Daley Creek - Black Butte Creek Trail - Yellowstone National Park

The Daley Creek Trail climbs about 1,600 feet in 5 miles as it follows Daley Creek through meadows and along open hillsides. There are good opportunities to spot moose during the summer, and elk during spring and fall. After 2 miles, The Daley Creek Trail meets the Black Butte Trail cutoff. The cutoff turns east. Look for the first trail marker in a clump of trees up the drainage to the east. The cutoff travels approximately 2 miles over and ridge to meet the Black Butte Trail. Further on the Daley Creek Trail, you will meet the Tepee Creek cutoff. This cutoff travels up through meadows, for approximately I mile, to the park boundary and the Tepee Creek Trail in the Gallatin National Forest. The Daley Creek Trail ends at Daley Pass on the park's north boundary. From the pass, the Skyline Trail follows the boundary to the east; other trails lead north and west into Gallatin National Forest. The Black Butte Creek Trail travels from the Gallatin Highway to the Skyline Trail and provides the shortest, as well as steepest, route to the summit of Bighorn Peak. There is a spectacular view in all directions from the top of the trail. The trail climbs 3,100 feet in 7 miles as it follows the forested valley of Black Butte Creek and winds past the Gallatin Petrified Forest. Exposed pieces of petrified wood are common throughout this area. Also watch for moose and mule deer low on the trail, and bighorn sheep higher up. From the summit of Bighorn Peak, it is about 3.5 miles to Shelf Lake following the Skyline Trail east. Length: 3.2 miles Trail Begins: Daily Creek Trail Trail Ends: Black Butte Creek Trail Area Map: Gallatin National Forest Visitor Map USGS Map1: Bighorn Peak (Montana - Wyoming) USGS Map2: Sunshine Point Township 9S; Range 5E; Section 9