How far can you walk in Yellowstone? The forbidden area where Pierce Brosnan hiked

The Western genre is a fundamental part of the history of American cinema. From the end of World War II until the counterculture of the 1960s, the film industry enthusiastically embraced stories of Native Americans and cowboys that, to a large extent, reaffirmed a national narrative about the common origins of the nation. This Wild West period, despite only lasting about 30 years before the turn of the 19th century, still makes occasional appearances today. In fact, it will soon do so with ‘The Unholy Trinity’, a film featuring Pierce Brosnan, who has already begun shooting. However, the project has encountered problems after Brosnan entered Yellowstone National Park for filming and ended up with a court date.

Brosnan in trouble over Yellowstone walk

The actor, known for playing James Bond in the 1990s, is accused of trespassing into protected and dangerous areas of the iconic park, which is also renowned in the film world for being the inspiration for Yogi Bear’s forest home, among other things. As reported, Brosnan accessed restricted and hazardous areas after leaving the Yellowstone Film Ranch in Paradise Valley, where the movie was being filmed.

According to court documents, Brosnan violated “closures and limits” by entering “thermal areas within the Yellowstone canyon closed to hiking.” These actions have led to criminal charges being filed against him on 26 December, presented the same day to the District Court of Wyoming. As a result, he must appear at the Yellowstone Justice Center, a facility dedicated to legal matters concerning the park, on 23 January.

What are the Yellowstone Park regulations?

Yellowstone National Park is no ordinary place, with a clear set of rules about where people can move around. Although there is no specific distance limit, there are trails and guidance for visitors to follow.

The beauty of its thermal areas, established in 1872, is matched by their danger. The park’s website warns visitors that “the pools are acidic enough to burn boots,” advising against approaching them. In fact, trespassing into these areas has caused more injuries and deaths than any other element, living or non-living, in the entire park. Brosnan allegedly deviated from the designated trails to enjoy the horizon, according to reports.

The actor managed to witness the changing colors of the liquid, resembling a curious rainbow of over 160 degrees, but he now faces a trial with potential consequences ranging from a $5,000 fine to six months in prison. Worse, he could be denied entry to the park for a specific period, often extending to several years. The law is clear. At the very least, he will have to face the mentioned financial penalty. And no Western movie, not even one co-starring Samuel L. Jackson, can prevent that.