Sky Rim: Specimen Creek to Black Butte

The hike begins on the Specimen Creek Trail. Parking here is ample, for both foot and stock parties. The singletrack dirt path takes you into a lodgepole forest and winds along the northern bank of Specimen Creek. As you near the 2-mile mark, the forest gives way to an open meadow with a clear view of Meldrum Mountain. See the remnants of a 2007 fire, especially noticeable toward the Sportsmans Lake Trail. The trail turns and runs along the North Fork of Specimen Creek in the shadow of two mountain slopes. The climb to Shelf Lake is relentless -- take a break or two to enjoy the wildflower show in the small patches of open mountainside. Admire the blue green waters of Shelf Lake and the surrounding alpine scenery, which includes Sheep Mountain to the north.At last, make the final 0.2-mile push to reach the Sky Rim Trail. This trail marks the border between Yellowstone and the Gallatin National Forest, so look for the weathered boundary signs. Proceed briefly through a stand of trees to see the ridgeline open up before you. You'll be in for some ups and downs, but the views make up for it. The best views are at Big Horn Peak, the trail's highest point. To the north, see Ramshorn Peak, Twin Peaks, Steamboat Mountain and Packsaddle Peak. See peaks such Lone Mountain (of the famous Big Sky Resort) and Sphinx Mountain in the Madison Range to the west. Electric Peak is unmistakable to your southeast. The Absaroka Range is visible to the east if you're lucky enough to pick a day without looming wildfire haze.From Big Horn Peak, the trail crosses a very narrow section of ridge. Drop-offs are perilous here, so tread carefully. The trail is lost on the big open grassy mountainside. To connect to Black Butte, swing a left down the green slope and look for the bright orange blazes. From here, the trail descends on an impressive amount of switchbacks alternating through forest and open sagebrush. The landscape levels out for the last 2 miles to the Black Butte Trailhead. If you are watchful (and lucky), you might glimpse one of Yellowstone's rare moose. - Contribution by Stephanie Keene, Outdoor Project