- Joined
- Feb 15, 2020
- Messages
- 578
I've been lucky to get up to the GYE a couple of times already this summer - a couple weeks ago we enjoyed some smaller hikes near our campground and mostly took it easy. This time around we were staying in the park and I managed to spend the days hiking through Hayden Valley - the first w/ the family northeast of the road and the second a longer journey to the western side of the valley before ending at Cygnet Lakes.
Day 1: Howard Eaton to Sour Creek
Could not have asked for a much better day in the valley with my family. We saw large numbers of cow elk, family herds of bison, some very charismatic sandhill cranes, and a small off-trail waterfall. Love the opportunity to share Yellowstone with my kids and so thankful that they find such joy in the outdoors.
There were quite a few "Bear Frequenting" signs at the trailhead, but no such luck for us on this day.
Off we go!
The elk were all over the Howard Eaton section.
We got to watch and listen to these guys for quite some time. My youngest is turning into quite the little 'birder', so he especially enjoyed them.
Approaching Sour Creek.
My oldest handling the second (of two) Sour Creek crossings like a champ.
Restful spot at this small waterfall along Sour Creek. Just a bit off the trail.
Lots of 'red dogs' to be seen in on this side of the valley, as well. (Didn't see any on the west side the next day - just bulls over there. Same w/ the elk, interestingly enough.)
One last look across the valley before heading down to the trailhead.
Day 2: Trout Creek to Cygnet Lakes
This one was a classic day in Hayden Valley. I left the wife and kids behind for this one, but added a new hiking partner. We covered almost 20 miles and couldn't have had much better conditions. We also got to see a couple of grizzlies, so you know I was happy.
The day started beautifully and a bit slowly w/ a walk along the old Trout Creek dump road, then following the stagecoach road along the southern edge of the valley.
Walking down the old stagecoach road.
Looking back towards the old road. Last time I was here it was all yellow/brown, so it was nice to see the bright greens.
On a couple of occasions we wandered up into pockets of trees along the valley looking for interesting vantage points and whatever else we might find.
Rather than coming up on Glen Africa Basin from the south - as on my last visit - we stumbled out of a stand of trees to find it beginning directly below us.
I really enjoy this spot in the valley - and the heat of Alum Creek through this section never ceases to amaze me.
Probably the most spectacular feature of the basin, but - especially w/ the bright green grass and yellow flowers - the whole thing impresses.
Looking ahead.
Shortly after crossing the Mary Mountain Trail we started looking for our planned route up to Cygnet Lakes. But I think my buddy got 'that feeling' and had us turn back and examine a small drainage. At first we didn't see anything, but then there was a flash of movement - and then another one. Two grizzlies took off up the hill. Sadly, I was just carrying my phone and wasn't quick enough...
But lucky for all of us, my hiking partner has both a nicer camera and a quicker draw.
Bear #2.
Nice action sequence.
Both bears took a route very near to the one we were planning, so we swung a bit wide of my original intention. I'd like to blame the forthcoming bushwhack on this - but I think it's just a mess up there no matter what. Fortunately it was only a mile or so of stepping over deadfall and getting smacked in the face by new growth, before another half mile or so of just stepping over deadfall under nice tall, older trees.
One last look over the valley.
Entering the trees.
The much more pleasant older growth.
And out into Cygnet Lakes. It's been a while since I visited and I didn't really remember the trail fondly, but it was a sight for sore eyes and a wonderful place to grab a break on this day.
Headed back to Cygnet Lakes TH.
Some nice ponds and wet meadows on the way out, but mostly just trees. I'm not one to say no to a nice walk in the woods, but the rest of the route was fairly uneventful on a nice well maintained trail.
Another wonderful weekend in Yellowstone - and Hayden Valley in particular. Can't wait to return later in the year - hoping for a couple backcountry trips in the coming months. But first it's a trip w/ my boys down in New Mexico next week and a return trip to the Brooks Range at the end of the month. (I still haven't managed to wrap my head around a trip report for last year's Alaskan experience - we'll see how this year goes and maybe I'll combine the two.)
Day 1: Howard Eaton to Sour Creek
Could not have asked for a much better day in the valley with my family. We saw large numbers of cow elk, family herds of bison, some very charismatic sandhill cranes, and a small off-trail waterfall. Love the opportunity to share Yellowstone with my kids and so thankful that they find such joy in the outdoors.
There were quite a few "Bear Frequenting" signs at the trailhead, but no such luck for us on this day.
Off we go!
The elk were all over the Howard Eaton section.
We got to watch and listen to these guys for quite some time. My youngest is turning into quite the little 'birder', so he especially enjoyed them.
Approaching Sour Creek.
My oldest handling the second (of two) Sour Creek crossings like a champ.
Restful spot at this small waterfall along Sour Creek. Just a bit off the trail.
Lots of 'red dogs' to be seen in on this side of the valley, as well. (Didn't see any on the west side the next day - just bulls over there. Same w/ the elk, interestingly enough.)
One last look across the valley before heading down to the trailhead.
Day 2: Trout Creek to Cygnet Lakes
This one was a classic day in Hayden Valley. I left the wife and kids behind for this one, but added a new hiking partner. We covered almost 20 miles and couldn't have had much better conditions. We also got to see a couple of grizzlies, so you know I was happy.
The day started beautifully and a bit slowly w/ a walk along the old Trout Creek dump road, then following the stagecoach road along the southern edge of the valley.
Walking down the old stagecoach road.
Looking back towards the old road. Last time I was here it was all yellow/brown, so it was nice to see the bright greens.
On a couple of occasions we wandered up into pockets of trees along the valley looking for interesting vantage points and whatever else we might find.
Rather than coming up on Glen Africa Basin from the south - as on my last visit - we stumbled out of a stand of trees to find it beginning directly below us.
I really enjoy this spot in the valley - and the heat of Alum Creek through this section never ceases to amaze me.
Probably the most spectacular feature of the basin, but - especially w/ the bright green grass and yellow flowers - the whole thing impresses.
Looking ahead.
Shortly after crossing the Mary Mountain Trail we started looking for our planned route up to Cygnet Lakes. But I think my buddy got 'that feeling' and had us turn back and examine a small drainage. At first we didn't see anything, but then there was a flash of movement - and then another one. Two grizzlies took off up the hill. Sadly, I was just carrying my phone and wasn't quick enough...
But lucky for all of us, my hiking partner has both a nicer camera and a quicker draw.
Bear #2.
Nice action sequence.
Both bears took a route very near to the one we were planning, so we swung a bit wide of my original intention. I'd like to blame the forthcoming bushwhack on this - but I think it's just a mess up there no matter what. Fortunately it was only a mile or so of stepping over deadfall and getting smacked in the face by new growth, before another half mile or so of just stepping over deadfall under nice tall, older trees.
One last look over the valley.
Entering the trees.
The much more pleasant older growth.
And out into Cygnet Lakes. It's been a while since I visited and I didn't really remember the trail fondly, but it was a sight for sore eyes and a wonderful place to grab a break on this day.
Headed back to Cygnet Lakes TH.
Some nice ponds and wet meadows on the way out, but mostly just trees. I'm not one to say no to a nice walk in the woods, but the rest of the route was fairly uneventful on a nice well maintained trail.
Another wonderful weekend in Yellowstone - and Hayden Valley in particular. Can't wait to return later in the year - hoping for a couple backcountry trips in the coming months. But first it's a trip w/ my boys down in New Mexico next week and a return trip to the Brooks Range at the end of the month. (I still haven't managed to wrap my head around a trip report for last year's Alaskan experience - we'll see how this year goes and maybe I'll combine the two.)
