In the upper photo, Rattlesnake Butte lies at the end of the flat tableland on the south side of the Yellowstone River. The Rescue Creek trail turns south, up the narrow canyon of Turkeypen Creek. You can see the lower end of the canyon in the photo, just to the west of Rattlesnake Butte. The trail starts to climb immediately, and soon gains 1,000 feet. If you're hiking south, be sure to take time to turn and enjoy the views back to the north as you climb, taking in the Absaroka Mountains and the upper reaches of Paradise Valley, below Gardiner, Montana. This small canyon is a major artery for wildlife traveling between the Blacktail Plateau region and the Gardiner area. Because of its heavy use by wildlife, you will spot a lot of skeletons and skulls scattered along the canyon floor and on the hillsides above as you pass through.

Something else you may notice an abundance of is petrified wood on and along the trail. Enjoy it, but leave it behind for others to enjoy!