Yellowstone 12th day

At the top of the hill, we got a good view of Mammoth Campground..

Today, we go on a hike. It should be about a 3.6 mile hike out and 3.6 miles back with some elevation gains and loss nothing too strenuous. We will be hiking along the Gardiner River and Lava Creek.

The trail starts directly across the highway from our camp site. We watch people walk up it all the time. In the beginning, the trail climbs a pretty steep incline and then down to the river.  We got some pretty impressive views from the top.  When we looked back to the trail head we got a great view of Mammoth which is on the hill just above the campground.

The residential area for the rangers is just up the road from the campground. In a grass field there, a male Elk was laying down.

We also found one of the earthquake sensors the park monitors.

It is time to head down to the river.

Once we got to the river, we had to cross a narrow metal swinging bridge. It was not possible to cross without getting some bounce.

We did get a surprise as we started down.  It confirms something we have heard many nights.  Wolves are in this area.

The trail was sometimes close to the river but just as often up along a hill.  We also found more bones and tracks of elk in the mud along the river bank.

This is a bridge we had crossed a couple of times driving to Lamar Valley. As you can see, it is quite a way above the river below.

The trail is crossed by some pretty serious looking washes.  Glad we are not here just after a rain. Notice the fine gray dirt that is piled up at the edges.

Lunch was at one of the camping areas on the trail. Our view for lunch was great.

Back to the RV.  We have a different perspective on our hike back.