Old Yellowstone Trails

[TractorDoc]

I know it is an idea that would be frowned upon by many, but if I had the time and nothing better to do, I'd take it upon myself to maintain one or two of these old trails. I'm sure there is some fine print in the park rules that prohibits such actions. . . or is there? If not maintaining trails is simply a matter of staff/funding shortages. . . (I have a feeling it is also a way of keeping people out of many areas too).

My efforts would not have to be public knowledge. . . perhaps a secret society of industrious enthusiasts trying to maintain and preserve some of the park's history. We could even wait until we are 1/4 to 1/2 a mile in before getting to work so as not to bring awareness to the uninitiated. Why am I covered in sawdust after a lengthy day hike? Best not to ask questions/nothing to see here.

Of course we would not make any new trails, just give some love to the ones that are already there. I'd probably start with the trail from Beach Lake down to the Grand Loop Road. Beach Lake would make a nice day hike destination and much of the trail was still in good shape when we hiked it several years ago.

Anywho, just thinking out loud. Fortunately for anyone that is freaked out by reading this I haven't the time and have a full plate of things to do. There is always the chance that could change though.

 

[scatman]

This misery whip should be able to clear a few trees off the old paths.

 

[TractorDoc]

This misery whip should be able to clear a few trees off the old paths.

My electric chainsaw and a backpack full of batteries would have the trail cleared in no time.

 

[wsp_scott]

I know it is an idea that would be frowned upon by many, but if I had the time and nothing better to do, I'd take it upon myself to maintain one or two of these old trails. I'm sure there is some fine print in the park rules that prohibits such actions. . . or is there? If not maintaining trails is simply a matter of staff/funding shortages. . . (I have a feeling it is also a way of keeping people out of many areas too).

My efforts would not have to be public knowledge. . . perhaps a secret society of industrious enthusiasts trying to maintain and preserve some of the park's history. We could even wait until we are 1/4 to 1/2 a mile in before getting to work so as not to bring awareness to the uninitiated. Why am I covered in sawdust after a lengthy day hike? Best not to ask questions/nothing to see here.

Of course we would not make any new trails, just give some love to the ones that are already there. I'd probably start with the trail from Beach Lake down to the Grand Loop Road. Beach Lake would make a nice day hike destination and much of the trail was still in good shape when we hiked it several years ago.

Anywho, just thinking out loud. Fortunately for anyone that is freaked out by reading this I haven't the time and have a full plate of things to do. There is always the chance that could change though.

Maybe this project could turn into a hit TV show?
Episode 1: A couple of guys who packed too much stuff are stuck bushwacking in Yellowstone, the bears are getting closer, the sun is starting to set, a wolf howls in the distance...

"If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire ... the A-Team."

"I love it when a plan comes together"

 

[scatman]

Interesting that you could not find it given the description. I wonder if he ever hiked it after 1993?

Yeah, I thought the same thing when I was at Dryad. His description made it sound obvious. I don't recall seeing much evidence that bison were at the lake, but I've missed stuff before. You can sure make out the obvious bison trail heading south across the fingertip meadow of Trout Creek to the north and if you follow it from where it enters the forest, it sure looks like it heads towards Dryad.

 

[scatman]

My electric chainsaw and a backpack full of batteries would have the trail cleared in no time.

We need to work up a sweat and get in shape at the same time though.

 

[TractorDoc]

A couple of guys who packed too much stuff are stuck bushwacking in Yellowstone, the bears are getting closer, the sun is starting to set, a wolf howls in the distance...

This just sounds like one of Hugh and I's normal backpacking trips. . .

We need to work up a sweat and get in shape at the same time though.

We can pack in the old whipsaw too. I know you like to keep the nostalgic factor high when it comes to these sorts of things. Might as well bring along some steel cut oats, hard tack, and pemmican to keep our energy levels up while we are at it. I tend to work up a lather when cutting wood here at home, so I doubt we'd have any trouble with that. . . being in/getting in shape is an entirely different matter.