Now here's one that is a bit different for the Yellowstone National Park region - it's a trailhead sign warning hikers to beware of rattlesnakes. Yep, that's right - there are a multitude of little, ill-tempered rattlers in the lower regions of the Yellowstone River canyon. So... in addition to the usual precautions that you should take when hiking in Grizzly country, it pays to also keep a close watch on where you put your hands and feet, at least for the first mile or so of this hike. You'll soon climb away from suitable habitat though, as you turn south towards Rescue Creek and leave the near-desert conditions near Yellowstone River behind.

The trailhead is located about 1/2 mile south of the Gardiner entrance to Yellowstone National Park - that makes it pretty handy for grabbing a hearty breakfast in Gardiner before heading out, or, if you're walking in the opposite direction, it's only a short drive to cold beer and pizza when you finish the trek.