Things That Go Thud, Puff in the Night

A Bear Story From an Autumn Backpacking Trip
in Yellowstone National Park

Over the past decade, Mike and I have done tons of backpacking in Yellowstone National Park, throughout southwest Montana, and beyond, many times in grizzly bear country. While we have a healthy respect for bears when we are in their backyard, we do not fear them. I suspect this is due to a combination of our nature and the fact that we have seen so few of them during our many miles of backcountry travel. 

Here is the story of a spooky bear encounter we had in Yellowstone over the weekend. (As an FYI, we explored the Upper Pebble Creek/Bliss Pass area of the park and stayed in campsite 3P2.)

If you have a bear story to tell, please share it in the comments section of this post.

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Thermal Magic in Yellowstone

For those living far from Yellowstone, a trip to the park can be the highlight of the year. For Bozemanites like myself, who have two park entrances within 90 miles of home, Yellowstone is one of many nearby outdoor playgrounds. With wildlife, sweeping vistas, thermal areas, mountains, rivers, and more, there is an almost endless landscape to explore. At the same time, summertime crowds and the stop-and-go-traffic are a hassle making it is easy to get jaded about the park. With several mountain ranges an easy drive from Bozeman many locals avoid the chaos of Yellowstone in the summer. I had long done the same but over the past handful of years, I have developed a fondness for backpacking in the park.

The National Park Service estimates that 98% of Yellowstone’s four million+ annual visitors never explore further than half a mile from their car. With over 900 miles of trails and over 290 backcountry camp spots, it’s easy to get away from the crowds. My most recent trip in August was the first time I backpacked beyond Yellowstone’s marked trails to a land few people visit. I came away with an even deeper appreciation for the park, its special features, and how lucky I am to have it close to home. Yellowstone is popular for a reason, but those wishing to put in the time and travel beyond the known will be rewarded for their efforts.

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Four Days in the Sawtooth Wilderness

A quick narrative and a handful of photos from our late August trip to the Sawtooth Wilderness in Idaho.

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Summer 2020 - Backpacking Stats & Poem

Mountains, lakes, rivers, fields, ridge lines, and mammals. There was a lot to see and explore this summer. 

I hadn't planned on a big summer of backpacking but thanks to Mike's encouragement and support for a big thru-hike, that's the way it worked out. 

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Exploring Cedar Lake

Recently, I heard someone compare Montana to an origami crane, a place filled with interesting corners. Here's another spot Mike and I explored for the first time.

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Thru-Hiking the Centennial Trail

I once heard it said that unless you’re Bill Bryson, reading about someone’s thru-hike is about as exciting as reading about watching paint dry. With that in mind, I’ll keep it brief. At the end of the post you’ll find some practical advice for thru-hiking the Centennial Trail. 

Completing the Trifecta - Exploring Three Random Lakes in the Southern Madison Range

The days of summer are dwindling and I'm glad to say that I've gotten out on numerous adventures so far. One great thing about having seven mountain ranges within an easy day's drive of home is that you can live here for a while and still have new places to explore. Thus is the case with a series of random lakes in the southern Madison range. 

Cameron Lake

Independence Day Exploration in the Crazy Mountains

July 4th is a great time to celebrate America's independence, but it is even a better time to get out for a few days in the mountains. Mike and I always manage to do something memorable over the Independence Day holiday and this year was no exception. Our destination, the Crazy Mountains.

Backpacking Stats

Ladder of Kotor as seen from across the bay.

Last summer I compiled a list of hiking highlights in a post so I thought I'd do a similar post this year. This summer was another stellar time for outdoor adventures and Mike continues to be a good activity partner. Thanks to him, it was the most backpacking I had ever done in one summer. 

An Overlooked Gem: The Sky Rim Trail in Yellowstone

This year's Independence Day adventure was quite the contrast to last year's (http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2014/10/the-truth-about-skiing-blaze.html). Rather than skiing 1,600+ vertical feet of perfect summer snow, Mike and I spent three days hiking from Teepee Creek to Specimen Creek via the Sky Rim Trail. It was a glorious walk in some of Yellowstone National Park's most easily accessible high country.

Summertime Done, Come and Gone, My Oh My!

(Post title courtesy of the Grateful Dead, U.S. Blues)

Ross Peak, Northern Bridgers

Finally! It is starting to feel like winter in Bozeman. Each year I hope to make my first ski turns in October but that didn't happen this year. October came and went. While early November brought some unusually cold weather and snow, the month passed with little additional snow and unusually warm weather. November is often the worst month of the year with hit or miss ski conditions and increasingly muddy and icy trails that make hiking and biking no fun.