Montana · Hiking · Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness · Near Emigrant

West Fork West Boulder

4.0 mi
round trip
868 ft
climb
7,977 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jul–Aug
best months

Is West Fork West Boulder open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Yellowstone Ranger District. It doesn't name West Fork West Boulder, 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.

West Fork West Boulder is a moderate out-and-back hike in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, part of the Yellowstone Ranger District of Custer Gallatin National Forest in Montana. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail lies within designated wilderness. The route is about 4 miles long, with a one-way climb of roughly 870 feet from a low point of about 7,112 feet to a high of about 7,977 feet. The trail surface is natural, and the route is open to horses. Bikes are not allowed. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Cooke City show July highs around 74°F with lows near 39°F, while winter highs stay in the 20s. Cowen Massif, a climbing area, is about 3 miles away. East Fork Mill Creek and Mill Creek Pass Trail are each about 5 miles off, and Luccock Park Camp offers camping about 8 miles away.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Pine Creek

    Campground

    Campground · 7.9 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Emigrant Outpost

    Bar

    On your way back · 15 mi · Open after 6
  • If it rains

    The Flying Squirrel Gallery

    Gallery

    Gallery · 19 mi from Emigrant

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Emigrant

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Jul–Aug

    Best time to visit West Fork West Boulder

    Best months: July–August. 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

      24° / 6°

      17 wet

    2. Feb

      29° / 7°

      13 wet

    3. Mar

      37° / 14°

      13 wet

    4. Apr

      43° / 21°

      13 wet

    5. May

      54° / 28°

      14 wet

    6. Jun

      64° / 34°

      14 wet

    7. Jul

      74° / 39°

      11 wet

    8. Aug

      71° / 38°

      11 wet

    9. Sep

      62° / 31°

      10 wet

    10. Oct

      47° / 24°

      11 wet

    11. Nov

      31° / 13°

      14 wet

    12. Dec

      22° / 6°

      17 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Cooke City 2 W, MT, 34.9 mi away at 7,483 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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