Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
When this became a miners' road, one freighter would handle a team of six to eight
horses or mules unassisted. A snub block was usually dragged behind a rear wheel to keep
the wagons from backing down inadvertently on the way up. On the steep descents, when
the brakes could not hold back the wagons, they were either rough-locked by chaining or
tying one or both of the rear wheels to keep them from turning, or else they were slowed
by dragging a tree.
This part of the former Bannock trail is now the Lava Creek Trail.
6.2/11.9 Blacktail Pond
(or Ponds) north of the road. In early summer, ducks and
geese nest around the ponds (which at times of high water are one pond). If you walk in this
vicinity, be careful of the boggy soil—locals call this area “shaky lakes”! The going may be dif-
ficult except late in the summer, when the area may be quite dry.
6.8/11.3 Blacktail Deer Creek Trailhead
to the north. From here, you can hike to
the Black Canyon of the Yellowstone River, which is about 4 miles (6.5 km) north, with a steep
descent to reach the river.
If a less strenuous hike appeals to you, you might follow the trail for the first 3.5 miles
(5.6 km), as far as
Hidden Falls
on Blacktail Deer Creek. The trail climbs to extended vistas
in all directions and descends to the creek in the last half mile (0.8 km) to the place where the
water falls over basalt columns. On a hot summer day, there's almost no shade until you reach
the creek.
From the same trailhead, backcountry hikers join the Rescue Creek Trail toward Gardiner
or skirt the north side of Blacktail Ponds to go west on the Lava Creek Trail.
Blacktail Deer Creek was called that by prospectors even before 1870. Blacktail is another
name for mule deer, common in this part of the park year round.
Almost across the road from this trailhead, an unmaintained trail or old road goes south
to a patrol cabin used by rangers. A restroom is provided.
8.0/10.1
The mountains visible to the west on clear days are part of the Gallatin Range, dom-
inated by Electric Peak, the northernmost visible peak.
8.3/9.8 Forces of the Northern Range Trail.
This pleasant easy walk of about one-half
mile (0.8 km) passes attractive displays concerning ten aspects of nature in Yellowstone. This
is a quiet place to stretch your legs or rest on the benches.
