Overview ElephantHead Mountain is a unique looking knob located in the Northern Absaroka range. It is a nice mixed hike to the headwaters of Mission Creek, with some steep parts and a dramatic summit. From the top you get great views of more jagged mountains to the south.
Getting There Head out of Livingston on Swingly road, which is found East of town between the Yellowstone and the East exit off of I-90. Swingly road runs SouthEast and is a very nice drive from Livingston over to McLeod Montana. About 6 or 7 miles you will turn right, the turn is past Beaver Creek but before the main Mission Creek road intersection, I'm sorry but can't recall the name of the road you turn on, perhaps it is "Buffery", but it runs south about two miles up to the 63 ranch where you turn off. Turn south right into the 63 ranch, through their yard, you will need to go through 4 gates (leave them as you find them) and finally get up to the forest service parking area where there should be signs.
The trail goes right up Mission Creek, straight south, (perhaps a bit SSW at first) to a rocky saddle where you vere right (west) and ascend a steep slope to the summit. This is 5 miles in to the summit (10 miles RT) with about 3,400 feet of elevation gain. It's a good route and took us 2 hrs and 20 min to the summit, and 2 hours down.
Red Tape None
Camping You can camp anywhere you want up here (on the forest or in the wilderness area) but it is fairly close to town. Be respectful of the 63 Ranch, they live there.
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