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Just returned from a 9 day trip to Yellowstone with the gf. Spent the first and last nights in Bozeman, Mt. All in all 6 nights/7 days in the park. We broke the trip into 3 segmants. 2 nights each in Mammoth, Canyon and Old Faithful.
What an overall awesome trip. Began the first day hiking in a light snow storm. Virgin 5.5 mile trail. The trail app we had was spot on. Came across deer, elk, coyote and bear tracks but only ran into the deer and elk. Pretty f'in awesome seeing bull elk in a snow storm on a high ridge with no one else in sight. The initial 750' incline combined with the high altitude air kicked my sorry azz.
Day 2 was a drive thru the Lamar Valley and Cooke City and back to Mammoth. Acres of buffalo up Slough Creek road, some of which were head butting each other. A few pronghorn antelope and even a moose. Driving between the tall pines covered in snow in the high rockies to/from Cooke City was a sight to see. A black bear at The Petrified Tree. Elk were roaming the streets in Mammoth when we returned. Finished up hiking the Mammoth Hot Springs.
Day 3 off to Canyon. Checked out the Hayden Valley. More elk, buffalo and antelope. Spotted a grizz and 2 cubs in the distance on the other side of the yellowstone river.. Tracked them with the truck for 3 miles. Came across a coyote hunting in snow. Jumping in the air and pouncing on prey was spectaculer.
We hiked the Canyon area on day 4. Short vertical hikes around the upper and lower falls. Went back to the Hayden Valley in the evening and watched wolfs chase an elk into the woods. It never came out.
Day 5 began before 1st light back at the wolf sighting. 13 wolfs in full view for 2 hours with some nervous elk. The pack did a group howl twice. Chiling. Left for Old Faithful in the afternoon
Late day 5 & 6 were in Old Faithful. Lots of geysurs and colorful paint pot pools. The hikes were easier and required because anywhere a bus could park was a zoo even in the off season. Old Faithful was underwhelming probably because of the distance which you could view. The lesser known geysurs were in some cases just as spectaculer and you were so close you would get wet. We did see 3 otters playing and fishing for over 1 hour near OF.
Day 7 driving back to Bozeman we watched a lone wolf chase a full grown buck antelope for a mile. Never got close to catching the antelope and i doubt he could've taken it down. Drove back to Lamar to see the Buffalo. Found a black bear and cubs feeding. More antelope. The street of Mammoth were covered in elk.
Eagles, hawks and other birds along the way, never an owl.
Thats it for now. Will write up the accomdations, food and tourist do's and don'ts another day.
GP
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