This section of the Yellowstone River is a legendary Class V whitewater run, often referred to as 'the Everest of rivers' by paddlers.
Put-in / access: Tower Junction, Yellowstone NP (44.9161, -110.4158)
Take-out: Gardiner, MT (45.0311, -110.7058)
Difficulty: Class V
Mileage: 18 miles
Season: Late summer and fall. Spring runoff is generally considered unrunnable.
Hazards: Crevice Canyon, Knowles Falls (mandatory portage for most), and continuous, remote Class IV-V water.
Permits: Yellowstone National Park boating permit required.
Guided trips: No. This is strictly a private, expert-only run.
Camping: Backcountry camping in Yellowstone NP by permit only.
- This section of the Yellowstone River is a legendary Class V whitewater run, often referred to as 'the Everest of rivers' by paddlers. 2. Despite its appeal, the Black Canyon has been closed to recreational boating by Yellowstone National Park since 1950. 3. There is a history of illegal runs by expert paddlers, leading to arrests and fines, in some cases, lifetime bans from Yellowstone.
Access note: Recreational paddling on this section is currently closed or prohibited. This entry is retained for historical context and trip planning awareness—do not put in where boating is banned.
Visitor Access
- Nearest town: Gardiner
- Difficulty: Class V (legendary whitewater run, very technical with numerous long, difficult rapids).
- Season: Historically, spring offers the most interest for serious boaters, while late season is considered for more average paddlers. However, the river is currently closed to recreational paddling.
- Mileage: Approximately 21.5 miles.
- Permits & fees: Paddling is prohibited within Yellowstone National Park boundaries, including the Black Canyon section of the Yellowstone River. Therefore, no permits are issued for recreational paddling, and any attempt to paddle is illegal.
- Hazards: The primary hazard is the illegality of paddling this section, which is closed by Yellowstone National Park. The river itself features countless Class V rapids, making it an expert-level run with significant technical challenges.
- Guided trips: No legal guided trips are available as the river is closed to recreational paddling.
- Camping: Backcountry camping in Yellowstone National Park requires a permit, but this is not applicable for paddling the Black Canyon due to the current closure of the river to recreational boating. Confirm current flows, closures, AIS inspections, and land-manager rules before you put in. Cold water and wood hazards kill—this guide is informational, not instruction.