A striking pinnacle in the immediate northeast of Yellowstone National Park, Pilot Peak is part of Absaroka Range. This southwest face route is the standard route that climbs the face and then traverses along a huge ledge at the base of the final imposing cliffs. Towards the far, east, end there are a couple of narrow places with some exposed downclimbing to cross. From just shy of the southeast end of the peak, turn up through scree and trend left when cliffs block progress. Scramble left to a narrow corner, and then turn the corner into a bowl, climb a short wall on the right, then trend left, ascending short headwalls and crossing short exposed traverses. Continue up and left until just short of the northwest ridge, where there is a steep face leading into a bowl. A detached block lies against this face and presents a good start. Exit this bowl at its left end with some steep moves leading to another small bowl. Move up and left here, getting to another scree bench with an odd pinnacle detached from the main summit. Climb a difficult chimney right of the pinnacle to reach the summit. Use caution on the approach to the peak, as the area is frequented by Grizzly and Black bears. Proper food storage is required in the area, either by hanging food or using bear-resistant containers.