Tom Miner Divide

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The Tom Miner Divide Trail is a part of the shortest and easiest route to the spectacular Sky Rim Trail. To reach the heart of the Sky Rim in under 5 miles, start at the Tom Miner Campground, take the Buffalo Horn Trail 3 miles to the pass, turn left and follow the 2-mile Divide Trail to a junction with the Sky Rim Trail.

The trailhead for the Tom Miner Divide Trail is at Buffalo Horn Pass. To reach the trailhead from the Tom Miner Campground, take the Buffalo Horn Trail 3 miles (up 1600 feet) to the pass. The Divide Trail runs south along the hydraulic divide that separates the Yellowstone River drainage (to the east) from the Gallatin River drainage (to the west). The trail lies entirely within the Gallatin National Forest.

Although much of the ridge is forested, there are plenty of breaks in the trees that afford impressive views in all directions. The northern horizon is dominated by Ramshorn Peak. To the west, the ridge drops off sharply into the Buffalo Horn Creek drainage. Further to the west the Madison Range is visible. To the east, above Tom Miner Creek and Sunlight Creek drainages the Absaroka Range can be seen. As the trail travels south it gradually rises 600 feet over 2 miles. Near the end, the trail tops out and affords great views down Dailey Creek to the south.

The trail continues along the ridge to 2 miles before ending at a junction with the Sky Rim Trail. This marks the boundary with Yellowstone National Park. For those wishing to explore further, it’s less than 5 miles to Big Horn Peak.

Thanks to guidebook author, Tom Carter, for sharing this trail description. To learn more about visiting Yellowstone, check out his book, Day Hiking Yellowstone.