizzly bears and black bears. Although serious encounters are uncommon compared with the millions of visits the park receives, officials regularly warn that bears can be dangerous when surprised, approached, or defending food or cubs.
The park’s most recent fatal bear attack happened in 2015, when 63-year-old Lance Crosby of Billings, Montana, was killed in the Lake Village area. The last reported bear injury in Yellowstone before this latest incident happened in September.
Spring and early summer can be especially active periods for bears. Animals are moving through the landscape after winter, searching for food and using areas that may overlap with hiking routes. Dense vegetation, rushing water and bends in trails can make it easier for hikers and bears to come upon each other suddenly.
Officials are reminding visitors to stay at least 100 yards away from bears at all times. That distance applies even when a bear appears calm or is far enough away for a photo. Wildlife can move quickly, and getting closer for pictures can put both people and animals at risk.
Visitors are also urged to carry bear spray and keep it within reach, not buried inside a backpack. Hikers should travel in groups of three or more, make noise on the trail, and avoid hiking at dawn, dusk or night, when grizzly bears are often more active.
Warning signs of recent bear activity include fresh tracks, scat, digging, rolled rocks, torn-up logs or signs of feeding. Anyone who sees those clues should leave the area carefully and avoid pushing farther down the trail.
If a bear is encountered, officials say visitors should not run. Running can trigger a chase response. Instead, hikers should slowly back away, stay calm, avoid sudden movements and give the animal room to leave.
More visitor guidance is available through the official Yellowstone bear safety page.
The investigation into the Mystic Falls Trail incident remains ongoing. Until park officials provide more details, the closures around the affected area remain an important safety measure for hikers, anglers and backcountry visitors.
For anyone planning a Yellowstone trip, the message is simple: the park’s famous geysers, trails and scenic basins sit inside a wild ecosystem. Staying alert, respecting closures and following bear safety rules can make a major difference on the trail.
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