Journey to the Head Waters of the Yellowstone River Episode 1

Finding the upper head waters of the Yellowstone River in Wyoming on horseback. This journey will take us through the Bridger Teton & Shoshone Wildernesses. Up and over Deer Creek Pass down into the Thoroughfare Drainage to the Yellowstone River and Bridger Lake. Then up the river to the head waters where water starts on the mighty Yellowstone River. Then we will travel across the Buffalo Plateau and down Marston Pass to the South Fork of the Shoshone River, and travel out along the Canyons of the Shoshone River that Buffalo Bill help build in the 1880s
This will be a 3 episode video to show the massive journey it took to reach the head waters of the Yellowstone River where water starts and journey back. I tried to make a short version video of this journey but could not. It was just too wild, too big, and too grand of a landscape. So please watch all three episodes and enjoy this trip or Journey, to find the head waters of the Yellowstone River as we did.
We traveled by horseback over 3 mountain passes, three water sheds like the Yellowstone River that lead to the Missouri River. Head waters of the Snake River to the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean. Also the Shoshone River that continues down to the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers. We traveled by horseback 126 miles in some of the wildest county in the lower 48 starts. Enjoy our journey on the biggest screen you have.
Please comment and share your feedback with us. We would love to hear from you.
Be sure to like and share if you enjoyed this video. and above all thanks for tuning in. More wilderness horseback trips to come.
Stay curious and explore
Special thanks to Lee, Hunter and Alex of Livingstone outfitters in Cody Wyoming for there help in making this trip happen [phone]

[@davidplatt8915]

From my early 20's to my early 40's I guided summer horse pack trips and fall elk, deer and sheep hunts in Colorado's Gunnison Country...the Gunnison Nat'l. Forest, the West Elks wilderness area, the LaGarita wilderness area and others. It was the best time of my life and your excellent video brought back so many memories of great times, challenging times, the good horses and mules (and a few bad ones) the packing, the tarps, the lash ropes, the box hitches, the smells and the sounds of it all. In my late sixties now and don't imagine I'll ever have the chance to ride the trails again so...thank you for posting this. Will watch for the next episode. Great job!

[@cowdogflicks]

I plan on going to the west elks this summer and also the LaGarita Wilderness Where do you live now would love to talk with you email [e-mail]

[@finn3408]

Try to do a trail ride again sir.

[@barbara1407]

David platt - What a wonderful life you have lived - be very thankful for it.

[@nazsabir4062]

You didn't leave nothing for us just killed every thing.

[@erniewood3159]

A trip that most of the population will never be able to take but is one everyone would like to....... Thanks to you folks I, at eighty, am able to do by tagging along with you. Thank you every so much for fulfilling a checkmark on my bucket list that I didn't even know was on there.

[@cowdogflicks]

No problem glad we could help watch for episode 2 & 3 you will enjoy

[@toastybeer]

just found this channel and my thoughts exactly... thanks for taking us along

[@dianabrown833]

I am also eighty but know about the med beds. Yes, you can be put in optimal health and youthen up to 33 years twice. I'm in! The thought of it keeps me going.

[@allenrogers5459]

Wow What a trip. You are doing a trip that we only can dream of doing. Great video and editing. Great story telling. Can’t wait for next episode

[@cowdogflicks]

Thanks so much!

[@janisosterman]

grdhdrtjh

[@chuckdahlquist1204]

There are very few things in this world more beautiful than riding a horse up a mountain trail. Weather on a fishing trip or hunting. And the one thing that makes it a whole bunch more enjoyable is having a darn fine group of animals. They were so well mannered and respectful of each other. Awesome to watch. Very good job on the video too.

[@cowdogflicks]

thanks for your comment it means a lot

[@alokemaitra667]

Beautiful many thanks very nice.Words not enough.

[@donnamoore7554]

How beautiful it is. And your natural background noises just add to the vicarious trip. Thank you so much. I can smell the horses, feel the breeze and the sun beating down. Your melodious narrating voice just makes it that much more enjoyable. What a special life you live but I do know how much work is involved. And team work. Your animals are amazing. ❤️🙏🏽

[@cowdogflicks]

glad you like it

[@longwildernesswalks]

Wow. I did that on foot 5 years ago in October and this brought back some amazing memories. I fought snow the whole way up to the headwaters then everything cleared and it was an amazing trip up to Crater Lake and back down the drainage. Just beautiful. I did it with my 1 year old Golden Retreiver over 8 days and we didn't have a single bear issue. We saw sign everywhere, and saw a few grizzlies on the opposing ridges, but wow. What an amazing trip! Looking forward to Episode 2.

[@Abandoned_Brane]

That's cool. I want to head back there myself. I normally do the Shoshone nf for fishing reasons. I keep having my trips interrupted by bears. I'm thinking there are less bears in the thoroughfare than where I usually go. I've only had exploring the Yellowstone region for 3 years, but I'm creeped out by the bears. I've seen and had numerous encounters in that time. I love it up there, but holy crap. No one tells you you'll have an encounter a day in the back country. 😳

[@cowdogflicks]

It does sound like you have been there It keeps calling me back

[@wakranich3488]

You're a brave soul!! I'd feel safer on horseback..

[@phillipstephens3079]

Most important members of the pack-in party: head guide, head packer, lead mule and good camp cook 👏🏻👍🏻

[@cowdogflicks]

Absolutely I am glad you enjoyed it

[@jenisecoronado5555]

So awesome being able to "ride along" with you and see things from your and the horses' perspectives! In my younger days, I would have absolutely loved such a trip, but now I am content to be able to watch all of you "get er done"! Thanks for sharing this trip in such beautiful photography and videography!

[@cowdogflicks]

You bet thanks for your comments

[@randallhermanson]

yeah! even now i am chompin at the bit to do more wilderness trekking but as i have discovered lately i am no longer able to take the load. so now we have to be content just watching and this video is a good one to watch. almost as if i am along for the ride. thats alright if this is a glimpse of Heaven. thank you Wilderness Riders for sharing.

[@dcranch4820]

I use to have 4 mules. I would take them to Colorado and ride in the mountains. Wish i had more time back then to enjoy those flop eared critters and the mountains. My mules got old and so did I. Seeing this video brings back some truly great memories! I sure do miss those times. Thanks for sharing your adventure!

[@cowdogflicks]

You and me both! Never stop dreaming

[@sarahhauptman]

This is one of the best underrated channels on KZbin. Fantastic job with the storytelling, visuals, and sound mixing. Makes you almost feel like you were there.

[@cowdogflicks]

Wow, thank you! I am trying

[@sarahhauptman]

@@cowdogflicks You're doing awesome! I know how much work it is to film, edit, and tie everything together into a coherent story. Your videos are very moving, and it's generous of you to share with the world.

[@AndyTheCornbread]

That was great! Really looking forward to seeing the rest of your trip.

[@cowdogflicks]

Ep 2 & 3 are coming working on now

[@joshtaylor4831]

Another fine video Roger! I can't wait for the rest of the episodes. That Thorofare, Yellowstone and Buffalo for drainage country is some of my favorite country. It's been about 4 years since I've made it in there and I can't wait to go back.

[@lehessman6327]

Me TOO…

[@wildrose156]

Me three!! This is just amazingly beautiful 😃 Can't wait for 2 and 3. We loved every second of this. Beautiful job and thank you 😉

[@Freespeech2023]

Me four!

[@cowdogflicks]

I do love that area It keeps calling me back

[@lostbear53]

At 15 I rode a more than a few wild mustangs 5-14+ minutes to break them in for saddle... at 24 I rode my last horse, till today, I'm 70...THANKS I just rode with you!!!

[@cowdogflicks]

anytime watch for episode 2 & 3 you will like it

[@maggiesfarm7970]

Real western high country living!

[@cowdogflicks]

Yes you are right

[@deeanderson5670]

I'm new to your videos, but I have watched them all now. This is something I had always wanted to do. Thanks for taking me along for the rides.

[@cowdogflicks]

Glad you enjoy

[@billmerkle2677]

This brought back great memories of my pack trip into the Thorofare back in 2017. We came out the Deer Creek trail. Wow! I have to go back. The views from the top of the pass are unreal. This is so good! I'll be watching for more.

[@cowdogflicks]

good to hear Watch for ep 2 & 3 working on now

[@Nulife23]

How wonderful to see this video. Years ago I helped set up an elk hunting camp way back in the borders of whyoming and Montana. It was life changing and I enjoyed it so much. Thru this video I could almost smell the sweat of the mules and the fir and pines. You are very fortunate to be out there away from this lower crazy world! Thank you!

[@cowdogflicks]

it is great thanks for watching

[@elizabethbluehorse7341]

Just wonderful! Thank you for taking us along!

[@cowdogflicks]

Our pleasure! It was fun

[@victorroman3252]

Outstanding and educational. A journey of my dreams. All well wishes to the team and stock that made this wonderful journey. Atta boy (or girl) to the dog as well.

[@cowdogflicks]

thanks

[@mattterry30]

Thanks for taking us along and I also can't wait for episode 2!

[@cowdogflicks]

thanks for comment Ep #2 & #3 are coming

[@nancyhainline2517]

Love the mules. I have 3. One gentle broke, one gentle green broke and a big black Molly that was never handled. Would like to sell them ,as I don't ride anymore. Mules are neat and so smart....

[@lehessman6327]

Loved this video.. Thank you for doing this so those of us that can’t do it anymore but still have the desire!! ❤❤

[@cowdogflicks]

You are so welcome!

[@denisewalkusch2308]

Thank you! Brought back so many memories of my time in the saddle. Excited for the next episode. Very well documented!

[@cowdogflicks]

Thanks ep 2 & 3 coming soon working on them

[@nancysmith-baker1813]

Thank you , for sharing this . Wonderful photography and film . It was soo nice to hear all the natural sounds , birds , horse feet , the waters , the crackling of the fires , the bell as the horse and mules went out . Love hearing the thunder and rain . Real music . Thank you again . Look forward to watching more .

[@cowdogflicks]

Glad you enjoyed it i try hard to bring natural sounds in

[@wakranich3488]

And I second it for sure! Extremely enjoyable.. Love horses & mules..

[@marvincarter870]

Love this video with the horses and pack horses and the beautiful scenery. Very special traveling by horseback.

[@thereturningboomerang]

Rewatching..... Love this series!

[@cowdogflicks]

good to hear working on future videos also

[@judithhitt436]

An epic journey of a lifetime. Thank you for sharing this journey. ❤❤❤❤

[@cowdogflicks]

glad you enjoyed

[@susanbrown2909]

What a beautiful place ..thanks for showing 🇬🇧

[@cowdogflicks]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@mkaysartfuljourney1239]

Love the still pictures with the sound of the horses walking. Great work. Looking forward to the next episode 🙏🏻❤️💯🕊

[@cowdogflicks]

coming soon

[@johnhedges235]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! BREATHTAKING!

[@cowdogflicks]

glad you enjoyed it

[@charles17508]

Wow how freaking wild and what a ton of fun what adventure and those mules and horses did great .

[@cowdogflicks]

it was a great trip

[@MsEssmess]

What glorious land. ! Thank you so much for sharing your journey.

[@cowdogflicks]

glad you enjoyed it

[@phillpearson7531]

One of the most beautiful and calming videos I have ever seen.

[@cowdogflicks]

thanks a lot

[@valeriehudson7276]

So glad you kept filming and kept all the video it is so beautiful

[@cowdogflicks]

Glad you enjoyed it! More to come

[@randy1984]

Beautiful video. Brought back a lot of memories packing into Lincoln National Forest in New Mexico. Thanks. Keep um coming!

[@cowdogflicks]

thanks

[@mackandrews6387]

Awesome video! I’ve been to Hawks Rest on an elk hunt and want to go back in the summer sometime. Beautiful country!

[@cowdogflicks]

Thanks for your comment

[@maxcorder2211]

You had a good cook, and some fine whiskey.

[@cowdogflicks]

You got that right!

[@jimhanson7476]

Amazing country, enjoyed every minute.. well done

[@cowdogflicks]

Thanks watch the lastest video A journey to the Head waters of the Yellowstone River

[@rickhao9665]

01-23-23 ...Better then any TV documentary ....EXCELLENT camera /scenes (videography)....👍 👍

[@cowdogflicks]

Glad you enjoyed it watch for episode 2 & 3

[@paulcooper7946]

Unbelievable ride,The scenery,and my favorite,SW Montana thunderstorms.I could smell it!!

[@cowdogflicks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@artcook1976]

Fantastic I done a few mountain horse packing in the 70tys northern Idaho and Montana ,thanks for bringing out old memories 😀 😊 😄 🙂 😎 😁 😀 😊

[@cowdogflicks]

Glad you enjoyed it keep dreaming

[@gojoe36]

Great video...scenery was AWESOME 🤩

[@cowdogflicks]

Yes it was! glad you enjoyed

[@sidilicious11]

Like many here, this brought back memories of times long ago. We walked and led pack donkeys for 3 summers back in the 80’s and saw some extraordinary back country like this. I used to be able to rig a mean double diamond hitch. ✌🏻

[@cowdogflicks]

you are good if you can do a double diamond hitch glad you enjoyed

[@AintNoFool]

I enjoyed every moment! ❤

[@cowdogflicks]

I'm so glad!

[@jordancardenas269]

Thanks for letting us watch your journey I have seen beautiful scenery a very nice place you see if nature is left as it is never change or altered it shows its true beauty

[@cowdogflicks]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@gumotx]

WoW! What a great ride. So relaxing to watch and enjoy. My favorite part was the horses grazing before the thunder and rains began. So awesome I felt like I was there with you. Thanks for taking us all along.

[@cowdogflicks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@AlbertDBurch]

That's beautiful country. I would love to be doing just what your doing. Your very lucky to be riding that country on the back of a fine animal. Thanks for the journey.

[@cowdogflicks]

Thanks

[@margaretsusanlohre9780]

Love your film. I spent 10 days horse camping in the Bob Marshall in 2005 - it was awesome. My horse and I are now in southern Ohio and have great trails but I love the grandeur of the trails in the west. Thank you for sharing your experience!!!!

[@cowdogflicks]

We had fun on this pack trip watch all three to enjoy it

[@reallywow6755]

Myself and three friends rode in to the headwaters back in 1984. The best trip of my life. The best cutthroat fishing of my life as well. Thanks for sharing.

[@cowdogflicks]

That is awesome! I am glad it tounch a memory for you more to come

[@geniemedford9200]

So awesome! As a person who always wants to see the headwaters, I loved this so much. Thanks for the great video. Love it all.

[@cowdogflicks]

thanks for your comment

[@susanwirt1]

Wow! Fantastic work guys and gal. Thank you.

[@cowdogflicks]

thanks

[@Sizzlesride]

❤ Your films rejuvenate my soul😊 Thank you.🇺🇸

[@cowdogflicks]

good to hear

[@bentoucourt]

Thank you very very much from France. Your video made me visit your country, and probably the part I love the most. Country landscape, country spirit is the Heart of America ! Merci beaucoup !

[@cowdogflicks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@geraldsouthard7092]

Stunning! Thank you for the video.

[@cowdogflicks]

watch for Episode 2 & 3 you will enjoy

[@acosmictemple]

So much beauty and abundance

[@cowdogflicks]

it was a great trip

[@georgejaparidze]

Hell yeah, such a great trip. I'd like to do this once in my lifetime.

[@cowdogflicks]

glad you enjoyed it

[@pamcannon3126]

What a beautiful ride!. I'm so jealous!

[@cowdogflicks]

thanks for your comment

[@dedwin8930]

Never been on a packed trip myself. Really enjoyed it loved watching the animals and the dog. Thank you for no music. Nice to hear the animals beautiful scenery. Thank you to all of you from Dennis.

[@cowdogflicks]

Thanks for watching

[@007tennispro]

Outstanding! Brings back a lot of memories of my youth, which I will never forget. Thank you for the video, our nation needs more of this kind of programing especially for the next generation. So jealous! Thank you again for the content. Keep them coming, we need it!

[@cowdogflicks]

Our pleasure! glad you enjoyed it

[@atticuskilby515]

Excellent, thanks for sharing.

[@cowdogflicks]

My pleasure!

[@philarony4921]

Wonderful! Thanks. We did some riding like this in WY and MT years ago. Also in the Gila Wilderness of NM among other places. This brings it all back.

[@cowdogflicks]

glad you enjoyed it

[@lotahitchanova]

Your video captured the peace and grandeur of the mountains, rivers and forest. I sat and enjoyed the stillness of your camp and the pace of your string . Long ago I packed horses up the Kananskis river valley. Your trip was a pleasant reminder of that time in my life. Thank you!

[@cowdogflicks]

glad you enjoyed it always remember our time in the mountains

[@kellibrooks9032]

This was such a beautiful horse trip

[@cowdogflicks]

thanks

[@doctorartphd6463]

Beautiful. Thank you. (Montana)

[@cowdogflicks]

Our pleasure!

[@fidelnaveiro7358]

Wow just majestic

[@cowdogflicks]

I am glad you enjoyed it

[@John-uo1qf]

Loved it! Great adventure. Much easier to watch on KZbin than to participate. Brings back great memories from the years we living in Wyoming

[@cowdogflicks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@fidiusjwhoopie]

Father God surely deserves some Glory for all the beauty of His creation that He provided for us to enjoy to God be the Glory

[@cowdogflicks]

glad you enjoyed it

[@samwebster1266]

Looks like a wonderful adventure!

[@cowdogflicks]

It was! thanks for watching

[@prairrie]

So brilliant a trek thank you

[@cowdogflicks]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@kennydean4083]

Beautiful love the Yellowstone area

[@cowdogflicks]

It really is!

[@arnenelson4495]

Thanks for sharing the beautiful country.

[@cowdogflicks]

Our pleasure!

[@milajulian3072]

So beautiful the views its magnificent

[@cowdogflicks]

thanks it was enjoyable

[@cherylpearson1963]

Love this video. You ate riding a magnificently beautiful horse. I would love to fish some of those rivers. Thank you for sharing your adventure. 🥰

[@cowdogflicks]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jimnivens9214]

Thank You for sharing your trip

[@cowdogflicks]

Our pleasure!

[@percymcnabb4746]

thanks for sharing, beautiful

[@cowdogflicks]

glad you like it

[@gingerbread6614]

Great video. Thank you

[@cowdogflicks]

thanks

[@alduff229]

Great filming and editing work. I liked how you added audio to the still shots. Beautiful country.

[@cowdogflicks]

watch for episode 2 & 3 you will like them

[@Matt-uj6jm]

I have seen most of the world but this is on my bucket list 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@cowdogflicks]

keep dreaming and exploring

[@suelynpeters9661]

Thank you so much for your channel! In my younger years,my family and I would hunt in the high sierras and I so miss the experience.

[@cowdogflicks]

Our pleasure!

[@americannavajopatriot9412]

Thank you.. what an awesome video👍🏾👍🏾💯 Loved the natural sound.. the creek, the hoves, birds and all💯+

[@cowdogflicks]

glad you enjoyed i did

[@Jigsdr99]

Beautiful Journey 🤠

[@cowdogflicks]

this was a great trip

[@edwardmiller6353]

Amazing adventure! Thanks for sharing this!! (From NE Indiana).

[@cowdogflicks]

you bet glad you enjoyed it

[@marianfrances4959]

Truly awesome! 👍😎🇨🇦🌲🐾🐴

[@cowdogflicks]

Thanks watch for Ep 2 & 3

[@marja1112]

Beautiful trip ❤

[@cowdogflicks]

It was!

[@TrulyUnfortunate]

Thats a dream trip for sure.

[@cowdogflicks]

Yes it was glad you enjoyed also

[@rhl78456]

I love this! I was a backcountry ranger in the Teton Wilderness area from 1997-2000. I roamed that wilderness area and fell in love with it. I was based out of the Blackrock Ranger Station in Moran, and never made it to the Thorofare region until a fellow former ranger and I took a trip in via Deer Creek Pass with Boulder Basin Outfitters in 2016. It is amazing country and to be able to see all the places I loved so much again via your video is amazing. Thank you!

[@cowdogflicks]

it is great country there you need to go back again yes Boulder Basin Outfitters they are good

[@DiabloOutdoors]

This is so cool, you guys are very lucky!

[@cowdogflicks]

I am glad you enjoyed it

[@randygraf2474]

I've been there, but left my horse back in Texas, thanks and God bless.

[@cowdogflicks]

thanks for your comment

[@no59do56]

All the animals are the stars..well behaved 😊👍🙏

[@cowdogflicks]

yes they are

[@Yetified_Mayhem]

Great footage, what a dream:)

[@cowdogflicks]

TRhanks watch for Ep 2 &3

[@bassiclogic]

Love your channel!

[@cowdogflicks]

thanks

[@NorwegianXplorer]

This is so awesome, I walked up to the headwaters from Turpin Meadows a few years ago, two minutes in now, cant wait to see this place again!

[@rogercain5837]

Thanks for your comments I watch a lot of your videos. Have learned some concepts in camera angles. Stay warm out there. You camp in some cold and snowy places

[@cowdogflicks]

after your comment I watch your video of the upper Yellowstone with Joey you had a great jouney The trail from Marston Pass to upper Yellowstone was in passible with a horse i have looked at it several times but it crosses a clif keep exploring

[@BrettVaughnB100]

Well done .. beautiful country .. I will say you really go in style .. I look forward to the next episode

[@cowdogflicks]

We do eat good When i am by myself its one pack horse

[@pdfetter]

Just stumbled on your videos. I'm subscribed and continuing to watch others. Waiting for episode 2. Great job. Five stars.

[@cowdogflicks]

Thanks episode 2 & 3 coming other mountain adventures coming to

[@jetco6434]

Brings back many memories. My Dad rode the thoroughfare from the Cody side and we back packed from the Pacific Creek/Atlantic Creek trailhead and met up on Phelps Pass on the Continental Divide. Camped at Bridger Lake and woke up the next morning and saw tracks that our backpack tent had been circled in the night by a grizzly bear. The Yellowstone was so swift and high we didn't dare cross on foot so we walked across that nasty slury swampy stuff. We fly fished the Yellowstone for our supper and the cutthroats were spawning and as red as any salmon. Fantastic trip!!

[@cowdogflicks]

it sounds like you have been there glad it brings back memories

[@49er61]

Sure would be great to go on a ride like this one very beautiful country love the mountains

[@cowdogflicks]

yes it was Watch for episode 2 & 3 you will enjoy them

[@garyfujinami9911]

Epic. Most if us will never be able to do that trip for a multitude of reasons. And, I live in Montana. Thank you for bringing us along. However, I am a rafter and do expedition style trips down the Salmon and such.

[@cowdogflicks]

thanks for your comments

[@Ninoy2059]

Wow. I love the wilderness. You brought back so many memories in my early life, Hunting with my dad who passed this January 2023 at 91 year old. Thank you for sharing this beautiful video. Will be waiting for the next one.

[@cowdogflicks]

thanks for watching planning more trips

[@billycanas1582]

Very enjoyable video. Nice job by the whole crew! God Bless America!

[@cowdogflicks]

Thank you very much! watch episode 2 & #

[@navajallope4170]

absolutely glorious; thanks for your excellent vision and total attention and care in documenting/posting this trip. oh how i miss that entire landscape and life- deep deep gratitude from an ex-pat living in pondicherry, india.

[@cowdogflicks]

thanks