Black Butte Ski Trail

Glimpses of mountain views can be seen through the trees along the Divide Ski Trail.

Black Butte Ski Trail is a 14-mile roundtrip backcountry ski through exposed alpine terrain following Black Butte Creek—advanced skiers only. The first 2 miles climb 769 feet with steep sections; the final 2 miles become dangerously exposed and are explicitly not recommended by NPS. Mountain views reward those who turnaround at the Daly Creek junction (7 miles) rather than pushing to Bighorn Peak. This is not a scenic cruise; it's a serious winter test of technical ability, navigation, and avalanche awareness.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 14
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Extreme—advanced skiers only
Elevation Gain Feet: 769

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 14
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Extreme—advanced skiers only
Elevation Gain Feet: 769
Estimated Time: 10–14 hours depending on fitness, snow conditions, and turnaround point. Most skiers finish in 5–7 hours if turning around at Daly Creek junction.
Trail Surface: Snow and packed ski trail; steep, exposed sections with variable snow quality depending on wind and recent storms.
Trail Features: Mountain views
Black Butte Creek
Alpine backcountry
Wildlife habitat
Daly Creek junction option
Bighorn Peak approach
Trail Highlights: Alpine mountain views framed by Black Butte Creek valley. The Daly Creek junction (7 miles) offers the best risk-reward turnaround with panoramic views without the dangerously exposed final push.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: 28.8 miles north of West Yellowstone on US Highway 191 (46.3 km from town center)
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: None available. Self-drive access only via US Highway 191 north.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permit required. Backcountry ski—avalanche beacon, shovel, probe mandatory. Check NPS and NOAA avalanche forecasts before departure.
Fees: $35 per private vehicle (7-day Yellowstone entrance pass); $20 per person on foot/ski for visitors 16 and older.
Trail Status: Typically open mid-December through early March. Check NPS website for road access—Highway 191 can close due to snow.
Seasonal Closures: Closed May–November. Summer and shoulder seasons have zero snow coverage.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: Black Butte Creek along most of the trail—melt water for emergency hydration. Carry thermos with hot water. Bring minimum 2L water/electrolyte drink despite snow presence at altitude.
Accessibility: Steep and technical backcountry ski terrain with exposed sections. Service dogs only permitted. Advanced skiing ability required. Not accessible for most visitors.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Steep terrain and exposure
Avalanche risk
Whiteout conditions
Wildlife (bears 100-yard distance, wolves 100-yard distance, bison and elk 25-yard distance)
Hypothermia and frostbite risk
Navigation difficulty
Route-finding in poor visibility
Hazard Details: Final 2 miles are dangerously steep and exposed—NPS explicitly warns against them. Avalanche terrain with no stable anchors. Whiteout potential closes visibility to zero. Federal regulations mandate 100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from bison and all other wildlife. Wind-chill at altitude amplifies cold exposure. Trail is skier-tracked but becomes hard to follow in poor conditions.
Crowd Level: Ghost town—backcountry winter trail sees minimal traffic
Peak Crowd Times: Rarely crowded. Holiday weeks (late December) may see modest uptick; most busy on clear weekend days in January–February.
Best Season: Winter only (December–March, weather dependent)
Best Time To Visit: Mid-winter (January–February) when snow base is stable and consolidated. Start by 6 AM to maximize winter daylight hours (December offers only 9 hours of usable light).
Tips Advice: Carry avalanche beacon, shovel, probe. Check forecast before departure.
Bring map and compass—skier-tracked but hard to follow in whiteouts.
Turnaround at Daly Creek junction (7 miles, ~5–7 hours) rather than final 2 miles.
Minimum 2L water despite snow; stay hydrated at altitude.
Make noise constantly—bears, wolves, bison, elk frequent this corridor.
Tighten boots. Tighten boot cuffs. Tighten them again.
Wear goggles and full face protection—wind and snow glare are relentless.

More details

Park Area: West Yellowstone Area
Trail Markers: Skier-tracked but difficult to follow in whiteouts or deep snow. Minimal blazing. Cairns absent in many sections.
Dogs Allowed: Service dogs only, must be leashed and under control. Regular dogs not permitted in Yellowstone.
Biking Allowed: No bikes allowed. Winter ski trail only.
Shade Level: Mostly exposed alpine terrain with limited tree cover in upper sections. Full sun protection required—winter sun reflection off snow intensifies UV exposure.
Emergency Contacts: Yellowstone emergency: 911 (if service available). Nearest ranger station: Mammoth District Ranger Station. Report location and injuries via satellite messenger if cell fails.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Heavy snow December–March. Trail typically passable mid-December through early March. April snows are mushy; May through November is snowless.
Mud Season: N/A—winter ski trail only
Wildflower Peak: N/A—winter trail
Fall Colors Peak: N/A—trail closed in fall
Bug Season: N/A—winter trail
Insider Tips: Most skiers turnaround at Daly Creek junction (7 miles) for the best view and shortest exposure. Final 2 miles are not worth the risk.
Check avalanche forecast at NOAA or your local service—conditions change rapidly in winter.
Daly Creek Cutoff at 2 miles provides a shorter alternative route.
Start by 6 AM even in good conditions—winter daylight is your ticking clock.
Carry full emergency kit: beacon, shovel, probe, satellite messenger, space blanket.
The "false summit" at the 2-mile mark tricks many—the real climb continues.
Family Friendly Notes: Not recommended for children. Requires advanced skiing ability, 10–14 hour endurance commitment, serious avalanche hazard, exposure to whiteout conditions, and wildlife management. Risk of hypothermia is high for young skiers.
Nearby Facilities: West Yellowstone, 28.8 miles south, has lodging, restaurants, ski shops, and gear rental. No services at trailhead. Last chance for fuel/food is before the 28.8-mile drive north.
Review Summary: Advanced skiers report solitude, mountain views, and serious technical challenge, but all sources emphasize the final 2 miles are dangerously steep and exposed—most turnaround at Daly Creek. Avalanche conditions and whiteout potential make this a serious winter commitment. Only for skiers comfortable with self-rescue and avalanche management.

Frequently asked questions

Is this trail good for beginner or intermediate skiers?

No. NPS explicitly recommends it for advanced skiers only. The final 2 miles are dangerously steep and exposed. Do not attempt if you're still learning technique.

How long does it actually take?

10–14 hours for the full loop. Most skiers finish in 5–7 hours if turning around at Daly Creek junction (7 miles), which is the safer call.

Are there bears and wolves on this trail?

Yes. Stay 100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from bison and elk. Make constant noise while skiing and carry bear spray.

What if I get lost in a whiteout?

Turn back immediately. Trail is skier-tracked but markers are minimal. Bring map, compass, and GPS. Whiteouts close visibility to zero—don't push on hoping to find the way.

Do I need avalanche gear?

Yes. Beacon, shovel, and probe are mandatory, not optional. Check avalanche forecast before departure. You must know how to use all three.

Can I bring my dog?

Service dogs only, leashed and under control. Regular dogs are not permitted in Yellowstone.