Page Type Page Type: Mountain/Rock
Location Lat/Lon: 44.97545°N / 110.0874°W
Activities Activities: Hiking
Seasons Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
Additional Information Elevation: 10442 ft / 3183 m
Sign the Climber's Log

Overview

Barronette Peak is one of the prominent mountains on the northeast entrance road of Yellowstone National Park. The peak is located about 7 miles southwest of Cooke City, Montana.

From the summit are views to the north of Montana's Absaroka Mountains, including a distant view of Montana's Granite Peak, and to the south of Yellowstone's Soda Butte Valley.

Barronette Peak is named after Collins Jack Baronett, and is the only Yellowstone place name with an officially approved miss-spelled name.

Getting There

Yellowstone National Park occupies the northwest corner of Wyoming, as well as small portions of southern Montana and eastern Idaho. There are five major roads entering the park:
  • West Entrance - Highway 20 through West Yellowstone, MT
  • North Entrance - Highway 89 through Gardiner, MT
  • Northeast Entrance - Highway 212 through Cooke City, MT
  • East Entrance - Highway 20 through Cody, WY
  • South Entrance - Highway 89 through Grand Teton NP
  • The North entrance at Gardiner Montana is the only entrance which remains open during the winter. Refer to the Operating Hours & Seasons page for complete details on road opening and closing dates in the park.


    Additional information can be found on the Yellowstone Plan Your Visit web page.

    Red Tape

    Yellowstone Entry Fees
    Entering Yellowstone National Park requires purchase of a $25 7-day pass, available at any of the five entry stations entering the park. This pass allows entry into both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park to the south. Alternatively, an annual America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass may be purchased for $80. This pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an entrance or amenity Fee, for a period of one year.

    Backcountry Permits
    A backcountry camping permit is required for all overnight trips into the Yellowstone backcountry. Backcountry camping permits may be reserved in advance for a $20 fee. Backcountry permits may also be obtained on a walk-in basis, (subject to availability) no more than 48 hours prior to the hike - there is no charge for walk-in permits.

    Permits may be obtained from most ranger stations in the park. When picking up backcountry permits you will be required to view a short video on regulations and safe travel in the Yellowstone backcountry. The Yellowstone Backcountry Camping & Hiking page contains complete details and regulations on backcountry trips in the park.

    Camping and Lodging

    There are numerous options for camping within Yellowstone National Park. Regulations and available facilities varies among the campgrounds. Visit the Campgrounds in Yellowstone page for complete details.

    There are also a number of lodging facilities within the park, ranging from rustic cabins to luxurious lodges and inns. Lodging in Yellowstone is administered by Xanterra Parks & Resorts, the primary concessioner in Yellowstone. Refer to their website for complete details on locations, reservations, etc.

    The campgrounds nearest to Barronette Peak include Pebble Creek, Slough Creek, and Tower Fall.

    Bear Precautions

    Both grizzly and black bears are found in the park. Several of the most important precautions for safe travel in bear country include the following:
  • Do not hike alone; travel in groups and stay together
  • Stay on the trail
  • Announce your presence by making loud noise as you hike
  • Do not hike at night
  • Never store food in a tent; suspend food from a tree or bear pole
  • Never approach wildlife; keep a safe distance

    Visit Yellowstone's Minimizing the Dangers of a Bear Encounter web page for additional information on hiking in bear country.

    When to Climb

    Snow free climbing of Barronette Peak can be found during a fairly limited timeframe from approximately July through September, although this may vary considerably depending on weather conditions.

    Weather and Climate

    Yellowstone's weather is characterized by its unpredictability. Always be prepared with warm clothing and rain gear, even on warm and sunny summer days.

    Weather related links:
  • Yellowstone forecast and current conditions.
  • Yellowstone weather information.

    South Ridge Route

    Due to the remote nature of this peak, I've elected to post a route description in the main page, rather than a separate route. Other routes certainly exist, so feel free to post them and I will modify this section accordingly. There are no trails on this peak, so please climb the peak by a route before posting.

    In addition to the South Ridge, the North Ridge also appears to offer a potential route to the summit. The Northwest ridge approached from Pebble Creek also appears to offer a longer but reasonable route to the summit.

    There are no maintained trails on this peak. All ascents will require some degree of route finding and bushwhacking. For Spring ascents an ice axe and crampons will be required.

    South Ridge

    This route ascends to the prominent south ridge of the peak, which can then be easily followed to the summit. UTM coordinates appear in blue.

    Park on the east side of the road at the Soda Butte Creek bridge crossing (12 T 0572426E 4977291N), and begin following the west bank of the creek northward. After approximately 1/2 mile begin looking for a suitable spot to head west. Aim for the lowest point on the south ridge of the peak.

    The ascent to the south ridge will be quite steep in places, but maneuvering across streams and over downed timber will be the primary obstacle. Continue upward until the south ridge is reached (12 T 0571150E 4979800N), at approximately 8,930 feet el.

    From the point at which the ridge is reached the summit (12 T 0571857E 4980608N) is still 2/3 of a mile and 1,500 vertical feet away, but this section of ridge can be crossed with no difficulty.

    Round-trip hiking distance - ±5.6 miles
    Elevation gain - ±3,320 feet

    Acknowledgements

    Thanks go to Thomas Turiano, author of Select Peaks of Greater Yellowstone, who provided valuable tips on ascending the peak.

  • Parents 

    Parents

    Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports.

    Northern Absaroka RangeMountains & Rocks
     
    Yellowstone National ParkMountains & Rocks