Hiking Pilot Creek
This 6-mile trail parallels Pilot Creek from the Beartooth Highway almost to its headwaters near the boundary of Yellowstone National Park. The trail includes cliff top views across the river canyon, where seasonal waterfalls cascade from every peak.
Intro
From the parking area, this well-maintained trail climbs through a forest alongside Pilot Creek, which is gushing through the canyon below. After the first half mile, the trail veers slightly away from the creek and the volume goes down. The next section includes a gentle climb through evergreens and wildflowers. At mile 1.8, look across the canyon for the first of many waterfalls that descend from the high peaks in early summer. By mile 2, the craggy spire of Pilot Peak looms over the trail to the north, and technical climbers sometimes share this trail to access the peak. There are seven stream crossings along the trail. Six of the crossings are small and easy to hop over without getting wet, but there is a larger creek crossing at mile 4 that may result in wet feet. The trail then enters a wide green meadow at mile 4.2 that is frequented by elk and their calves. There is an undeveloped campsite here that would be ideal for an overnight backpacking trip or for a beautiful lunch destination before turning around. From here, the route continues to climb along Pilot Creek, but the trail becomes more difficult with deadfalls and flooded sections. After mile 6, the end of the trail breaks out of the forest and Yellowstone National Park is just ahead, with its boundary along the imposing rocky ridge high above.
What Makes It Great
This trail provides a geography lesson better than any textbook. The seasonal water cycle is apparent across the canyon, with snow melting from the mountain peaks into fast falling brooks, which in turn run into Pilot Creek. Pilot Creek grows more wild with each new tributary until it enters the Clark’s Fork of the Yellowstone near the trailhead.
Who is Going to Love It
Pilot Creek Trail begins at just under 7,000 feet elevation and gains only 2,000 feet, so the climbing is constant, but gentle. The trail has excellent footing for the first four miles and is suitable for all kinds of hikers. For a shorter day hike, there is a beautiful grassy knob overlooking the creek at mile 2.8. For families with children, this could be a great lunch spot and turn-around point.
Directions, Parking & Regulations
From Cody, take WY-120 north toward Belfry for 17 miles and turn left on the Chief Joseph Highway (WY-296). Continue for 45 miles and turn left on the Beartooth Highway (WY-212). In 4.8 miles, turn left at the forest service sign for the Pilot-Index Trailhead. Look for the trailhead kiosk 400 yards ahead. There is a vault toilet and plenty of parking in the turnaround. Free, dispersed camping is allowed at the trailhead, and backcountry camping and hiking is allowed on this trail without a permit. Campsites must be at least 100 feet away from water sources. There is no cell phone service in this area.