Bighorn Peak Trail
Remote Mountain Summit
Bighorn Peak Trail
Remote Mountain Summit
Remote
Remote Mountain Peak
GROUP HIKING NOTICE - Hike with others and make new friends, contact us to start a group hike or for more details!
Available Dates:
No current group hike departures
Description
Bighorn Peak reaches a height of 9,851' in elevation. It is a remote mountain summit located in the Gallatin Mountain Range inside of Yellowstone National Park. The Gallatin mountain range is 75 miles long and contains more than 10 mountains over 10,000'. The range contains a roadless area over 500,000 acres in size and is key habitat for many of Yellowstone's famous species such as Grizzly bears, Wolves, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goats, Elk and Deer.
The trek to the top of Bighorn Peak is not leisurely. This peak is difficult to reach; the trail to the top covers over 6 miles (over 12 round trip) and about 3,200 feet of elevation gain. After all the hard work to get up there, the views do not dissapoint - you can even see the Tetons on a clear day!
The trail begins with a pleasant walk along Black Butte Creek through a Lodgepole pine forest. Meadows along the trail provide great areas to spot for wildlife. After about 3 miles, we reach the base of the the peak and begin the trek upward. The trail traverses a nice open slope with plenty of views to keep one inspired. At higher elevations, the vegetation changes into a Whitebark Pine forest with good chances to see the peak's namesake animal - the Bighorn Sheep! Above treeline, we cover a flat plateau and a short scramble to the true summit.
After soaking up the views of the Gallatin Range, Madison Range and Northern Yellowstone, we will make our way back to the trailhead descending through beautiful forests and along the creek.
Trail Stats
If you are a very active person with experience hiking long distances on steep trails and want to visit one of Yellowstone's beautiful peaks, this hike is for you!
Bighorn Peak Stats:
- 12 miles round trip (out and back)
- 3200' gained
- Very Challenging difficulty - Suitable for individuals with a high level of fitness
- 6-8 Hours car to car