Daly Creek Trail/Sky Rim Trail
August 1, 2007
Several considered a trip to Big Horn Peak, but trip was offered as a shorter, less difficult alternate. And it was a good thing too, as the Black Butte Trail to Big Horn Peak was closed due to a nearby fire. We started out across the broad, grassy meadow. A few had allergy problems with the grass pollen. Smoke from the fire limited visibility somewhat. After several miles we started passing through a mix of evergreen forests and wildflower (no grass pollen!) meadows. Bear calls again ensured that we saw none, though this is definitely grizzly country. We finally climbed up to the Sky Rim Trail at the Park boundary, which we followed west to a high point of over 9000 ft. elevation. What would have been magnificent views were somewhat hampered by the smoke, though that did lift somewhat in the early afternoon.
This hike is in the northwest, no-fee portion of the Park, 38 miles from Beaver Creek Campground. We hiked about 12 miles total, with about 2400 ft. of cumulative elevation gain.
Hikers were Jan Anselmo, Rich Anselmo (leader), Marianne Camp, Wayne Deeter, John Mowat, Chris Minirich, John Pegg, Sue Sullivan, Sue Wolling and Mel Zavodsky.
Heading out across smoky Daly Creek valley
Ramshorn Peak, north of the Park
Sky Rim Trail, towards Daly Pass
Heading back down the Sky Rim Trial
report and photos by Wayne Deeter