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Post by topshot on Jun 16, 2022 14:33:44 GMT -8
Given the recent flooding damage, I'm thinking it may be wise to plan something else for July 10-15 since even if they can open some roads back up, things will remain a mess for some time. However, I don't know how wide of an area got hit with the storms/flooding so not sure what is feasible to get to with a small car so would appreciate thoughts from those that might know the extent of damage/road closures in the region.
I'd think the Absaroka and Teton Wildernesses could be difficult.
We had planned to stop at Craters of the Moon the night beforehand (coming from Crater Lake NP) so something near that route is OK. I'm quite familiar with Wind River Range if it was far enough away to not get hit.
Need to fly out of SLC July 16 so maybe the High Uintas?
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nickhowes
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Post by nickhowes on Jun 17, 2022 5:14:09 GMT -8
I would say that the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness and the Northern part of Yellowstone will be difficult for at least this year. The other places you mention should be OK.
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Post by absarokanaut on Jun 17, 2022 11:27:47 GMT -8
The only closures on the Shoshone National Forest are some of the developed recreation areas on the North Fork of the Shoshone. Blackrock Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton [Teton Wilderness] has no alerts or closures at this time. I was up at Slide Lake Wednesday and can tell you the River was HUMMING. Crystal Creek Campground is closed because of downed trees.
I would think the 4 Pass Loop and much of the Southern Absaroka is OK aside from blowdowns. Cougar and Pierpont Passes should be magical in your time frame. I would guess some of the rarely visited wonderful backpacking in the Tetons North of Mt. Moran should be OK too. If you haven't done anything in the Gros Ventre look into Brewster Lake, the Six Lakes, Macleod, Lake, etc.
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Post by absarokanaut on Jun 27, 2022 8:14:39 GMT -8
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nickhowes
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Post by nickhowes on Jun 28, 2022 11:50:56 GMT -8
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Post by hikerjer on Jul 3, 2022 18:35:13 GMT -8
The recent flooding is really going to put a damper on local folk’s, myself included, hiking opportinities in the nearby mountains.. The vast majority of access routes to popular and even less popular trails, are closed. It’ll be a long drive to any trailhead in the Beartooths for some time.
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nickhowes
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Post by nickhowes on Jul 7, 2022 3:14:13 GMT -8
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Post by topshot on Jul 17, 2022 9:29:59 GMT -8
As it turned out, Yellowstone itself appeared to be recovering well. In our 2 days of doing normal sightseeing I didn't find the traffic/crowds too bad or notice obvious damage aside from a couple spots I'd guess there had been mud/rockslides onto north loop. We drove north loop one day and south loop next day, which already had construction planned. I discovered the rock that had been perched atop Tower Falls for over 100 years (40 years ago) had finally fallen at some point since then and the Mammoth Hot Springs have died quite a bit as well.  The Sky Rim trail was really nice and more challenging than I expected (not enough training time this year). Glad we went counter-clockwise. Moose was about the only major wildlife we didn't see (odd considering how often I reported seeing them 40 years ago in my trip journal). All of that was from the car except for the goats on Big Horn. |
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Jul 17, 2022 10:44:01 GMT -8
topshot We lived in Cody for a few years, moved away at the end of '83. Returned in '88 to find the rock gone. Seems it fell in June of '86.
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Post by burntfoot on Jul 18, 2022 15:35:37 GMT -8
As it turned out, Yellowstone itself appeared to be recovering well. In our 2 days of doing normal sightseeing I didn't find the traffic/crowds too bad or notice obvious damage aside from a couple spots I'd guess there had been mud/rockslides onto north loop. We drove north loop one day and south loop next day, which already had construction planned. I discovered the rock that had been perched atop Tower Falls for over 100 years (40 years ago) had finally fallen at some point since then and the Mammoth Hot Springs have died quite a bit as well. The Sky Rim trail was really nice and more challenging than I expected (not enough training time this year). Glad we went counter-clockwise. Moose was about the only major wildlife we didn't see (odd considering how often I reported seeing them 40 years ago in my trip journal). All of that was from the car except for the goats on Big Horn. Yeah, counter-clockwise for Skyrim is best. Did you come off Black Butte Creek or Daly Creek? I am assuming you camped at Shelf Lake. Did you do a side trip up Sheep Mountain? |
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Post by topshot on Jul 18, 2022 17:41:04 GMT -8
We came out Daly Creek. Had thought we might do Sheep Mtn while @ Shelf Lake (WE5) but decided to take it easy given the long next day, which was a good decision I think. We had time but weather did come in that afternoon.
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