Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming) Backpacking - June 2019

Iconic Yellowstone National Park was the destination for my fourth hike of the 2019 backpacking season, and it is a place I’d dreamed of getting to since I started backpacking. We had a big crew for this hike, once again getting together with Carl and Travis but also joining up with my son, Christian, and Travis’s friend, Justin.
Our route was a 4-day, 30-mile point-to-point hike around Shoshone Lake in the Old Faithful area of the Park, with the highlight being the Shoshone Geyser Basin on the 3rd day. With all of us coming in from different directions we had plenty of vehicles for various shuttle options, so the first morning we parked a couple vehicles at the massive Old Faithful parking area (our ending point), piled our packs and people into Travis’s truck and headed to our starting point, the DeLacy Creek trailhead.
The hike took us to beautiful campsite 8S1 on the shore of Shoshone Lake for the first night, campfire-friendly inland site 8M2 for our second night, and finally the ‘5-star Hilton’ 8R5 backcountry campsite, also right on the shore of Shoshone Lake, for the third and final night. In addition to the four days of backpacking, the video also contains ‘getting there’ scenes from our first night together in Jackson Hole, Wyoming as well as our ‘staging’ night at the Madison car-camping campground inside Yellowstone.
Yellowstone doesn’t have the type of spectacular mountain views that you find in Glacier, Colorado, the Winds, or the Sierra, but I found that it had a unique ‘wild’ feel and beauty to it. We didn’t end up running into any ‘large animals’ (which disappointed me, but some on the hike were quite happy about it!), but there was never a moment on this hike that you weren’t aware you were no longer on the top of the ‘food chain’, and were, in fact, prey! If you’ve never felt that feeling, it is a unique experience.
It’s hard to explain the mind-blowing difference between the frontcountry and backcountry experiences in Yellowstone. In the frontcountry it feels very much like a maximum capacity day at Disney World, in the backcountry we didn’t see a single person for three days. Wow! Get to the backcountry to see Yellowstone.
For those who have watched my other videos this one is done in the same style - a bit over an hour in length, intended to bring the audience along for the 'ride', and with a still picture slide show with music at the end. If you just have a few minutes skip to the end and enjoy the pictures.
Equipment / Gear List:
Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 with Nikkor Z-mount 35mm and F-mount 20mm f1.8 lens, and FTZ Adapter
Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16
Pack: REI Flash 55L
Shelter: Zpacks Hexamid Solo-Plus
Slide show music - Happy Strummin' and Acoustic Guitar 1 by Jason Shaw, AudioNautix. www.audionautix.com
Carl kept track of our hike using the app GaiaGPS (great free app, by the way). He's made the trip data, tracks, and waypoints public so you can take a look at our trip at:
www.gaiagps.com/datasummary/f...

[@bryanrensel]

Really appreciate all the time you take to record, edit and share your adventures. Another great video!

[@cherrylynnlazaro9946]

Beautiful scenery..enjoyed it all the way through❤ I can't wait to explore Yellowstone again

[@jasonmears9034]

Always love watching your Adventures. Another excellent video. Cant wait till the next one.

[@ManzanoManATVAdventures]

Thanks for taking us along. This part of the country is certainly on my to do list of backpacking.

[@recatroutson3430]

Thanks for sharing your wonderful adventure . God Bless all of you

[@TangleF50]

TY David for allowing us on your journey at magnificent Yellowstone ! ! !

[@angelcrusher420]

Travis is just the “go with the flow” King. LoL he’s soooo laid back. Loved how you captured the wind sound. All together awesome trip!!

[@MarkfromArizona]

Amazing ! I've been following your backpacking adventures and have gotten spoiled , waiting on the next trip. This trip to Yellowstone just took me into the hike. Loved how all your friends and your boy were there....1 hr : 19 minutes flew by. Thank you again... I know it takes a lot to produce these videos and you've spoiled us all.... Mark Tonopah, AZ

[@mikehuber2480]

Another great video. Thanks for putting all your videos on for everyone to enjoy! My wife now wants to take a backpacking trip with me after watching your videos.

[@texashikeaholicsadventures5651]

Awesome awesome awesome!! I've already watched twice!! Loved every minute! Looked like an amazing trip with a great group of guys! Thanks so much for sharing!!

[@RuralMontanaLiving]

Another great trip. Yellowstone is a magical place. Thankfully the backcountry is still free from crowds.

[@jerry-hn4sj]

Great video as always David. Thank you for capturing and sharing Yellow Stone with us.

[@trevordixon347]

Sweet! Great video! Thanks for taking us along

[@wolfetrax6217]

Thank you David I always enjoy your vlogs! Beautiful beautiful 💜

[@nagaviper1169]

Another David Gray video, it's a good day. Thank you very much for sharing.

[@bradjones10]

Great video David. I always enjoy them. Yellowstone is one of my favorite places on earth. Great to see u doing a trip there. Keep up the great adventures!

[@MarkFugel]

just saw your notification....can't wait to sit back and watch tonight! looking soo forward to it...you rock David!

[@Douglas21450]

Greetings from NW of Chicago. Thank you for making your trip available to us. When I was younger I camped the Rockies a bit and always wanted to go back. You’ve shown me something new and brought back old memories as well. I’m happy for you and your friends. And your daughter is sweet. She has a great dad and you have a great daughter. Very best, D

[@themourningdove7208]

Thanks David. I lived in West Yellowstone, Montana 79-81...a road trip from Colorado to Oregon..magical times and place. Thanks for sharing.✌️❤️🕊️

[@jacqueline7118]

When I first started backpacking I thought it was all about the hike. Didn't take me long to find out that it wasn't all about that, the campsite was just as important! You guys had a wonderful adventure, a good hike with some great campsites and time to spend enjoying them! You are very fortunate to have family and friends that share your love of it all! Thanks to you and your group for sharing your trip!

[@hywel3143]

Another inspirational video! Great stills at the end. Thanks for taking the time to put this content online, much appreciated, it must be very time-consuming for you...

[@thehafricanultralighter4973]

I've seen many many of your videos and not one have I seen Christian make his own food! Your always doin it for him. Even as hes an adult your still dad! That's a great bond. Lol keep on making great videos! I'll be watching.

[@dyllanmeyer8475]

Yellowstone is an amazing place, makes me want to take another trip back there. Another awesome video David! Keep up the good work man.

[@Jefferson196]

I was just wondering this morning if you were on another adventure and this video pops up tonight, excellent 😎

[@elizabethwhite6364]

Loved this! We missed you by 1 day! Next time you've got to travel up the Lamar Valley - lots and lots of wildlife and then drive the 67 mile Beartooth Pass - awesome! Really fun to see Christian with you! Filming was great! Thanks for taking us along!

[@jkuefner4573]

Amazing video as always! Thank you!

[@courtneyb4169]

It looks like you had so much fun! What a great trip. Thanks for sharing.

[@AROOnline]

Great video! Always look forward to seeing them.

[@TheWayOutdoors]

You keep doing it David! Always great videos, I am halfway through this one and it is fantastic!

[@catastrophicfella]

As usual really enjoyed this. Even moreso because well heck - pre-trail diversions are alway s a fun part of vacations!

[@vegasdavetv]

always great to watch.

[@Corman911]

Your videos always add a bit of zen in my day. Thanks. Looking forward to the snow melting away so we can get out there.

[@PatJ61]

I miss you having the doggies along, but this was a great hike in a stunning setting. As usual, you set the standard for hiking videos. Thanks for taking us with you.

[@marinamile]

I watch a lot of backpacking videos on youtube but i always enjoy yours the most. Yet another great video. Thanks!!

[@Sharonius54]

Beautiful places, great videos! Another winner, David! 👍

[@kevinseversonandhisvizslas8287]

It must be great to see your son for these trips. Another great vid, you seemed to enjoy the crew. 👍🏻

[@BacktotheOutdoors]

I thoroughly enjoy your videos, David. Looked like a great trip!

[@TheWasatchGearReview]

Awesome trip David! Thanks for sharing!

[@andreabritz4572]

Wonderful video as always.

[@jennydanek6530]

Greetings from a fellow Hoosier! We are from Indianapolis and just found your videos while researching Yellowstone. We are heading to Yellowstone in June. Love the baby!

[@nholly86]

I heard you mention the Bailey memorial cheese spread, very sorry to hear that. A great dog that had many adventures!

[@christeeny99]

Thanks for sharing! I loved the slideshow at the end!!

[@cherylw388]

That was awesome ....thanks for sharing!

[@tradbowyer1975]

what an amazing adventure thanks for sharing

[@dgodgo6489]

Amazing, videos, I love Yellowstone national park !!!!!!!

[@barb61]

I had hopes of a video soon! Epic adventure and beautiful as always!

[@georgereimuth3382]

great views of Yellowstone np , you do a great job with your videos , the wetlands looked like fun , hope to see your next trip

[@jacklichtenberg3097]

Wow, I’m so envious of your backpacking trip. I also live in Indy and have been in Yellowstone several times. I really appreciate you taking the time to document your hike. If you need another hiker let me know.

[@davida463]

Yellowstone!!! Thanks for the vid!

[@2yung4u]

great video from start to finish, i liked it very much!

[@TripsOnTrail]

Awesome video! I’ll be doing this same hike in less than a week! Can’t wait.

[@2690Aschill]

Excellent trip as usual!

[@jayday65]

Another great trip!. Thanks for sharing!!

[@JJ-mf8ru]

Wow, that was a superb overview of the trip in your car while driving!!!

[@hidilley]

Woohoo! Always love your videos, this was one of the best. Would love to see you explore Lassen Volcanic National Park, it's my favorite place to hike and backpack! Thanks for sharing your trip with the world via youtube! Looks like you all had fun. :)

[@DoThaWork]

This looks like an amazing trip

[@cutlerbm]

Yet another great video. I really enjoyed it.

[@drlehman73]

I was just thinking Saturday, "It's gotta be time for a David Gray video." My buddy lives in Denver and I visit him and his family every Sept & Oct. I'm thinking after this video we need to plan a Yellowstone trip! Thanks for the great content David!!

[@rickneece7554]

Coolest Dad Ever! Retire and make more videos

[@jdtreadway]

Another thoroughly enjoyable video. Thanx again man. Not much in the way of that kind of backpacking here in the Philippines.

[@Hefmier]

Another fabulous video!! :D

[@eakinj]

Awesome, you post this video right when I need to be doing laundry for work next week. Gee thanks DAVID. :) :) seriously though, about to pop some popcorn and kick back and enjoy this video. This should be awesome as always

[@eu5429]

Very good !! David !! Excelent

[@cynthiaschwartz559]

Great hike, I look forward to your videos. I was just in Yellowstone last week😊

[@andresreyna4260]

What an absolutely beautiful video! A friend & I are flying from Texas (Austin) to Salt Lake this coming September 24th -29th & then driving up to Yellowstone. This vid got me really excited. We aren't doing any camping but will be trying to do as many day hikes as possible. Thanks again & kudos on the amazing job you did with this!

[@GavigansTVchannel]

Can’t wait to dive into this video!

[@veronicavillalpando3797]

I love your videos! Makes my heart beat super fast out of excitement all the time. I would love to see an updated “backpacking gear” video. I work at bass pro in the camping department and would love to load up on suggested items. :)

[@MikeOfca]

Headed to the back country in Glacier NP in a week. This is perfect inspiration and perfect timing! Thanks David, would love to backpack with ya sometime.

[@bejudson1384]

I took a nice walk along Yellowstone Lake shore last month and I sympathize with the difficult time you found hiking in sand produced from volcanic debris. My daughter hiked to Shoshone Lake, but I have not ,and I am grateful to experience the hike through your video. Thank you for creating nice footage and sharing it!

[@nancystephens7663]

Love all of your videos! Thanks for taking us along on the trail to experience everything on your awesome hikes. Outstanding! Your son is lucky to have a dad like you to share the great outdoor adventures - nothing can replace that! Dunkin Donuts Coffee should sponsor you. Just sayin'.

[@dustinjames4530]

Loving the new camera David Great video as always.

[@doogert8594]

Sorry I was totally hoping you were gonna go face first in that lake at the beginning! Great video as usual!

[@andyroberson8749]

Awesome video. Thanks for making videos that are clean enough that my entire family can watch. Those are getting harder to find. My boys like yelling "new david gray" when u post a new video. Hope to run into u in the smokies one day.

[@thepsg]

Hi David. We have enjoyed all of your videos! Someone may have told you this, but it’s pronounced “tah-pa-TEE-oh.” Anyway, my wife and I will be hiking a section of the JMT later this summer. I’m not a young man, but my dear wife loves the outdoors and has helped me learn to love it as well. Your videos are an inspiration to me! Thanks!

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

Great trail David...A beautiful area to spend a little time with friends....Did the clothes come clean in the stream cycle...lol...that even looked crazy cold on video...Awesome backcountry ..... Your film work and slide show are awesome ,, Thank You for sharing................Stay Safe and God Bless............

[@vidalynag3972]

Just found your channel a few days ago. Grateful I did. Binging on watching your videos. Great editing and content. Not short videos which is wonderful. I love videos of adventures with great content and information. You capture your adventures wonderfully and thank you for sharing the wonders of our universe. One of your new subscribers as of today. Blessings always and looking forward to viewing your latest adventure. (I thought I hiked, but what you do is incredible and amazing).

[@davidgrayin]

Thank you for finding my channel, watching the videos, and, most of all, the very kind comments. I've been on 'injured reserve' lately due to a knee injury I received on the late June 2020 Adirondack hike - sadly, that prevented from me from doing any trips in the 'prime time' of July/August/early September 2020 - but I'm hoping to get out for at least a few more trips in 2020. I had surgery to correct the torn meniscus two weeks ago and the 'rehab' on the knee is progressing very nicely. If all goes well I'm hoping to get a backpacking trip in to the Linville Gorge (NC) in late September. Again, thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@vidalynag3972]

@@davidgrayin Stay safe in these trying times. Once you are ready, we will be looking forward to viewing your latest adventure. Blessings always.

[@johnnytwotarps2191]

I love your videos man. Always high quality and good content, I can tell how much work you put into sharing the trip with us - filming a hike is a chore! Love how you capture the entire trip experience on and off the trail. Keep it up!

[@PatJ61]

I wish he would do a video of the Linville Gorge. Maybe you could take him on the ITAYG loop!

[@jot9073]

I recently started watching your videos and I'm disabled but I can still see things through your hard work. Its pleasant and enjoyable to watch them. Sorry to hear your pup passed. Bless you David. Keep an eye on Yahuah/Yeshua he will be here very soon.

[@davidgrayin]

Thank you for watching. I just wanted to let you know both of my dogs are still very much alive and still enjoying hiking trips. When I mentioned the 'Bailey memorial cheese spread' I was referring to the fact that she couldn't come along on the trip (dogs aren't allowed in the backcountry of Yellowstone), and she always gets the first cheddar cheese spread cracker - so in that instance I gave the first cracker to Justin (first time in our group) in Bailey's place. You aren't the first person to think I was referring to Bailey no longer being with us, but she most certainly is!

[@jot9073]

@@davidgrayin Do me a favor and look at my videos under God and Jesus. I just want you to be in the know but be careful because I'm still trying to figure out who is right and who is wrong. I spend every day researching and I try to wake up as many as I can.

[@graftoutdoors472]

Awesome scenes.

[@vadrus4540]

Very nice video! I Was there in 2018,august .Good luck !!!

[@frawldog]

God bless America

[@igoslomo]

You got a new backpack! Not done watching yet but just noticed your new pack. Also, regarding the Altra's from your last video.. I'm also a Keen lover because of the wide toe box but when I did the West Highland Way earlier this year, I trained using Salomon Speed Racer 4 Wide Trail running shoe. Now I own 4 pairs and rotate them. They're a bit loose on my heel until I put my superset insoles in.. then they are perfect! My achilles can't tolerate the zero drop of the Altras... just another option for you. Also, so sorry to hear about Bailey...

[@KevinFryAdventures]

I really enjoyed this video David! You really do have that new camera dialed in...fantastic video footage. I saw plenty of mosquitoes unfortunately, but always fun watching you take that first drink of coffee. When we meet up in October, I have a nice bottle of "adult beverage" for you.

[@r_o_d_n_e_y]

Amazing video. I must get out to Yellowstone sometime in the near future.

[@ALifeOutdoors1957]

Just stumbled upon your channel. Subscribed and have been binge watching all weekend. Really enjoy your vids and appreciate all the work you put into sharing your adventures with us. Now if I can just figure out this cheese spread thing my weekend would be complete. I want to incorporate that into my kit. Thanks again.

[@davidgrayin]

The cheese spread is from Packit Gourmet (www.packitgourmet.com) and you can find it in their 'spreads' section.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello David, thank you for sharing another one your award winning videos. You made me a fan of Dunkin Doughnuts coffee. I brew it at home. What, no bugs. Unbelievable. Looks like perfect weather conditions. Great idea bringing the air pump. My head is usually spinning after blowing up an air mattress at a high altitude. Looks like you have a good group of guys to hike with. A definite two thumbs up on this video. All the best of good things for you and your family. 🤗

[@davidgrayin]

Thank you for watching, and for the kind feedback. We actually did have quite a few mosquitoes on the 2nd night of this trip, enough to cause us to get the headnets out. But after having gone through the Wind River Range trip in 2018 our threshold for being bothered by the bugs has gone way, way up! Regarding the air pump, I just returned from a Wind River Range trip in which the altitude was considerably higher than Yellowstone (camping at 10,500 feet) and I was very thankful to have that little pump. Thus far it has performed flawlessly, and I'm still going on the original batteries.

[@andrewcrane6020]

Love the content you should be proud!

[@michaellovell4390]

Tap•uh•tee•oh ;) good video!

[@Bucketrat8]

Thank you.

[@WildWestTrail]

great content.

[@lisaray6493]

Thought I saw your dome out there, lol. Since De Waters is in here I knew it can only be you

[@WanderingFromKansas]

Buffalo Trace is my go-to. I hope you enjoyed it, too!

[@davidgrayin]

Yes, I do. Travis turned me on to Buffalo Trace during the 2018 Winds trip. We sipped a bit while sitting on the porch of the Log Cabin Motel in Pinedale, WY trying to figure out what trip we were going to do. That trip was one of the only ones I've ever done where we went out with plan A, but ended up doing plan C (or maybe it was D?!). Kind of crazy, but I will always have fond memories of the Buffalo Trace on that porch with Christian and Travis.

[@MarkFugel]

David...please take me on your next trip...PLEASE...i will buy you all the Dunkin coffee you can drink! Awesome trip and video....thanks for taking us along!

[@curt8806]

You guys look like really good company. Nice.

[@luisbartolo7169]

Great trip David 👏👏👌👌 you should go to the Everglades

[@timbillings6884]

You could live in yellowstone all your life and never see it all!!! It's 3471 square miles!!! Big... I love Hayden valley!!! Flyfishing the Yellowstone 22 time's!!! And iam From MA. Cool I have done that hike!!! 👍👍 Was 1968 first time I was there wasn't that different except for getting a campsite! I was surprised you got a site in Madison campground without a reservation! 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@billseay6399]

Hey Dave I have the same trail runner shoes great quick drying

[@ianmandel352]

Awesome Vid !!

[@eunailee9898]

Yes, totally agree. 5 star hilton

[@LMay64]

Thanks for taking us along. l learned lots and enjoyed the scenes! I think Christian is ready for a UL backpacking hammock like Warbonnet or Dream Hammock....something with a bug net!

[@davidgrayin]

Thank you! Actually, Christian's primary hammock is a Warbonnet Blackbird (with built in bug net). I bought it for myself a few years back but never really used it because it doesn't work well when I take the dogs (they like to snuggle! :-), plus I made the mistake of not buying the extra long version and it was a little too short for me. But perfect for Christian! He used it for the first time on the 2018 Wind River Range trip, and he loves it. The 'recreational' hammock we used on this trip was a 'luxury' add-on item, but it provided enough entertainment from that one scene with Travis trying to get into it for the first time that it was well worth the extra weight!

[@ridiculousfishr9812]

Finally back out West!!!