Mount Washburn

August 6, 2007

A mountain climb, eh? At least that's what some at camp facetiously called it. And with a former road going all the way to the top. At only 5½ miles round trip with just 1800 ft. elevation gain this made for a very popular hike both weeks of camp. There are two trailheads to choose from, each with the same distance to hike and climb. A car shuttle or key pass could be arranged for, though all the trips from camp used the nearest trailhead at Dunraven Pass. The view from the top gives you a feeling for just how huge Yellowstone Park is. To the south and southwest can be seen many of the geyser basins. Far to the south is Yellowstone Lake, with the Tetons yet further beyond. From the south, to the east, then to the north stretches the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. And far off to the northeast looms Electric Peak.

We got an early start from camp shortly after 7 in part to avoid expected heavy traffic. Inside the Park we saw a coyote bound across the road. It was foggy most of the way, but we climbed out of the fog just north of Canyon Junction. The trail (former road) climbs steadily up the mountain, first forested, then out in the open. Another reason for starting early, so you’re not caught in the open during the heat of the day. It certainly wasn’t a problem this day: we were treated to a chilly wind on the exposed ridge, and were glad for the enclosed observation room below the lookout, where we ate our lunches. By this time the fog below had mostly cleared off, and the views we had were as good as could be desired. On our way down the mountain we were treated to closeup encounters with bighorn sheep.

We returned to the car and joined the crowds back at Canyon Village. There we checked out the exhibits at the new Visitors’ Center, and then drove to the canyon and hiked to Grandview and Lookout Points for views into the Grand Canyon and of the Lower Falls. On the way out of the Park we stopped at the Artists Paintpots to take in the sights and smells of the various hot pools and mud pots there.

On this hike were Marianne Camp, Sue Carey and Wayne Deeter, leader.

Deer by the trail going up Washburn