Blacktail Butte
Experience unparalleled solitude and 360-degree Teton views from Blacktail Butte, a hidden gem in Grand Teton National Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful hikes, fewer people
Blacktail Butte
Best Time
Peaceful hikes, fewer people
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience unparalleled solitude and 360-degree Teton views from Blacktail Butte, a hidden gem in Grand Teton National Park.
"The views of the Mount Leidy Highlands... with absolutely no one in sight - it’s a position of solitude."
Pack for Solitude
Enjoy the quiet! Bring water, snacks, and bear spray. :hiking_boot:
Wildlife Watcher's Guide
Keep a safe distance from the Blacktail Butte wolf pack. Binoculars are a must! :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Teton Views
Summit of Blacktail Butte
Unobstructed vistas of the Tetons, Gros Ventre Range, and Jackson Valley. Pure solitude awaits.
Blacktail Butte Wolf Pack
Surrounding areas of Blacktail Butte
A chance to spot the resilient Blacktail Butte wolf pack in their natural habitat.
+2
Climbing Routes
Lower Blacktail Butte
Explore established climbing routes, but be aware of older bolt conditions.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Solitude
Respecting Wildlife and Trails
+2Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack for Solitude
Enjoy the quiet! Bring water, snacks, and bear spray.
Wildlife Watcher's Guide
Keep a safe distance from the Blacktail Butte wolf pack. Binoculars are a must!
Climber's Caution
Be aware of potentially outdated bolts on climbing routes.
Trail Runner's Delight
Join Tuesday night runs for a community experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack for Solitude
Enjoy the quiet! Bring water, snacks, and bear spray.
Wildlife Watcher's Guide
Keep a safe distance from the Blacktail Butte wolf pack. Binoculars are a must!
Climber's Caution
Be aware of potentially outdated bolts on climbing routes.
Trail Runner's Delight
Join Tuesday night runs for a community experience.
Backcountry Skiing Option
Consider for low-angle backcountry skiing with minimal avalanche risk. :snowboarder:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the incredible solitude and breathtaking 360-degree views from Blacktail Butte, calling it a must-visit for its unobstructed Teton panoramas. The chance to spot the Blacktail Butte wolf pack is a significant highlight for many. Some climbers note concerns about older bolt conditions on established routes.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Blacktail Butte is located within Grand Teton National Park. Access is typically via Teton Park Road. Parking is available near the trailhead, but can fill up quickly during peak season.
Yes, you can drive to the general vicinity of Blacktail Butte. The closest major road access is Teton Park Road.
The closest town is Jackson, Wyoming, which offers various amenities and is a popular base for exploring Grand Teton National Park.
While Grand Teton National Park has shuttle services for some popular areas, direct shuttles to Blacktail Butte trailheads are not common. It's best to use a personal vehicle or check park advisories for any seasonal shuttle options.
Road conditions are generally good on Teton Park Road, but can be affected by weather, especially in winter. Always check the Grand Teton National Park website for current road status.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Blacktail Butte is within Grand Teton National Park, so a valid park entrance pass is required. You can purchase passes at park entrances or online.
Beyond the park entrance fee, there are no additional fees specifically for hiking Blacktail Butte itself.
Blacktail Butte is accessible year-round, but trail conditions and accessibility can vary significantly with the seasons. Park roads may have seasonal closures.
As Blacktail Butte is a natural area within a national park, advance ticket booking is not applicable. Entry is managed by the park's entrance pass system.
Absolutely! Blacktail Butte is an excellent destination for a day trip, offering incredible views and hiking opportunities without requiring an overnight stay.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The main trail to the summit of Blacktail Butte offers the most rewarding panoramic views. It's a moderate hike with significant elevation gain.
The hike to the summit and back can take anywhere from 3-5 hours, depending on your pace and how long you spend enjoying the views.
Yes, Blacktail Butte has established climbing routes, particularly on its lower sections. However, climbers should be aware of older bolt conditions.
Blacktail Butte is known for being part of the territory of the Blacktail Butte wolf pack. You might also spot other wildlife common to the Tetons.
It's a photographer's paradise! The summit offers stunning 360-degree views, especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, provides the most dramatic lighting for capturing the expansive landscapes and mountain vistas.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the sweeping panoramas. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting, especially if you hope to see the wolf pack.
The summit of Blacktail Butte itself is the primary viewpoint, offering unobstructed 360-degree views. The area around Mormon Row at the base also provides iconic Teton backdrops.
Yes, but always maintain a safe and respectful distance. The Blacktail Butte wolf pack is a significant draw for wildlife photographers.
Given its remote location within the park and minimal light pollution, Blacktail Butte can be an excellent spot for astrophotography, especially on clear nights.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, and be prepared for elevation changes. Keep a close eye on children, especially near any steeper sections or drop-offs. While the primary draw is the hike, families might also enjoy the chance to learn about the local wildlife, including the famous Blacktail Butte wolf pack, from a safe distance.
+1 It's a great opportunity to teach kids about conservation and the importance of respecting natural habitats. Remember to check park regulations regarding pets if you're traveling with them.📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The golden hours of sunrise and sunset paint the landscape with stunning light, creating dramatic and memorable shots. Beyond the vistas, the chance to photograph the Blacktail Butte wolf pack adds another layer of excitement.
+2 Remember to use telephoto lenses and maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing the animals. The area around Mormon Row at the base of the butte also provides iconic Teton backdrops for your photography portfolio. 🧗 Climbers and Skiers
+1 Experienced climbers should assess the rock and gear thoroughly. In winter, the butte's gentler slopes can be attractive for backcountry skiers looking for lower-risk terrain.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Blacktail Butte Wolf Pack
+1 Seeing these wolves in their natural habitat is a significant draw for visitors, offering a glimpse into the successful reintroduction and recovery of wolf populations in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. It's crucial for visitors hoping to spot the pack to remember that these are wild animals. Maintaining a safe distance is paramount for both the wolves' well-being and your own safety. Binoculars or a telephoto lens are highly recommended for observation.
The presence of the Blacktail Butte pack highlights the ecological importance of the area and the ongoing efforts to conserve its wildlife. Climbing and Backcountry Adventures
Climbers are advised to be prepared and assess conditions carefully. In the winter months, Blacktail Butte and its surrounding terrain can be appealing for backcountry skiing. The area is noted for offering lower-angle slopes that are generally considered lower risk in terms of avalanche danger, making it a potential option for those seeking accessible backcountry touring.
Hiking for Unparalleled Views
The trail is moderately challenging, involving a significant elevation gain, but the payoff in terms of scenery and solitude is well worth the effort. What sets Blacktail Butte apart is the sense of solitude it provides. Unlike more popular Teton viewpoints, you can often find yourself alone at the summit, allowing for a truly immersive experience with nature.
This makes it an ideal spot for photographers seeking unique perspectives or for anyone looking to escape the crowds and connect with the wild beauty of Grand Teton National Park. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit