My husband and I are planning to go backpacking at Yellowstone. We could use some suggestions on trails, campgrounds, etc. Any infor would be greatly apprieciated! Thanks
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My husband and I are planning to go backpacking at Yellowstone. We could use some suggestions on trails, campgrounds, etc. Any infor would be greatly apprieciated! Thanks
Hey there!
Yellowstone is about 45 minutes from our cabin in Island Park and I have been there more times than I can count. I haven't ever backpacked because we've always had a family caravan so we've stuck to the main sites.
I could go on and on forever, but here are some things about the park in a nutshell.
The main road through the park is like a figure eight with most of the geothermal attractions on the bottom loop. This is where you will find Old Faithful. The geyser erupts on a fairly predictable basis, every hour and twenty minutes or so. The eruptions times are always posted in the visitor center. The Old Faithful Inn is a fantastic piece of history and a must if you need somewhere to stay. It is constructed of wood and is just beautiful. On this loop is also the Yellowstone Lake and the Yellowstone Lake Lodge. This lodge is another great place to stay. They have both cabins here and the Lodge. The cabins are more economical but not plush like in the Lodge.
On this loop also is the Firehole River which is a fun place to swim. There are canyons where people jump in the river or you can go further down where the river is wide and not too deep. The Firehole is closest to the Madison Junction, nearest the west entrance.
Wildlife you will see on this loop will mostly be Elk.
Here's a map for you to peek at:
.http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Imgs/Gif/Y...ellowstone.gif
The top loop has most of the bison. Dunraven pass is where bears are typically but not guaranteed to be sited. It is the pass between Tower and Junction. Absolutely do not miss the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. There is a staircase built on the side of the cliff that take you for a fantastic view of the falls. Bring your camera!
If you go to Mammoth Hot Springs, the thermal activity has moved to the top of the Hot Spring area and is a short walk from your car. If you pull up to the hot springs and can't see much water, get back on the road going west and access it from the other lot. This is an easier jaunt to see the activity. There are cabins in Mammoth that are nice, too.
I am sure you can find lots of books on hiking in Yellowstone. Bring Pepper Spray b/c there are grizzlies there. Personally, I've only seen black bears. I haven't ever seen a wolf there, but they are abundant. I would be more concerned about encountering a wolf pack than a bear. If you go now, the bears are foraging for winter food (berries) so stay noisy and visible. A whistle or bells are great ways to announce your presence. In the thermal areas you'll want to be sure to stay on the trails b/c many people have fallen through the top layer of dirt into thermal pools and been killed. I would bet that you aren't allowed off trails regardless of where you are hiking.
When are you going? Things are starting to get a little chilly up there. I know that we typically close our cabin around the 25th of September because the nights can get in the low 30's and our water will freeze in the pipes.
As far as campgrounds go, most are early bird gets the site. I am aware of one near the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone that takes reservations. I don't know the name of the campground, but it should be easy to find on the web.
You should plan on getting most of your groceries before you go. All of the stores in the park are more of a convenience type store with a few veggies and fruits. Slim picking. West Yellowstone City has a grocery store (west entrance to the park) and I would imagine that all of the other entrance cities have larger stores, too. There are restaurants at the places where there are hotels (Mammoth, Yellowstone Lake, Old Faithful).
There are bear proof garbages in all of the campgrounds.
You could drive both loops in one day but it would be pretty exhausting. I have done it a few times and prefer to do a loop a day.
Let me know if I can answer any more q's. As I read though this I realize that my thoughts are pretty scattered and I jump around from subject to subject - sorry -
And if you go the first weekend in October, there is the bike ride from West Yellowstone to Old Faithful and back. I am signed up and praying that this year, the 'wet' weather will stay away. I don't mind the cold, but I would like to avoid the snow and rain....3rd times the charm, right :D !!!
Oh, SBC - I almost forgot about the October ride, hmmmm.....thinking :)
Rain :(
Yellowstone :)
Bike :)
Friends :)
Yep, I'd say third time is a charm.
I don't think I can swing the October ride this year - too many weekends away from home.
I will actually be riding there the 22nd of September - from West Yellowstone to Madision Junction with a group of friends. It is my DH's first venture out in a group. I will let you know how the weather is when I come back. Oh, and we will be in Island Park the week before that to close the cabin for the winter. Brr.
We spent over 2 weeks there, so we could really explore each area - it feels like there are five distinct parks within the park.
Besides seeing all the attractions, we did some great hikes - up to Bunson Peak, and then down the backside to an amazing waterfall. Saw mountain goats and one black bear. Did another hike up (I think) Mt. Washburn, and while we were on the peak, a grizzly wandered onto the trail and stayed pretty close by. It was rather scary, but we were able to CAREFULLY walk past him.
We saw two other grizzlies.
The food in most of the restaurants is pretty bad, but at Lake and Grant it was decent. Bring your own dinners, if you can.
We are planning on going next week.