Montana · Hiking

Jims Gulch

5.3 mi
round trip
805 ft
climb
6,108 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Sep
best months

Is Jims Gulch open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Yellowstone Ranger District. It doesn't name Jims Gulch, so check the source for the area it covers (13 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Yellowstone Ranger District. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Jims Gulch is a moderate out-and-back hike in the Yellowstone Ranger District of Custer Gallatin National Forest in Montana. The route rises about 805 feet from a low point of 5,075 feet to a high of 6,108 feet over a total length of about 5.3 miles, and the trail is open from June through November. The trail is on natural surface and allows both horses and bikes, so riders and pack animals can join the trip. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trailhead is marked as "JIMS GULCH" with parking for the trip. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Nye put July and August highs around 83°F with lows in the upper 40s, and snow is common from November through April. That station sits roughly 1,270 feet lower than the high point, so temperatures on the trail run cooler. Deer Creek Cabin and West Bridger Cabin, both about 2 miles away, are the closest places to camp. Lower Deer Creek is a hike about 3 miles off, and Derby Mountain is about 4 miles away.

  • Best time to go · May–Sep

    Best time to visit Jims Gulch

    Best months: May–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      40° / 19°

      5 wet · 4 snow

    2. Feb

      40° / 18°

      5 wet · 4 snow

    3. Mar

      48° / 25°

      7 wet · 5 snow

    4. Apr

      55° / 30°

      9 wet · 3 snow

    5. May

      63° / 37°

      12 wet · 1 snow

    6. Jun

      72° / 43°

      12 wet

    7. Jul

      83° / 48°

      10 wet

    8. Aug

      83° / 47°

      8 wet

    9. Sep

      73° / 40°

      7 wet

    10. Oct

      59° / 33°

      7 wet · 2 snow

    11. Nov

      46° / 26°

      6 wet · 3 snow

    12. Dec

      38° / 19°

      5 wet · 4 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Nye #2, MT, 13.2 mi away at 4,840 ft. The station sits about 1,300 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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