Blacktail Butte Out-and-Back

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Features Fall Colors · Geological Significance · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Blacktail Butte rises prominently in the center of the valley, offering stunning views of the Tetons and the National Elk Refuge. The flanks of the butte are home to diverse wildlife, with black bears and mule deer frequently spotted. The trail winds through mixed fir forests dominated by lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, and Engelmann spruce, interspersed with pockets of aspens. Along the way, keep an eye out for climbers scaling the limestone outcroppings that dot the hillsides.

Blacktail Butte offers a moderate day hike with some steep sections along a mostly forested trail. Begin your hike at the Blacktail Butte trailhead, located just off the main road. The trail starts behind the prominent trail sign, skirting the west side of the butte through scenic pockets of aspens. Avoid the steep spur trails branching off early in the hike, as these lead to limestone climbing crags.

The trail climbs steeply out of the valley via a major ravine before easing into a gentler ascent past open meadows. Eventually, the trail opens to the eastern side of the butte, revealing sweeping views of the Gros Ventre Range and the National Elk Refuge. At the junction where the trail meets the ascent from the opposite side, head southwest along the ridgeline to reach the summit.