Bear Attack closes section of the Continental Divide Trail

PThe CDT art and several other trails were closed after two hikers in Yellowstone National Park were injured during an encounter with one or more bears near the Old Faithful area on May 4.

Immediately following the reported incident, National Park Service emergency personnel responded to the area. The incident remains under investigation and details about the species of bear, the number of bears involved in the encounter and the severity of injuries sustained by the hikers are not yet available.

Trail closures

To ensure the safety of visitors, the Park Service has implemented several temporary trail closures in the area west of Grand Loop Road, including the Summit Lake Trail, which contains a portion of the Continental Divide Trail.

The closure affects miles 2,033-2,039 of NOBO CDT. Official details of the detour have not yet been released. Until the National Park Service reopens the affected sections, hikers are advised to stay away from the entire closed area.

Bear Safety on the Road

This is the first reported bear injury in Yellowstone National Park in 2026. Before this, the most recent injury it occurred in September 2025. Deaths remain rare in the park, and the last human death caused by a bear occurred in 2015.

The Park Service urges all visitors to follow essential safety protocols while in bear country. This includes staying at least 100 yards away from bears and always carrying bear spray that you are prepared to use. Hikers should remain very alert for signs of activity, such as fresh tracks or feeding sites, and make plenty of noise to avoid startling an animal. For added safety, travel in groups of three or more and avoid trails during dawn, dusk, or night when grizzly bears are most active.

The most important thing is that if you encounter a bear, don’t run. Running away from a bear is dangerous because it triggers its predatory pursuit instinct. Even if a bear was initially just curious or acting defensive, running away can cause it to see you as prey and begin aggressively chasing you.

View the official closure notice from the Continental Divide Trail Coalition hereand the National Park Service press release. here.

Featured image via katie jackson

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any products or services you purchase using links in articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price they would otherwise pay, and their purchase helps support The Trek’s ongoing goal of bringing you quality backpacking information and advice. Thank you for your support!

For more information, visit the About page of this site.