Black Butte Trail

Black Butte Trail is a strenuous out-and-back from the Black Butte Trailhead (WK2) to the Sky Rim junction near Big Horn Peak. The mapped route is about 11.9 miles round trip, with roughly 3,100 feet of climbing; allow seven to eight hours. Published mileage varies: the park lists 11.4 miles, while longer ridge itineraries reach about 12.4. This is a substantial backcountry hike, not a quick summit stop.

For the first couple of miles, the trail climbs through lodgepole forest and grassy openings along Black Butte Creek. Openings reveal Lava Butte and King Butte, volcanic landmarks in this forested valley. Around mile 1.9, stay on the Black Butte route at the Dailey Creek connector junction. A spur near mile 2 leads to campsite WF1. Beyond it, the tread follows King Butte’s south slopes into a wooded ravine, crosses Black Butte Creek around mile 3, then begins a long switchback climb.

The switchbacks reach sunny meadows with views toward the Taylor-Hilgard Range. Higher up, the forest gives way to a grassy plateau with Big Horn Peak to the northwest; the Black Butte route then meets Sky Rim at roughly six miles. Turn around there for the mapped out-and-back. A short continuation on Sky Rim reaches an unnamed high point with broad views across northwest Yellowstone and Custer-Gallatin country, but adds about 0.4 mile round trip. That extension descends beside Specimen Creek’s canyon on a narrow path, so skip it if exposed edges are uncomfortable. From the open high point, frame some of the ridge in front of the broad northwest view.

WK2 is on the west side of US 191; after parking, the signed tread is a short walk north along the highway shoulder. Grizzlies frequent this area. The National Park Service recommends hiking in groups of three or more and carrying bear spray; pets are not allowed. WF1 is a backcountry campsite about two miles in, and overnight use requires a permit for a designated site. WK2 has an information kiosk; carry the food and water you need for a full day out.

Whitebark pines become more common as the trail climbs. Some are dead or declining after blister rust, pine beetles and warmer, lower-snowpack conditions. From the upper route, signs of the 2007 Owl Fire can also be seen east of the trail.