Uncle Tom's / South Rim is a 2 mi trail with 500 ft of climbing — about 55m of moving time before you stop for anything. Dogs are not allowed, and we rate it comfortable from age 8. About 20% of it is shaded, and no refill point is recorded on the route.
Underfoot & overhead canyon rim
2 mi and 500 ft of climbing work out to 55m of moving time — before you stop for anything. No refill is recorded on the route — you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.
Get the fall refuel plan →NAISMITH · CDC · ACSM · how these numbers are worked out
In July, Yellowstone National Park runs around 78°F at the main visitor elevation, and this route gives you almost nothing to hide under. With no refill recorded on the route, everything you drink starts in your pack.
25°F · Mostly Clear · wind 0 mph
NOAA forecast for Yellowstone National Park — not for this trailhead specificallyA section of the West Thumb Geyser Basin boardwalk will be closed to Fishing Cone and Lakeshore Geyser through mid-October while crews replace damaged support structures along the shoreline. The remaining sections of...
Live NPS alert for Yellowstone National Park · sourceBull elk are fast and unpredictable this time of year and can seriously injure people. If an elk charges, run. In addition to staying at least 25 yards (23 m) away from elk and bison, always stay at least 100 yards...
Live NPS alert for Yellowstone National Park · sourceAbout 55m of moving time for 2 mi and 500 ft of climbing — that is Naismith's planning rule, so it counts walking only, with nothing for photos, lunch or the queue at the top.
Planning figures for that much moving time are 0.5–0.9 L, cool day to hot. No refill point is recorded on the route, so you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.
No — Uncle Tom's / South Rim is closed to dogs. Our Yellowstone National Park dog guide lists the trails where they are welcome, plus boarding and the nearest 24/7 vet.
We rate it comfortable from age 8. It is not a stroller route. That rating is our own hand-check of length, footing and exposure, not an official NPS grade.
About 20% of the route is shaded, and Yellowstone National Park peaks around 78°F in its hottest month. The less shade a route has, the more of it you want behind you before midday.
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