Wyoming
Headed up to Wyoming for a couple weeks in August 2015 to get some serious backpacking in. First spent a few days in the Wind River Mountains in western Wyoming with my friend Mark. We backpacked into Big Sandy Lake and did some hikes there. Then we spent a few days checking out the sights in Yellowstone National Park. He headed home after that and then I went on a long sought visit to the most remote spot in the lower 48 states which is called the Thorofare in south eastern Yellowstone.
After setting up our camp on Big Sandy Lake, we ventured up to Temple Lake which offered some classic Wind River views. Click to Enlarge
After setting up our camp on Big Sandy Lake, we ventured up to Temple Lake which offered some classic Wind River views.
Here's a morning view of Big Sandy from the trail on our hike up to Jackass Pass on the second day. Click to Enlarge
Here's a morning view of Big Sandy from the trail on our hike up to Jackass Pass on the second day.
At the top of the pass the spectacular Cirque of the Towers comes into view along with Lonesome Lake. Click to Enlarge
At the top of the pass the spectacular Cirque of the Towers comes into view along with Lonesome Lake.
Getting a little wet. Click to Enlarge
Getting a little wet.
Then we continued on up to Yellowstone. Here is Imperial Geyser which is a few miles in on a hiking trail in the Firehole River valley. Click to Enlarge
Then we continued on up to Yellowstone. Here is Imperial Geyser which is a few miles in on a hiking trail in the Firehole River valley.
Sunrise from Grant Village where we camped 3 nights Click to Enlarge
Sunrise from Grant Village where we camped 3 nights
Buffalo jam! Click to Enlarge
Buffalo jam!
The incredible Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River. Click to Enlarge
The incredible Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River.
Looking down canyon from the brink of the lower falls. Click to Enlarge
Looking down canyon from the brink of the lower falls.
Smile! Click to Enlarge
Smile!
After dropping Mark off at the airport in Cody, I headed back up for a major 8 day expedition into the Thorofare. Here's my food for the jaunt which was about 3000 calories a day and 14 pounds. Freeze dried dinners in the white bag. Click to Enlarge
After dropping Mark off at the airport in Cody, I headed back up for a major 8 day expedition into the Thorofare. Here's my food for the jaunt which was about 3000 calories a day and 14 pounds. Freeze dried dinners in the white bag.
The first day and a half was spent hiking south along Yellowstone Lake. Here is a map of the trek if you are interested. MAP Click to Enlarge
The first day and a half was spent hiking south along Yellowstone Lake. Here is a map of the trek if you are interested. MAP
Trouble with a capital "T" and that rhymes with "B" and that stands for bear! Had to chase this guy out of camp on the first night. Click to Enlarge
Trouble with a capital "T" and that rhymes with "B" and that stands for bear! Had to chase this guy out of camp on the first night.
Lots of fires in the Northwest caused smog to move in for a few days which really limited the views. Click to Enlarge
Lots of fires in the Northwest caused smog to move in for a few days which really limited the views.
Trailside distractions Click to Enlarge
Trailside distractions
One of the most outstanding campsites I've ever had on the bank of the Yellowstone River. I stayed here for 2 nights to rest and soak in the area. Click to Enlarge
One of the most outstanding campsites I've ever had on the bank of the Yellowstone River. I stayed here for 2 nights to rest and soak in the area.
Thorofare views of the Absoroka mountains Click to Enlarge
Thorofare views of the Absoroka mountains
32 miles from the nearest road is the Thorofare Ranger Station. The most remote spot in the lower 48 states! But nobody was home. Click to Enlarge
32 miles from the nearest road is the Thorofare Ranger Station. The most remote spot in the lower 48 states! But nobody was home.
Signage showing the distance back to civilization. Click to Enlarge
Signage showing the distance back to civilization.
Camp on Thorofare Creek. Just to the south is the Teton Wilderness Area which has even longer approaches than what I had taken to get there. Click to Enlarge
Camp on Thorofare Creek. Just to the south is the Teton Wilderness Area which has even longer approaches than what I had taken to get there.
The park requires us to hang the food to keep it away from the roaming bears. A good idea! Click to Enlarge
The park requires us to hang the food to keep it away from the roaming bears. A good idea!
Fording the upper Yellowstone. Earlier in the season it is a very dangerous and deep crossing but it was manageable in late August. Click to Enlarge
Fording the upper Yellowstone. Earlier in the season it is a very dangerous and deep crossing but it was manageable in late August.
Camp at Mariposa Lake. After seeing non-stop signs of bears on the trail and hearing noises in the woods, I decided to erect a perimeter warning system. Can't say that sleeping came any easier! Click to Enlarge
Camp at Mariposa Lake. After seeing non-stop signs of bears on the trail and hearing noises in the woods, I decided to erect a perimeter warning system. Can't say that sleeping came any easier!
The next day got worse. A long and lonely stretch of trail across the Two Ocean Plateau. No recent human or horse tracks. But literally over a hundred piles of grizzly and black bear scat! The bears use the trail as a super highway! That day was pretty nerve racking. But I only came across one black bear luckily. Click to Enlarge
The next day got worse. A long and lonely stretch of trail across the Two Ocean Plateau. No recent human or horse tracks. But literally over a hundred piles of grizzly and black bear scat! The bears use the trail as a super highway! That day was pretty nerve racking. But I only came across one black bear luckily.
Made it to camp on Yellowstone Lake and had a visitor for 90 minutes. He made lots of commotion with cries out to some eagle friend than never came. I liked the company though. Click to Enlarge
Made it to camp on Yellowstone Lake and had a visitor for 90 minutes. He made lots of commotion with cries out to some eagle friend than never came. I liked the company though.
From camp I spotted a new small fire not more than 3 or 4 miles away! Made for a great sunset when setting directly on top of it. Click to Enlarge
From camp I spotted a new small fire not more than 3 or 4 miles away! Made for a great sunset when setting directly on top of it.
This camp apparently had many bruins visiting so they installed a metal box to store stuff in. Click to Enlarge
This camp apparently had many bruins visiting so they installed a metal box to store stuff in.
Last view of the Thorofare when my loop connected back up with the main trail. This is where I saw the first people in 5 days! I didn't expect it to be that quiet back there in August. Click to Enlarge
Last view of the Thorofare when my loop connected back up with the main trail. This is where I saw the first people in 5 days! I didn't expect it to be that quiet back there in August.
Near the end of the hike the trail passes through a recent burn. Not much life except for these pretty yellow flowers. Click to Enlarge
Near the end of the hike the trail passes through a recent burn. Not much life except for these pretty yellow flowers.
Made it back to civilization after 83 miles on foot! Click to Enlarge
Made it back to civilization after 83 miles on foot!