Yellowstone Hikes?

I'm going to Yellowstone Aug. 1 for 6 days with six siblings. The main purpose of the trip is day hiking to view wildlife and the backcountry. I'll have my 7D and 100-400 with me, though most of the others are not photographers. Any suggestions on good day hikes that will keep everyone happy? Thanks.

look at yellowstone treasures by janet chapple .great book should be able to find it on amazon. 23.95 worth every penny

Best hike in the park is Mt Washburn....near Dunraven Pass on the east side. BEAUTIFUL views....there are two trailheads....one from a parking area along the main road, and one from Crittendon Road. Take the trailhead from the main road. Its more scenic. You are almost sure to see mountain goats and very likely a grizzly bear along the way.

Most of the wildlife in Yellowstone is in Hayden or Lamar Valleys. Lamar is the biggest and best. Its called the Serengetti of the US. In early Uagust, they Bison will be starting to gather in preparation for breeding. I have seen thousands out there in late August. Lamar valley is along the Northeast entrance road on the way out to Cook City. There are two campgrounds along the road. If you are after woildlife...Lamar is the place to be.

Another good dayhike is out of Slough Creek (pronounced slew). This is just before Lamar Valley and there is a campground there too. The hike goes north towards the park border and is a pretty good one. Along the creek/river. Ive seen a lot of wildlife up there.

Other than that....just walk anywhere and be observant/quiet. No telling what you'll see. I saw a grizzly at close range this August while there. By close range I mean about 25 feet....on a steep cliffside trail. I finally coaxed her off the trail and slipped past, but I was VERY nervous....No pics tho...she was waaay too close and I just wanted outta there!

Hope this helps a bit.

nutbolt

Thanks for the info. Glad your griz encounter turned out OK. But just how did you "coax her off the trail"! I'll be with several others, which I understand minimizes the chance of an attack.

SteveHS wrote in post #13551499
Any suggestions on good day hikes that will keep everyone happy? Thanks.

It's impossible to keep everyone happy. The worst thing about being with non photographers is, they typically won't have the patience to wait while you compose and take your shots. My wife's favorite line is "don't you think that's enough pictures?" Of course, it usually isn't.

That is why the wife got a 5DII for Christmas. Now she is the one wanting to go shoot.

nutbolt wrote in post #13570026
Best hike in the park is Mt Washburn....near Dunraven Pass on the east side. BEAUTIFUL views....there are two trailheads....one from a parking area along the main road, and one from Crittendon Road. Take the trailhead from the main road. Its more scenic. You are almost sure to see mountain goats and very likely a grizzly bear along the way.

nutbolt is right - the Mt Washburn is wonderful.

Here's a description they have on a sign at the trailhead - doesn't it make you want to be there?!

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Tom Reichner wrote in post #13763403
nutbolt is right - the Mt Washburn is wonderful.

Here's a description they have on a sign at the trailhead - doesn't it make you want to be there?!

Yes and no.

Lamar and Hayden are great, don't miss the Lower Falls at Canyon, DO NOT miss the thermal basins at Old Faithful. When you tget to OF, don't miss the Visitor Center and the bookstore to say Hi. I manage it.

If you have tome consider getting a course with Yellowstone Association, we have many photo courses through the summer, and wintr for that matter. If you go to the website, the catalog is available as a PDF.

BillW...

Lucky dog....Full timing it...Thats my goal in a few years...but im just 46. No wife and kids tho so I am on the fast track! I spend 2-3 months every summer out in the truck camper...usually several weeks in Yellowstone.. (See my sig for pics/stories)....

Where are you camped right now??...Mammoth??...is​nt that the only campground open around there right now?? I bet its incredible there this time of year...always wanted to see the place in the winter.

Again....lucky dog!

nutbolt

Yup, consider myself lucky all the time. This time of year I had to put my RV in storage, but I have a nice apartment at Old Faithful. Having a blast this winter!

Keep at it! Truck campers are great, we had 4 different ones over the years.

Key to fulltime is get expenses way way down, live simple, and find some things too do to supplement finances. I have the bookstore gig here and I write for an online and quarterly print mag. Hoping to pick up more writing and phooto gigs. I have a postcard in the rack at the bookstore, nothing great, but filled a niche.

Good luck with it all!