Yellowstone National Park

WyomingJuly 2023Solo

26miles

2days

Looproute

4,096ft gain

The Sky Rim is in the northwest corner of Yellowstone, away from the main geyser basins and most of the park's visitors. The terrain is high alpine — open ridgeline with views into Montana to the north and across the Yellowstone plateau to the south.

This is grizzly country. The northwest corner of the park has one of the higher bear densities in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Bear spray was out the whole time and used the standard protocols for camping.

The elevation range is significant: the trail climbs from around 6,700 feet at the trailhead to nearly 10,000 feet on the ridge. The ridge itself is exposed, with no tree cover, and afternoon thunderstorms are common in July.

Film

Route

Day by Day

Day 1Daly Creek Trailhead to Sky Rim ridge camp14 mi

Started at Daly Creek and climbed steadily toward the Sky Rim. The ridge opens up above treeline with views north into Montana and south across Yellowstone's interior plateau. Wind picked up significantly on the ridge. Camped below the crest.

Day 2Ridge traverse and descent back to trailhead12 mi

Followed the Sky Rim along the Gallatin Range ridge before dropping back toward the valley. Bison in the lower meadows on the descent. The trail back to Daly Creek loses elevation gradually through open terrain.

Photos

Photos coming soon.

Practical Info

RouteSky Rim Trail

TrailheadDaly Creek Trailhead, northwest corner of Yellowstone near the Montana border

PermitBackcountry permit required. Reserve through the Yellowstone backcountry office at recreation.gov.

Best TimeJuly through September — snow lingers on the Sky Rim ridge into early summer

NotesBear canister required. This area has one of the highest grizzly bear densities in the park. Carry bear spray.