Day hike - specific criteria

Hi,

My wife and I are visiting Yellowstone in late July/early August and would like to take a daylong hike. Maybe you can help us choose from among the wonderful ones availible?

We are staying in Grant Village, and wish to leave early moring and be back in time for dinner.

We are in our late 20%26#39;s/early 30%26#39;s and are fit. We have enjoyed hikes up Angel%26#39;s Landing and through the Narrows in Zion NP, Bright Angel and South Kaibob in Grand Canyon, and Old Rag in Shenandoah, to give an idea of what we like.

Here is what we are looking for:

1. We want to get away from heavy crowds; we don%26#39;t mind seeing others while hiking, but we don%26#39;t want to be in view of other hikers the entire way.

2. We would like to see some really interesting geologic features, whether geothermic, waterfall, or vista.

3. Challenging terrain is a plus.

4. Possibility to see some wildlife is a plus.

A friend recommended Fairy Falls, are there other that fit the bill?

Thanks for any advice,

Bluestruck

Day hike - specific criteria

Hey Bluestruck- Hi from another Fredericktonian!

Fairy Falls hike is nice and a beautiful waterfall but not a challenging hike at all. It is rather flat, though you can take a short detour up hill for an awesome view of Grand Prismatic. If you do take this hike continue on past the falls for another .7 miles to imperial geyser. It%26#39;s kind of neat sitting watching it go off and having it all to yourself! There are so many wonderful hikes I%26#39;ll try to just pick a couple but I think the one to fit the bill the best would be the Bunsen Peak/Osprey Falls loop. It%26#39;s a 10 mile hike to a mountain top with beautiful vistas then back down and into a canyon with an incredible waterfall. Mt Washburn is a must do- only 6 miles round trip to the top and again beautiful views. Avalache Peak is only 4 miles but rather steep. Sorry I could go on and on it is all so amazing, you will have a wonderful time. We will be there again end of June/ beginning July. Can%26#39;t wait!

Day hike - specific criteria

Some ideas-

1. Canyon Area (make sure the trail is open first. Construction last year closed parts of the trail.) Seven Mile Hole Trail - This hike takes 6-8 hours to complete. Following the Canyon Rim for the first 1.5 miles (2.4 km), you will be rewarded with views of Silver Cord Cascade. Continue north another 0.5 mile (0.8 km) to join the Washburn Spur Trail; at 3 miles (4.8 km), the trail drops off to Seven Mile Hole, a 1.5 mile (2.4 km), 1,400 foot (425 m) drop. Hike it carefully, watch your footing, and conserve your energy. Depending on your condition and the weather, it can be a long hike back out. Be especially careful where the trail passes both dormant and active hot springs. Off-trail travel is prohibited. Not recommended for persons with heart and/or respiratory problems.

2. Washburn Trail/Washburn Spur Trail- Great wildflowers and wildlife sightings. May be closed depending on bear activity in the area.

This hike begins at the Dunraven Pass trailhead to Mount Washburn and ends at the Glacial Boulder on Inspiration Point Road. This strenuous hike takes 6-8 hours to complete. Starting at the Washburn Trailhead at Dunraven Pass, you ascend Mt. Washburn. After this three mile ascent, the Washburn Spur Trail descends very steeply from the east side of the Fire Lookout to Washburn Hot Springs in another 3.7 miles (6 km). Here you will find some interesting thermal features, including mud pots. Continue past the turnoff to Seven Mile Hole and follow the trail to the Glacial Boulder and the Canyon area. Not recommended for persons with heart and/or respiratory problems.

3. Mammoth Area: Beaver Ponds - - Moderate elevation gain to pretty ponds. The best thing about this hike was that we only saw 3 people. Lots of elk were around and some of the males were agressive which made us nervous. We also saw grouse, chipmonks and many different birds. No beavers however. This hike is recommended in the morning. Bathroom near trail head.

4. Fishing Bridge area - Elephant Back – The reward of hiking this 3-mile round trip trail through lodgepole forests is the view at the end! The overlook will give you a panoramic view of Yellowstone Lake, Lake Hotel and Lake Lodge, and Pelican Valley. (Although moderately strenuous, the trail is usually well maintained, family-friendly, and also offers a chance to spot moose and deer. (Check ahead for possible trail closures.) The trailhead is one mile south of Fishing Bridge junction.