Pilot Creek Trail

The opening stretch climbs through evergreen forest beside the creek, then angles away from the water after about half a mile. The path keeps climbing gently, with good footing through the first four miles. Around mile 1.8, look across the canyon for seasonal waterfalls dropping from the high peaks during early runoff. Pilot Peak’s craggy spire comes into view to the north around mile 2. The trail is an approach toward the peak, not a route to its summit.

Seven stream crossings break up the walk. Six are described as small hops; the larger crossing near mile 4 can wet your feet. This is a creek valley, so the snowmelt story is right in front of you: small brooks and tributaries feed Pilot Creek as it gathers water on its way toward the Clark’s Fork of the Yellowstone.

Around mile 4.2, the canyon opens into a broad green meadow with an undeveloped campsite. Elk and calves use the meadow, so give them room if you see them. It is a lovely place to pause, but reaching it and walking back is already about 8.4 miles. The grassy knob at mile 2.8 is the better shorter option if you want the creek view without making this a full-day hike.

Past the meadow, the trail continues uphill along Pilot Creek but gets rougher. Deadfall and flooded stretches are reported in these upper miles, so the going is less predictable than on the lower trail. Near its end, the route leaves the trees with a rocky ridge marking the Yellowstone boundary ahead. The trail stops below that ridge; for this outing, turn around and return to Pilot-Index the same way.

From the junction of WY-296 and US 212, drive about 4.8 miles west on US 212 to the Forest Service sign for Pilot-Index Trailhead; the kiosk is another roughly 400 yards ahead. There is a parking turnaround and a vault toilet, but no food or drinking-water service was identified at the trailhead. Dogs are allowed on National Forest trails; keep them under control and do not let them chase wildlife.