Bighorn Trail, Labor Day Weekend - Yellowstone National Park

This is a 16 mile day hike up to Panther Lake which is just below the pass on the Bighorn trail. This is on the east side of the pass starting at the Indian Creek campground on highway 89. This is a fairly easy hike with a good trail all the way. There are no bugs or mosquitoes this time of year. If you hike the right way you will see a lot of wildlife with a good chance of seeing black bears and grizzly bears.
Here are some Amazon links to the equipment I use. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Camera 1 - amzn.to/3h9mIBj
Camera 2 - amzn.to/2RbmFu4
Backpack - amzn.to/3h6NGcQ
Satellite Communicator - amzn.to/3bD4UgZ
Scope - amzn.to/2DG7Mgk
Hiking Shoes - amzn.to/2FbeE6d

[@deshawncantrell8931]

Thanks Mr Stan , after having a stressful work day, I set in the easy chair and get lost in nature... WONDERFUL

[@loricollins3163]

Stan, thank you welcoming me on your walk...as a 4th/5th grade teacher the land of Zoom tries and tires my brain at days end. I love my kidlets to pieces and give 100% to them but it is the longing and calling to get back to nature which brings peace to my soul. Your gift to us is a salve for my spirit and reminds of the some of the goodness in life. Feeling blessed. I love your wolf prints...it reminds of one of your videos (this year?) with the wolves on the ridge in the distance. Take care and be well.

[@JoseManuelHiniesto]

Amazing ... I love nature and wild species. Thanks, I enjoyed seeing this beauty of nature. Thank you!

[@marymidgett2022]

Wow, thanks for the early morning hike. Loved all the sounds and the squirrel collecting his food.

[@teresabarbao8593]

Beautiful wolf print. Really enjoyed the hike . Always love the great morning sounds bugling! Awesome. Loved the moose an even more good spotting in the tall grasses taking there siesta. The elk having a battle is amazing to watch. An pretty hawks. An the squirrel harvesting some food for winter so cute. Nice job done thank you Stan.

[@teaprep185]

I love all of your videos. Even the ones without bears. The scenery is beautiful and of course all of the wildlife. Please keep the videos coming. This may be the only way some of us will ever see the beauty of Yellowstone. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@StanMills]

Cathy, thank you very much. I have not made any videos lately because none of my hiking has been interesting. Not much wildlife. But I will be putting out a video in a few days called “Yellowstone Mountaintop Day Hikes”. Thank you again for your comments.

[@teaprep185]

@@StanMills I'm so happy to hear that another video will soon be out! I have MS and spend several days a week with your videos playing nonstop on my TV. I think your videos would be interesting even without much wildlife. The views are always amazing and bring a smile to my heart! Thank you for that!

[@jonEmontana]

Good footage Stan. The elk herd looks healthy in there. 👍 thanks for sharing. Looked like a perfect weather day

[@grandmamichelle6753]

Stan, you continue to amaze! What a beautiful hike. Please stay safe.

[@ingeborgm6147]

Once again the video ended too soon. Thank you Stan! It takes a brave man to hike before sunrise...amazing sounds!

[@FREDOGISFUUN]

I enjoy hiking with you Stan, I can even smell the sage!

[@beeamerica5024]

Reminds me of when I used to hunt to be in the woods and be ready when the sun comes up and watch the day unfold

[@lindamiller3144]

Beautiful!! Amazing, all the sound before daybreak! Your zoom lens was awesome! The chipmunk was gorgeous!! In awe of your ability to walk in grizzly marked territory!! The entire video keeps my attention and wanting more...from the sounds, landscape , sky, flowers, birds, elk, moose, bison and more!! You paint an artistic story...Thankyou for letting us journey with you!!

[@tampadan7128]

Never get tired with your great work. Thanks for sharing.

[@marianfrances4959]

Such a beautiful trail! 😉👍🇨🇦🌲🌳🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

[@REB65]

Awesome Mr. Mills, thank you 👍👍. Stay safe and God bless ✌️

[@RJinspire]

Stan thanks for visiting my channel, I like your nature video and the animals look great in the wild

[@cruzbeckham2504]

Thanks 4 Sharing..... Awesome video

[@glennwojcik2342]

One of my favorite hikes this summer. I go further each time. Specimen is another fun hike.

[@beach3girl459]

Hawk, lookin' like a Christmas tree ornament... Griz remindin' us that the woods are his.

[@annkey4091]

Beautiful scenery.

[@robertberg3944]

great morning sounds and beautiful scenery at sunrise!

[@longwildernesswalks]

Beautiful! I'll be there next Saturday for a 9 night 10 day trip through the Thorofare. Can't wait!!! Thank you for sharing!

[@StanMills]

Wow! You are going to have a great time. Are you going to make a video of it? I hope you do.

[@longwildernesswalks]

@@StanMills Oh yes. It'll take a bit to edit all that down into something easy to take in. I'll be sure to post it for ya. Thanks again Stan!

[@longwildernesswalks]

@@StanMills Here ya go Stan! kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKndqmyXoteXaas

[@teriglad1]

I am amazed you could get those elk over 6 miles away with a Canon SX70! Your hikes never disappoint.

[@kellyhickerson602]

Haven't even finished watching yet, but.. THANK YOU!!! I check for a new one every morning! Never underestimate the power of audio footage of the often incredible onslaught of forest and meadow sound in YNPGE.. awesome!!... :)

[@garygrow8373]

What an incredible and enjoyable video! I loved every minute. Your video skills are appreciated. Thank YOU!

[@glennmorrell4907]

Wow... you got this posted quick! Nice work, as usual. I like your minimalist approach.

[@doreengardner2849]

What a great hike!! Thank you for sharing your travels with me. I love it!!

[@mtnboy6201]

New subscriber. Just LOVE the relaxing pace of your walk. Thanks for no background music, nature does a pretty good job on its own !

[@strugglingbeekeepermarkcot9642]

Great video Stan I loved going to Yellowstone last summer some very nice scenery out there. If I had to move from West Virginia I would move out there.

[@deborahbuckley3436]

The only way that I am going to see Yellowstone this year is through your camera lenses. Thank you so much, I love it when your new videos come out. It makes my day. Pleas keep up the good work.

[@kristiejacobs4854]

Me, too😢. Gonna try next fall to get there.

[@TheTonbelo]

Stan, i hope you are ok ? I love you're video's, i hope they Come soon.

[@jenisecoronado5555]

Great video as always and awesome artwork! Wow, there should be a "Stan Mills Art Gallery"! Thank you!

[@johnjaegerjr6539]

I did this trail earlier this summer. I noticed that the bears had ripped the trail markers off of the trees also. This was one of the nicer hikes I did. Thanks for sharing.

[@reeldealfly7987]

You are so brave. I could not hike there at night. We struggle with anxiety hiking Slough Creek alone.

[@jeaniegregory846]

We are thoroughly enjoying your videos and want to Thank you for them ! We are planning a drive through Yellowstone this summer , we have decided to buy a Canon SX70 so that we can zoom into the distance to hopefully see the wildlife . We won't be hiking , but we will be stopping at various turnouts so that we can catch some good views.

[@StanMills]

Just remember the sx70 is not a great quality shooting camera. It is good for hiking because it is small, light, and has a good zoom but that is about it.

[@jeaniegregory846]

Thanks for the heads up!

[@jeaniegregory846]

It looks like the camera does take good videos , that is mainly how we'll use it.

[@sitarakhanstatus8731]

Amazing very nice 👍

[@StanMills]

Sitara, thank you very much for your comment.

[@billendy7425]

Due to the virus I won't be making a trip up this year. Last time I missed a year was the summer after the fires of '88. These wonderful vids are the next best thing to being there.

[@jamesbonner5989]

Another enjoyable video, thanks for sharing.

[@BluestemMemories]

What a fabulous day, thank you.

[@alexiawuebber4778]

Hey Stan this is Alexia the one who rode the black lobster how you doing you have great videos

[@StanMills]

Alexia, I am so happy to hear from you. I still drive by your stop every day and every day I wonder how you are doing. I sure miss you riding our bus. I hope you have a very merry Christmas. Thank you so much for writing and staying in touch. Stan

[@barbaraberrier8840]

What beauty. Hearing nature in the dark, the sunrise, the flowers all just beautiful. What kind of hawks or falcon were in this video? The squirrel was helping with planting new trees. Was the red in the clouds smoke? Your drawings are amazing. Thanks again for sharing God's handiwork.

[@Cristina_C7]

Beautiful video. You are becoming a true master in this genre.

[@bcbconklin]

Great area for a hike! thumbs up!

[@lauralea86]

I am missing your hikes. Hope you are well.

[@billwhit7346]

Hi Stan, are you okay? We haven’t seen a new video in over a month. And really miss you.

[@StanMills]

Hi Bill, yes, things are great. I have not really seen much interesting stuff while hiking for over a month. That is how it usually is this time of year. It is now starting to get cold with snow. I will be putting out a video which is a combination of videos called “Yellowstone Mountaintop Day Hikes” in about a week; unless I get luck and see a bear before than. Thank you for your comments.

[@woollychaps]

@@StanMills I hiked Sheep Lake Trail yesterday, but lost the trail in the snow less than a quarter of a mile from the lake. On top of that my GPS was acting wonky so sadly I couldn't find the lake. Will have to try again some other time. While out there I was wondering what you've been up to - glad all is well! Things are indeed striking now the smoke has moved on and the mountains have a dusting.

[@shirleyduncan3653]

Where are you? I miss your videos

[@SupremeCavalry]

You are the best, Stan.

[@davidkozelsky]

Great video! Your videos never disappoint!

[@SanJuanMountainBob]

Great video Stan. Your art is amazing!

[@susanharris5926]

Thanks for uploading this. Kinda funny those bears don't like the orange markers- I wonder why?

[@hariharanvenkataramani7311]

Mighty gorgeous wildlife moments! I loved the eagle 🦅 scenes!

[@stevecajun]

fantastic

[@FeathersinWild]

beautiful place and lovely footage..Thanks for sharing. A new friend with like & sub.

[@StanMills]

Thank you for commenting. Now I know about your beautiful channel. It is going to be fun watching your video’s that look very interesting. Thank you.

[@FeathersinWild]

@@StanMills Thanks you for your kind words. You are welcome at my channel 👍

[@robertbailey3024]

I don't think I'll be bringing my orange tent next time! Luckily, I have a green one as an alternative..

[@adriennegormley9358]

quite a few healthy wapiti in there.

[@carolynbetz4449]

Marvelous video as usual. If I can’t be there watching your hikes eases the pain till I can be back. Would you mind telling me what video camera you use again? It takes fantastic shots. And the zoom is just crazy!! Thanks again for another super video!

[@StanMills]

Carolyn, I don’t use a very good camera. There is a link in the description section. I use a Canon SX70. I use it because it is small, light, cheap, does 4K video, and has a good zoom lens. But it really does nothing with real good quality. I also use a GoPro camera because it is small. I think it takes great video but it does no zoom. It works great while walking. Thank you for your comments.

[@ArmednotTriggered]

Heading to the park next week for our second visit. Hoping to run into you, Mr. Mills. We always enjoy your videos. God Bless! I see in the description that there's not an issue with bugs this time of year. Is that true for the whole park? The last time we visited was in May, so it was too cool for them. But with the higher temperatures, we were concerned about mosquitoes.

[@StanMills]

I just wanted to check with you to see how your visit went. Has not been that great for me because I have not seen a bear for over a month. I hope you saw some good stuff. Thank you for your comments.

[@alantally5604]

I backpack the Winds a lot. Did you see any bears out there? DO you carry bear spray? I run in to moose most often. Only seen 1 bear headed for the brush. He saw me first.

[@johneason6540]

Stan you take great detail in your videos, amazing view and the wildlife you capture is amazing. I really enjoy your work. BTW, what is the difference in the red trail markers versus the yellow trail markers in the park. I would love to hike with you sometime. Thanks

[@passholer]

the rut started early this year

[@dkirchner4773]

Magnificent!

[@LandscapingArt]

Mr Mills I did this hike just a few days ago! What day did you do it?? Did you by chance see a silver Jeep GC Laredo at the trail head? Lol I actually did the extra horse trail section that goes off to the left from the main bighorn walking trail head

[@StanMills]

I went on Saturday. I then went on Monday to try to get a bear for the video but I didn’t see anything but a couple of dear on Monday. Plus the storm hit on Monday afternoon pretty good. Did you go on Sunday? If so what did your foot print look like. I could see that someone on Sunday hike all the way to the lake and they may have even hike further. I turned around at the lake.

[@LandscapingArt]

Stan Mills ah man I actually went on Friday, so almost a week ago now, I didn’t get to the lake, I went off trail a bit about 3 miles into the hike up on those hills to the right to get some views/pics overlooking the valley, just did a short day hike, was pretty hot that day which is why I didn’t do too much, I unfortunately didn’t see too much wildlife on the trail, it’s probably a lot better in the morning normally

[@michaelhall1156]

Can i come hiking with you next june

[@TTBO31]

Correct me if I’m wrong but isn’t park protocol 1/2 before and after dawn dusk?

[@TTBO31]

Additionally thank you for documenting your adventures. It’s hard for me to share as I appreciate the average park visitors staying on the roads. Best

[@StanMills]

Why would that be?

[@EllieCoconut-mv9mg]

Stan is my bus driver lol

[@mickster1780]

it's elk rut season!

[@teresabarbao8593]

What a great time of year!

[@Jeffwelch1440]

Are you boots and leggings waterproof or do you hike with wet feet?

[@pwprochazka]

Clearly there are no cows around. Those two are locking up antlers and not really pushing on each other. They stop, look around, snack a bit on grass and get back to locking up again. If one of them had established a haram, this would be much more aggressive.

[@StanMills]

I think that is a very good explanation of what is going on. Pwpro, did you see the bull elk with the huge haram later in the video?

[@pwprochazka]

@@StanMills oh yeah. That guy would be really beating up on anyone wanting to chase him off!

[@ingeborgm6147]

Smart squirrel throwing down cones, isn't it? The calls of elks is so impressive and majestic; they sound like they own the forests. Also intimidating. I say it again Stan Mills: you are a brave man hiking in the dark among wildlife such as the wily Grizzly bear. They are so dangerous they silk, attack, disable and leave.....only to come back after a short while to make sure their victim did not recover and walk away. If the shredded human did, it will stalk and attack again ....to kill! Grizzlies are ferocious predators without mercy. Once they are done bluffing, they only have one gear left: KILL! For that reason I believe it takes the bravest of men to go into their territory and Stan is one of those man! That is why we see videos of trails of raw nature not seen by many. Few dare to linger and film in these areas. You read the warning posted by Wildlife Management. Thank you Stan, it was another one of your amazing hikes!

[@14149bb]

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