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Backpacker Magazine – August 2008
Yellowstone National Park
America's first national park is a playground for grizzlies, wolves, moose, and hikers (not in that order).
Photo courtesy Wyoming Travel & Tourism
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Tags:
- Denali National Park |
- Glacier National Park |
- Yosemite National Park |
- Grand Canyon National Park |
- Yellowstone National Park |
- Olympic National Park |
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
- Alaska |
- Wyoming |
- Colorado |
All hail the granddaddy of national parks. Established in 1872, Yellowstone is the oldest and most iconic protected wilderness in the world. Most visitors gape at its big-screen natural drama from their cars–and there's a lot to see, what with all the wolves and grizzlies, burping geysers, and steamy, pristine rivers filled with monster trout. But if the show's this good from the road, wait until you see what's hiding over the next ridge. When you probe Yellowstone's backcountry, you immerse yourself in a 2.2-million-acre playground that includes remote 11,000-foot peaks, meadows saturated in wildflowers, and a trail network that dates back to the Indian wars.
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READERS COMMENTS
Pelican Creek trail bridge washed out about 3 miles in. Great hike over open areas. Bison and deer and elk. Wild flowers and blue skies. July 11.
Lone Star Geyser Trail on July 12. Great short hike to remote geyser. Be aware....bugs are BAD along the way.
Make sure u walk down white creek from the Great fountain geyser. You will see some nice blue pools, and a couple of small geysers by the river. Trail ends at two small waterfalls at the end of the valley. You will loose the trail a bit but just keep following the river.You should have this off boardwalk trail to yourself.
For the active visitor, the park has thousands of miles of trails from dayhikes to backcountry explorations. The main attractions are all located on the grand loop road and here are some of the top reasons to visit the park. http://www.wildlifeworld360.com
I have spent a lot of time in the Yellowstone area and am always skeptical when I see guides like this. But I have to say that I am very impressed. They recommended great hikes that will give you a good understanding of the diversity of this amazing ecosystem. If you are in for a little longer and more remote experience, try hiking the Thorofare region in the SE corner of the park.
Make SURE you don't stay too long at Old Faithful. Some of the coolest geyser's are behind it and down stream along the wooden path. An hour of two before sunset makes for some very pretty photographs.
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