In July-August 2014, I made a backpacking and dayhiking trip to the following destinations:
Theodore Roosevelt National Park (North Unit)
Yellowstone National Park (primarily North central)
Grand Teton National Park (very briefly)
Zion National Park (very briefly)
and a few places in between
I have not created a full-blown section in this Web site for this hike like I did for Fall 2016, I am including some of my favorite photos of the trip along with limited commentary. Perhaps some day I’ll take the time to expand and document it
The Little Misouri River is a star of the north unit.A view of the Little Missouri River from along the Achenbach Trail, which few ever see. How many bends are there in the river here?Prairie dogs are both curious and shy. This was shot in a prairie dog town that is visited by quite a few people (relatively speaking). This picture was not possible in the other, remote towns I visited.I made a quick driving trip to the south unit. This is one photo from there.
Slough Creek from an off-trail location above Bliss Pass.
Where Utah meets Big Sky Country. This is the Gardner River near Gardiner MT; someone needs to learn spelling, I presume.
A doe and her two fawns come down for a drink near my campsiteA prized memory. This badger built his burrow in a terrible place, just off the trail. He ran away as I approached, but his curiousity got the better of him, and I was rewarded with this picture.This was a great trip for wildlife. A big bull warily eyes a visitor to the backcountry.As I neared the summit of Amethyst Mountain, I was simply focused on the way ahead. When I looked to the side, I was stunned that I had gotten so close to this group of elusive bighorn sheep.That must be the Lamar River. The “only” other nearby choices are Amethyst Creek, Chalcedony Creek “Unnamed Creek”. Surely this is a “river,” not a “creek.” It has a highway paralleling it, so it “must” be the Lamar. Which direction was the camera facing? I bet those mountains are in the Beartooth range.
The Yellowstone River not far from the NW corner of the park near Gardiner MTWhat a privilege it was to get so close to two osprey. They made me promise not to tell you where their nest is.
There is more to see in Grand Teton National Park than the Grand Tetons, but they rise so abruptly from the plains to the east that they simply steal the show. Whatever you think, they’re spectacular.
The famous view from Angels Landing. If you go to Zion National Park, make your best effort to do this hike. It’s a 5-mile hike (out and back), and it is steep in places. If you start early, take your time, pace yourself, bring water and snacks, etc. you’ll never regret it. One important note: You will get to an unnamed flat place that is called Scout’s Landing. Stop to enjoy it. Then you’ll notice an “impossible” trail upwards with signs warning you about its dangers. That’s the trail you NEED to take. Do it. It’s worth it.Near Bearthooth Pass on my way to Yellowstone. Charles Kuralt called the Beartooth Highway America’s most scenic drive. I was in somewhat of a rush, so I didn’t get to enjoy it for all it is worth, but I made a number of stops, including this one. I’ll try to take more tOne of many views from near Targhee Divide on the Continental Divide Trail. I don’t know what this large plain is called, but it was a hilight of the day for me. I don’t know why I like it so much. This is my best picture. I wish it had more detail.This otherworldly place is near the reservoir created by the Glen Canyon Dam. It was an eerily wonderful plac.eI was enjoying the secenery along this highway in Colorado, but there were no designated places to stop. It was terrible! Finally, I just stopped on the shoulder of the road so I could capture some of it. There’s no question it was worth a stop.
Adventure After 60 