Joey
walking somewhere
- Joined
- Apr 1, 2014
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This is a 5 day backpacking loop I did in Yellowstone National Park. I did this back in July, 2012, but its a pretty neat loop, possibly one of the best trips I've done in the park, so I thought I would share. Here is the trip route: http://caltopo.com/map?id=3S43 . I have a trip video for this, which is basically a photo slideshow, with a few neat video clips. You can check it out here:
![overview.png overview.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25767-1caf5e39e58970ecb1e6fcdc86a7e764.jpg)
We started at the Lamar River Trailhead, in the northeast corner of the park. The first part of the hike is through the open Lamar Valley.
![Yellowstone July 2012 650.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 650.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25633-2121bda626ecfcf80cfe43890317df83.jpg)
Lots of Buffalo, and quite swampy near the river. My friend Kyle, who was hiking with me, sunk down to his waste in the mud.
![Yellowstone July 2012 334.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 334.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25632-fabbbf198ad16e668ea543b23c8ba51a.jpg)
About 4 miles in, we forded Cache Creek, which wasn't deep but a little swift. After that, the canyon narrows around the river, and much of the terrain is fire burn. It was really hot and dry.
![Yellowstone July 2012 339.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 339.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25634-346490f25a5a28ac9aed5542141e9e03.jpg)
It was late in the day by the time we reached Miller Creek. Miller Creek is really nice. Some fire burn exists, but its prettier than the Lamar River stretch. Lots of grizzlies around, and we couldn't help but notice all the scat and tracks. Its fairly common to see this in the Yellowstone backcountry, but it started getting excessive. We camped at backcountry campsite 3M2, which I think is the creepiest campsite I've stayed at (on par with a few along the Yellowstone River in the Thorofare). The food prep area is surrounded by the creek, and thick, dark woods with lots of grass and uneven terrain surround that. So we couldn't hear or see anything. Oh yeah, and there was grizzly scat all around the fire pit. Neither of us slept well that night.
![Yellowstone July 2012 341.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 341.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25636-cb822db345b3ec4893acb74f7588c041.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 350.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 350.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25637-fcae22e6ed4574fe86640467421b3811.jpg)
Kyle at the food prep area the morning of day 2
![Yellowstone July 2012 355.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 355.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25638-594ea80cf2cb7e562a7813d1b272abdb.jpg)
Day 2 we headed up Miller Creek towards the Hoodoo Basin. We followed the river for several miles.
![Lamar Valley Hoodoo Basin route 2.png Lamar Valley Hoodoo Basin route 2.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25768-b5ea81c067bf32f5c850e7f4671ffbb5.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 359.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 359.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25639-580975a6868152e63d2d2f116adfa4e7.jpg)
Soon we began to climb out of the drainage, and the views got good
![Yellowstone July 2012 364.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 364.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25640-41cfd474940a6db549d71d9a596ba559.jpg)
We went up about 2 thousand feet, and soon were on a nice alpine ridge. We passed Parker Peak, and went through a saddle were we dropped into the Hoodoo Basin.
![Yellowstone July 2012 370.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 370.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25641-670303c49db2eeb5a4dd49ad65df87ec.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 376.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 376.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25642-865610c43357ae7acd2cad7f249e5c0a.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 378.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 378.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25643-982911b529a2060241234a041fb962d8.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 385.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 385.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25644-4dc22726d8e8f96fa5f2b7aa3a74e46b.jpg)
Dropping down into the Hoodoo Basin
![Yellowstone July 2012 388.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 388.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25645-3c5e913f81d7ad6c5fb5ce06e7b49a50.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 396.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 396.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25646-28b2130cae0d4189a0621d487a9893ee.jpg)
The Hoodoos, and Hoodoo Peak
![Yellowstone July 2012 397.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 397.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25647-129ba8dd64d4dd72051e65e07405c59f.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 409.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 409.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25649-b4e0702105ebee4d3c86905e07e67785.jpg)
We set up camp at backcountry campsite 3M7, which was near the Hoodoos, but in beautiful alpine meadows, with some nice views. Kyle commented that he felt better here than the night before, since he didn't think there were any bears around.
![Yellowstone July 2012 412.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 412.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25650-c7a6c33f42d4860adcfa435afe339c62.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 415.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 415.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25651-1b3bff200d6286869a95485ab847ea2b.jpg)
After setting up the tent, we went to our food prep area, and started cooking dinner. I was in the middle of cooking some cheesy potatoes, when Kyle calming stated there was a grizzly bear in front of us. I thought he was kidding, but sure enough a grizzly was about a hundred yards away, grazing in a ravine that runs below the food prep area. Kyle went closer to get a better look, and I watched him through the binoculars. Photos are taken from our food prep area.
![Yellowstone July 2012 417.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 417.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25654-f0100e8936f5b29639cf2eb75620fed9.jpg)
While I was watching him, he lifted his head and winded us. Then he put his head back down and acted like he was still eating. But he wasn't. I could see his mouth close up through my binocs, and he was just moving his head through the grasses. I've read that bears will do this sometimes, like they are thinking about what they are going to do, and don't want to let anything know they know we are there. (Since this incident, I've witnessed this happen once more). Soon he lifted his head, and took a few galloping steps in our direction, before suddenly turning around and running off.
![Yellowstone July 2012 418.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 418.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25655-96eedf0b7a046f81ef95901f3320b52f.jpg)
Later that evening we walked past our camp to look around, and realized the bear had been digging all around us. He had probably been around a few days, and we were no doubt the first people to come through that year. Another night of somewhat light sleeping, but it was really pretty.
![Yellowstone July 2012 422.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 422.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25657-ae8c0b97b9930d54ae12341f073419f2.jpg)
Day 3 might be one of the most spectacular days of hiking I've done in Yellowstone National Park. We followed the trail to the park boundary, which looked like a giant golf course.
![Lamar Valley Hoodoo Basin route.png Lamar Valley Hoodoo Basin route.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25769-50be1a82dbab592d063cdc3564f2538a.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 453.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 453.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25669-541412644e43e6f3f0d8c82252e5fcf3.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 468.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 468.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25674-ce0f2b8835c41addd6ad640984fcf22e.jpg)
Finally we made it to the Park's boundary with the North Absaroka Wilderness. There were spectacular views in all directions. The Beartooth's to the north, the Absaroka's to the east and south, The Tetons way off in the distant southwest, and all of Yellowstone to the west. I think this is the most spectacular spot I've been to in Yellowstone.
![Yellowstone July 2012 488.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 488.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25683-3feeef8c489ad232298dd52429e367ae.jpg)
Things only got better. From here, we left the trail, and headed southwest, following the park boundary. There is a faint game trail here in some places, although you don't really need a trail to travel. Pretty easy walking. And just wow views:
![Yellowstone July 2012 520.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 520.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25690-7072feb4a16e5ed46c5508e491dd38a2.jpg)
As we rounded the Hoodoo Basin, and approached Lamar Mountain, we noticed a patrol cabin that isn't shown on the maps. I've since asked about it, and turns out backcountry rangers still use it to do poacher patrol in the fall.
![Yellowstone July 2012 525.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 525.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25691-bbf62611555878ee9b4222c0d5d2f305.jpg)
Now back to walking up to the top of Lamar Mountain:
![Yellowstone July 2012 529.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 529.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25693-7aae41333aedbacd45b2114e8ef0fbc4.jpg)
And more spectacular views at the top of Lamar Mountain:
![Yellowstone July 2012 548.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 548.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25699-b932597d88482af570d38cf342510985.jpg)
In these next pictures, your looking back north, northeast. Hoodoo Basin is below, and the snowcapped Beartooth's can be seen way off in the distance:
![Yellowstone July 2012 536.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 536.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25701-2928fe01dab97a2ebc5cd91af56c4e88.jpg)
We continued to follow the ridge along the park boundary, going up and down
![Yellowstone July 2012 562.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 562.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25706-8cc0650fb9bb4248bab78305de5d5a5b.jpg)
This next view is looking down the Little Lamar River drainage.
![Yellowstone July 2012 564.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 564.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25708-40279a4b16cff8799ffc3a3d8766d99d.jpg)
We continued on
![Yellowstone July 2012 574.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 574.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25713-5d50f40ea0b8f0f7c717822f88feaef3.jpg)
We found an old can of bear spray, empty with a hole in it. Maybe someone shot it, maybe a bear got ahold of it.
![Yellowstone July 2012 569.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 569.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25715-3c11a1810f33110c95820996220252f2.jpg)
We were lucky enough to see some Bighorn Sheep.
![Yellowstone July 2012 576.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 576.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25717-73d3e6caa62913a2564924e938e5440e.jpg)
Finally we set up camp along the ridge, just outside the Yellowstone Park Boundary.
![Yellowstone July 2012 580.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 580.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25720-f199701bd82014f8d6f24b631e0affcf.jpg)
Day 4 rainy weather moved in. We had already dropped down a bit from the ridge (instead of following the obvious route around the drainage). We skirted around cliffs, with Kyle trying to convince me to drop down into the valley, and me trying to convince him to climb up to the ridge top.
![Lamar Valley Hoodoo Basin route 4.png Lamar Valley Hoodoo Basin route 4.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25770-7013e5eb65be8df01d41062417f96297.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 598.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 598.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25733-0d09d174ab9b0227f4bc153161682d89.jpg)
The rain got harder, and Kyle won the argument. We dropped down to the Little Lamar River. At first we were able to find an old game trail, which we followed for a while.
![Yellowstone July 2012 602.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 602.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25735-e305642d6757d9d6e260b3808c6594ed.jpg)
Then we reached fire burn, and extreme downfall. To add to the misery, the mosquitos were intense. It took us several hours to go the final few miles down to the Lamar River. Once at the Lamar, we followed that down to the main trail.
![Yellowstone July 2012 611.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 611.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25739-de11c28042b3d6fe83f4b45d0803bb30.jpg)
Oh yeah, grizzly scat was everywhere again
![Yellowstone July 2012 612.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 612.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25740-5127f8030ae36abc99186ed594817321.jpg)
We reached the trail as it began to really downpour. We found our campsite 3U3, and went to bed early.
Day 5 we headed north, down the Lamar River.
![Yellowstone July 2012 628.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 628.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25747-505ca1f4647d9032b514ff7c2dd76336.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 627.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 627.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25749-dccf4852cb81b9c88be2a892682ac32b.jpg)
The very next backcountry campsite to where we had camped was closed because of bears. Apparently there was a grizzly on a carcass in the campsite.
![Yellowstone July 2012 629.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 629.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25750-14a3fe53708b1f26d4104344b3728dd8.jpg)
We continued on down the trail. Although much of the hillside is burned, some areas along the river are beautiful.
![Yellowstone July 2012 636.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 636.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25757-8083534ef9061a824566c39c2cc7eb32.jpg)
We were suppose to camp one more night along Cache Creek, but talk of food got the better of us, and we hiked another 4 miles back to the trailhead.
![Yellowstone July 2012 649.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 649.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25763-52d1ca9d555140c868f5fdd2bb15ce50.jpg)
We drove up to Cooke City, where we ate deep fried Sloppy Joes and deep fried Snickers. If you ever find yourself in Cooke City during the summer, definitely try one of these.
![Yellowstone July 2012 651.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 651.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25764-9e2635c8be84ee5e613cda2a5f13c921.jpg)
After dinner, we drove back down to the trailhead, and slept in the van (since we still had a permit to be parked there. As an FYI, its not really allowed, and they do check for that). We had a beautiful sunset, and got to listen to wolves howl. Only time we heard wolves on that trip.
![Yellowstone July 2012 655.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 655.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25765-88cbd17fbef9b7d8d4c214122832b226.jpg)
Featured image for home page:
![slide.jpg slide.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25882-2e41175dbed66468125d75bfd880b6c9.jpg)
![overview.png overview.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25767-1caf5e39e58970ecb1e6fcdc86a7e764.jpg)
We started at the Lamar River Trailhead, in the northeast corner of the park. The first part of the hike is through the open Lamar Valley.
![Yellowstone July 2012 650.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 650.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25633-2121bda626ecfcf80cfe43890317df83.jpg)
Lots of Buffalo, and quite swampy near the river. My friend Kyle, who was hiking with me, sunk down to his waste in the mud.
![Yellowstone July 2012 334.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 334.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25632-fabbbf198ad16e668ea543b23c8ba51a.jpg)
About 4 miles in, we forded Cache Creek, which wasn't deep but a little swift. After that, the canyon narrows around the river, and much of the terrain is fire burn. It was really hot and dry.
![Yellowstone July 2012 340.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 340.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25635-f959587adac568bf4dae6cc99e1f0d0c.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 339.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 339.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25634-346490f25a5a28ac9aed5542141e9e03.jpg)
It was late in the day by the time we reached Miller Creek. Miller Creek is really nice. Some fire burn exists, but its prettier than the Lamar River stretch. Lots of grizzlies around, and we couldn't help but notice all the scat and tracks. Its fairly common to see this in the Yellowstone backcountry, but it started getting excessive. We camped at backcountry campsite 3M2, which I think is the creepiest campsite I've stayed at (on par with a few along the Yellowstone River in the Thorofare). The food prep area is surrounded by the creek, and thick, dark woods with lots of grass and uneven terrain surround that. So we couldn't hear or see anything. Oh yeah, and there was grizzly scat all around the fire pit. Neither of us slept well that night.
![Yellowstone July 2012 341.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 341.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25636-cb822db345b3ec4893acb74f7588c041.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 350.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 350.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25637-fcae22e6ed4574fe86640467421b3811.jpg)
Kyle at the food prep area the morning of day 2
![Yellowstone July 2012 355.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 355.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25638-594ea80cf2cb7e562a7813d1b272abdb.jpg)
Day 2 we headed up Miller Creek towards the Hoodoo Basin. We followed the river for several miles.
![Lamar Valley Hoodoo Basin route 2.png Lamar Valley Hoodoo Basin route 2.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25768-b5ea81c067bf32f5c850e7f4671ffbb5.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 359.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 359.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25639-580975a6868152e63d2d2f116adfa4e7.jpg)
Soon we began to climb out of the drainage, and the views got good
![Yellowstone July 2012 364.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 364.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25640-41cfd474940a6db549d71d9a596ba559.jpg)
We went up about 2 thousand feet, and soon were on a nice alpine ridge. We passed Parker Peak, and went through a saddle were we dropped into the Hoodoo Basin.
![Yellowstone July 2012 370.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 370.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25641-670303c49db2eeb5a4dd49ad65df87ec.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 376.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 376.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25642-865610c43357ae7acd2cad7f249e5c0a.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 378.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 378.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25643-982911b529a2060241234a041fb962d8.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 385.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 385.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25644-4dc22726d8e8f96fa5f2b7aa3a74e46b.jpg)
Dropping down into the Hoodoo Basin
![Yellowstone July 2012 388.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 388.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25645-3c5e913f81d7ad6c5fb5ce06e7b49a50.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 396.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 396.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25646-28b2130cae0d4189a0621d487a9893ee.jpg)
The Hoodoos, and Hoodoo Peak
![Yellowstone July 2012 397.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 397.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25647-129ba8dd64d4dd72051e65e07405c59f.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 408.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 408.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25648-d52765879366c6614d6e5c1468629bab.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 409.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 409.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25649-b4e0702105ebee4d3c86905e07e67785.jpg)
We set up camp at backcountry campsite 3M7, which was near the Hoodoos, but in beautiful alpine meadows, with some nice views. Kyle commented that he felt better here than the night before, since he didn't think there were any bears around.
![Yellowstone July 2012 412.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 412.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25650-c7a6c33f42d4860adcfa435afe339c62.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 415.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 415.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25651-1b3bff200d6286869a95485ab847ea2b.jpg)
After setting up the tent, we went to our food prep area, and started cooking dinner. I was in the middle of cooking some cheesy potatoes, when Kyle calming stated there was a grizzly bear in front of us. I thought he was kidding, but sure enough a grizzly was about a hundred yards away, grazing in a ravine that runs below the food prep area. Kyle went closer to get a better look, and I watched him through the binoculars. Photos are taken from our food prep area.
![Yellowstone July 2012 416.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 416.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25653-4e87d12bd0579b99092686319a7b1ecd.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 417.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 417.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25654-f0100e8936f5b29639cf2eb75620fed9.jpg)
While I was watching him, he lifted his head and winded us. Then he put his head back down and acted like he was still eating. But he wasn't. I could see his mouth close up through my binocs, and he was just moving his head through the grasses. I've read that bears will do this sometimes, like they are thinking about what they are going to do, and don't want to let anything know they know we are there. (Since this incident, I've witnessed this happen once more). Soon he lifted his head, and took a few galloping steps in our direction, before suddenly turning around and running off.
![Yellowstone July 2012 418.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 418.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25655-96eedf0b7a046f81ef95901f3320b52f.jpg)
Later that evening we walked past our camp to look around, and realized the bear had been digging all around us. He had probably been around a few days, and we were no doubt the first people to come through that year. Another night of somewhat light sleeping, but it was really pretty.
![Yellowstone July 2012 421.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 421.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25656-612c4011a18933acb62f83207beb6d1b.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 422.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 422.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25657-ae8c0b97b9930d54ae12341f073419f2.jpg)
Day 3 might be one of the most spectacular days of hiking I've done in Yellowstone National Park. We followed the trail to the park boundary, which looked like a giant golf course.
![Lamar Valley Hoodoo Basin route.png Lamar Valley Hoodoo Basin route.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25769-50be1a82dbab592d063cdc3564f2538a.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 427.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 427.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25658-b4f3c8ac4900463d0714b7a81a39b0ae.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 430.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 430.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25660-91bb2477eb8d24278398b89e23f386e3.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 432.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 432.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25661-92601a99710c00246373439bdadab273.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 436.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 436.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25662-916cf011219d4c40b1cc266adadbf26b.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 438.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 438.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25663-7fa1fd840a915acb368f556a33f1db19.jpg)
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![Yellowstone July 2012 452.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 452.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25668-69eab4c67714b063099e99b7aace63bc.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 453.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 453.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25669-541412644e43e6f3f0d8c82252e5fcf3.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 454.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 454.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25670-8dda41845adf58461c5125d371c08632.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 459.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 459.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25671-05760fa397519140948ba4db9bcf0c6f.jpg)
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![Yellowstone July 2012 468.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 468.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25674-ce0f2b8835c41addd6ad640984fcf22e.jpg)
Finally we made it to the Park's boundary with the North Absaroka Wilderness. There were spectacular views in all directions. The Beartooth's to the north, the Absaroka's to the east and south, The Tetons way off in the distant southwest, and all of Yellowstone to the west. I think this is the most spectacular spot I've been to in Yellowstone.
![Yellowstone July 2012 470.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 470.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25675-03288406ab6e7e2e7aa35c3cb53e548a.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 474.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 474.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25676-fc4870c407b41f4dc06d66809facedcc.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 480.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 480.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25677-f799a7fd5bc581b328595382a7108547.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 483.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 483.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25678-fdc2f15bb931f0e7d71dbbc813bdfba6.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 484.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 484.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25679-b2d48657fe3979370507982154be7e42.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 486.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 486.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25682-f4b5681bea4171e702d86a5179ab8b71.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 487.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 487.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25681-3eda5372e5723ba668e3bb0532c23a53.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 488.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 488.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25683-3feeef8c489ad232298dd52429e367ae.jpg)
Things only got better. From here, we left the trail, and headed southwest, following the park boundary. There is a faint game trail here in some places, although you don't really need a trail to travel. Pretty easy walking. And just wow views:
![Yellowstone July 2012 495.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 495.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25684-d5bb912d76d7a4edad5b5b6ac42b2492.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 497.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 497.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25685-f93ea690da0845987d5019e6a4be90e8.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 500.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 500.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25686-6192ccc0beba26304957343e6d092fb5.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 507.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 507.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25687-5a7112451810988a05f67cd15603f317.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 514.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 514.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25688-89e525f7fe84a300b0d9e61b09061127.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 517.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 517.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25689-2511f63d1e1bc78a3168b8cdfe15000c.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 520.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 520.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25690-7072feb4a16e5ed46c5508e491dd38a2.jpg)
As we rounded the Hoodoo Basin, and approached Lamar Mountain, we noticed a patrol cabin that isn't shown on the maps. I've since asked about it, and turns out backcountry rangers still use it to do poacher patrol in the fall.
![Yellowstone July 2012 525.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 525.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25691-bbf62611555878ee9b4222c0d5d2f305.jpg)
Now back to walking up to the top of Lamar Mountain:
![Yellowstone July 2012 527.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 527.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25692-c592286829d819d80d7aa6a62cd4faba.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 529.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 529.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25693-7aae41333aedbacd45b2114e8ef0fbc4.jpg)
And more spectacular views at the top of Lamar Mountain:
![Yellowstone July 2012 532.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 532.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25694-a4d5168eb2337ba4797b660f782b0bae.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 533.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 533.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25695-fdf1782adc895dccbab65e9190d21fa3.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 534.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 534.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25696-2936415965f9b16cefe532b21d1ffa5d.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 541.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 541.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25697-9aa5e36c6dc1e31c5db65cfefac30e3e.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 548.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 548.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25699-b932597d88482af570d38cf342510985.jpg)
In these next pictures, your looking back north, northeast. Hoodoo Basin is below, and the snowcapped Beartooth's can be seen way off in the distance:
![Yellowstone July 2012 535.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 535.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25700-5b71b4d0cf67d04184f493db527b59ff.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 536.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 536.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25701-2928fe01dab97a2ebc5cd91af56c4e88.jpg)
We continued to follow the ridge along the park boundary, going up and down
![Yellowstone July 2012 549.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 549.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25702-194d4214c1e8445aa9c99deee7b2e552.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 552.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 552.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25704-89608b6a9c5e34ff3de569b66a3018d1.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 554.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 554.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25705-ca4d2b8806ae31b21a3b73b75b041b28.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 561.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 561.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25707-77d3de93d73ad5340bec0d3a066f1141.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 562.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 562.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25706-8cc0650fb9bb4248bab78305de5d5a5b.jpg)
This next view is looking down the Little Lamar River drainage.
![Yellowstone July 2012 564.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 564.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25708-40279a4b16cff8799ffc3a3d8766d99d.jpg)
We continued on
![Yellowstone July 2012 565.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 565.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25709-ad13323d60718377472f495c4391183f.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 566.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 566.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25710-22218a54ec7f3ceb0a400cf09d2b1812.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 567.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 567.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25711-41eb80b0bfb6b0b471435ab435cf2644.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 570.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 570.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25712-ba856eaf0f5798c10453c162fa9b753c.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 574.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 574.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25713-5d50f40ea0b8f0f7c717822f88feaef3.jpg)
We found an old can of bear spray, empty with a hole in it. Maybe someone shot it, maybe a bear got ahold of it.
![Yellowstone July 2012 568.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 568.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25714-63f5f2b2e6ec5255d815f78da961cb54.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 569.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 569.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25715-3c11a1810f33110c95820996220252f2.jpg)
We were lucky enough to see some Bighorn Sheep.
![Yellowstone July 2012 575.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 575.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25716-96eddb2fd92bd6f09eb7ff7d85c783bf.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 576.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 576.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25717-73d3e6caa62913a2564924e938e5440e.jpg)
Finally we set up camp along the ridge, just outside the Yellowstone Park Boundary.
![Yellowstone July 2012 577.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 577.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25718-21f31d630b2787a873ad7f8fec6cfc5e.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 578.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 578.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25719-d943b1d57d52e5d3aa737c7318c17257.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 580.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 580.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25720-f199701bd82014f8d6f24b631e0affcf.jpg)
Day 4 rainy weather moved in. We had already dropped down a bit from the ridge (instead of following the obvious route around the drainage). We skirted around cliffs, with Kyle trying to convince me to drop down into the valley, and me trying to convince him to climb up to the ridge top.
![Lamar Valley Hoodoo Basin route 4.png Lamar Valley Hoodoo Basin route 4.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25770-7013e5eb65be8df01d41062417f96297.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 585.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 585.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25727-751f7c95753eb185d8ba859b7d47f419.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 587.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 587.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25728-b04164cc5a8a86f6a4744c469f4e443e.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 590.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 590.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25729-eef328cc7dce89ca66c2557a1c403ef6.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 591.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 591.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25730-64883b62ddcdb509103f2b16da6078ab.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 592.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 592.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25731-e946c9704e4f1a1e99b45b6de67b96f5.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 595.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 595.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25732-798a5b0d0195a5aefbc99a0e37845cb7.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 598.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 598.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25733-0d09d174ab9b0227f4bc153161682d89.jpg)
The rain got harder, and Kyle won the argument. We dropped down to the Little Lamar River. At first we were able to find an old game trail, which we followed for a while.
![Yellowstone July 2012 601.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 601.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25734-9f291ccd78aba3b288409d4b7efd1405.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 602.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 602.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25735-e305642d6757d9d6e260b3808c6594ed.jpg)
Then we reached fire burn, and extreme downfall. To add to the misery, the mosquitos were intense. It took us several hours to go the final few miles down to the Lamar River. Once at the Lamar, we followed that down to the main trail.
![Yellowstone July 2012 605.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 605.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25736-508f10918b7c28bafb95c58e6a8e2ba8.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 608.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 608.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25737-6c4c36157e83b4b856a0e761933e32e9.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 609.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 609.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25738-7018f4bd4c50028e2d3de00ec6a3fecc.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 611.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 611.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25739-de11c28042b3d6fe83f4b45d0803bb30.jpg)
Oh yeah, grizzly scat was everywhere again
![Yellowstone July 2012 612.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 612.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25740-5127f8030ae36abc99186ed594817321.jpg)
We reached the trail as it began to really downpour. We found our campsite 3U3, and went to bed early.
Day 5 we headed north, down the Lamar River.
![Yellowstone July 2012 616.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 616.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25741-3fd25a61bbb63d4bd1dbabab66dbf5a1.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 617.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 617.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25748-2bb637051347d8c652a4893f844c210b.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 619.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 619.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25742-06300860afa3782b516464578bb7e76e.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 621.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 621.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25743-3d8e454751ada9cec356121fa2372a32.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 622.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 622.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25744-f80e12bbb78f8bf31eef966ffe9ea618.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 623.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 623.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25745-c8a7cbf83b83b445894b4522fa17e482.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 625.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 625.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25746-9a9c3db114fd3e6659b312fddcbc34d6.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 628.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 628.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25747-505ca1f4647d9032b514ff7c2dd76336.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 627.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 627.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25749-dccf4852cb81b9c88be2a892682ac32b.jpg)
The very next backcountry campsite to where we had camped was closed because of bears. Apparently there was a grizzly on a carcass in the campsite.
![Yellowstone July 2012 629.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 629.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25750-14a3fe53708b1f26d4104344b3728dd8.jpg)
We continued on down the trail. Although much of the hillside is burned, some areas along the river are beautiful.
![Yellowstone July 2012 630.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 630.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25751-1dd7f13ea24bdf99723fe9c4602120ff.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 631.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 631.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25752-c077b82db6300dceb77436abcd75a48e.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 633.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 633.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25753-7c997c5671fd8d8fcce5cd993319681e.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 634.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 634.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25754-a28db19af073f81fa8eab3dee6e1f3fc.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 635.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 635.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25755-ed48bd0b1280186284e501fee0aed75d.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 637.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 637.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25756-5d89f1da4e5299a36ab151ae8c4b0e86.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 636.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 636.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25757-8083534ef9061a824566c39c2cc7eb32.jpg)
We were suppose to camp one more night along Cache Creek, but talk of food got the better of us, and we hiked another 4 miles back to the trailhead.
![Yellowstone July 2012 640.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 640.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25758-ad00262e15ce2ae4d0f5661867ff7a68.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 643.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 643.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25759-2014a1dfb724009f586823117b076ec6.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 645.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 645.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25760-ecd375b9efe2944382518faeb971aa92.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 646.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 646.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25761-208c79796ae62a26c4e143493735940a.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 648.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 648.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25762-0899faac941c6c65e7b96cebc00bc703.jpg)
![Yellowstone July 2012 649.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 649.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25763-52d1ca9d555140c868f5fdd2bb15ce50.jpg)
We drove up to Cooke City, where we ate deep fried Sloppy Joes and deep fried Snickers. If you ever find yourself in Cooke City during the summer, definitely try one of these.
![Yellowstone July 2012 651.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 651.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25764-9e2635c8be84ee5e613cda2a5f13c921.jpg)
After dinner, we drove back down to the trailhead, and slept in the van (since we still had a permit to be parked there. As an FYI, its not really allowed, and they do check for that). We had a beautiful sunset, and got to listen to wolves howl. Only time we heard wolves on that trip.
![Yellowstone July 2012 655.JPG Yellowstone July 2012 655.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25765-88cbd17fbef9b7d8d4c214122832b226.jpg)
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![slide.jpg slide.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/25/25882-2e41175dbed66468125d75bfd880b6c9.jpg)
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