Trailhead: 2.5 miles east of Tower Junction
Distance: 1 to 11 miles one way
Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
This is a moderate trail which takes one to the lip of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone at the one mile point, then turns to the east and gradually climbs through sagebrush and grassy meadows, reaching the top of 9614-feet Amethyst Mountain at just over the eleven mile mark. For those wishing to do an overnight backpacking trip, the trail continues and the 17.5 mile mark brings you to the Lamar trailhead. This area is a popular feeding place for elk, and the occasional coyote can be spotted. Bighorn sheep may also be spotted. Wildflowers are plentiful in early summer. This trail can also be reached by starting out from the Yellowstone Picnic trailhead. Specimen Ridge is a challenging all day hike.
Virtual View from the trail.