On our last day in Yellowstone, we checked out of the Lake Hotel (the lobby was decked out for Independence Day and reminded us it was the 4th!). We drove back through perfectly peaceful Hayden Valley on a beautiful morning - en route to the Dunraven Pass Trailhead of Mount Washburn. There are two trails up to the fire lookout tower. The one we took is a little longer but not as steep and is supposed to be more scenic. The weather was absolutely perfect: a clear, sunny day without too much wind, and the temps varied from light jacket and gloves to shirt sleeves. But it was a huge improvement from the wind and misty rain the day prior.
The only wildlife we saw during the hike were a few marmots, some birds, and a patch of reddish snow that looked like something dead had been drug through it! At the top of the mountain we saw female and baby long-horned sheep. So they didn't have the fancy antlers like the trail photo. But most importantly, this was the one day we didn't see bears! We were happy about that!
On the back hill - almost covered by the clouds - it the fire lookout tower that is our destination. It took us about 2 1/2 hours to get there from the trailhead.
The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is SOOOOO BIG!
When we got to the top it was windy but amazing! There was also a holiday greeting awaiting us in the snow pack! We stayed up at the top for about 30 minutes before making our 90 minute descent.
So proud of William (and John and myself!) for tackling a big hike. This was why we bought the fancy boots, afterall! Though poor John had to hike in his running shoes because the sole of his hiking boot cracked and disconnected from his boot the day before. It was a little rough in the snow pack without the water proofing but not too bad. Luckily it was the fittest of the Shields hikers that had that disadvantage.
