Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming) Backpacking - June 2023

#yellowstone #yellowstonenationalpark #nationalpark
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Visit my website at davidgraymedia.com.
There you'll find book-length trip reports of most of my trips as well as gear reviews, trail stories, and travel information on memorable lodging, restaurants, and attractions I've experienced.
In late June 2023 I continued the hiking season with (only) my second hike, but it was to a special destination - Yellowstone National Park. I joined up with my son, Christian, and Travis to do a long-anticipated hike in the Black Canyon area of Yellowstone along the Wyoming-Montana state line.
After two wonderful pre-hike 'staging' nights at the Absaroka Mountain Lodge near Cody, Wyoming, and a repeat visit to the magnificent Madison (car) campground inside Yellowstone NP, we did a 3-day, 20-mile Black Canyon hike starting at the Hellroaring Canyon trailhead. It wasn't what I expected going in. I had images of a Grand Canyon-type hike and instead the hiking was primarily across wide-open, hot, exposed, bone-dry open scrub land. It had a magnificent unique beauty to it, but not what any of us expected.
Yellowstone doesn’t have the type of spectacular mountain views that you find in Glacier, Colorado, the Winds, or the Sierra, but it has a unique ‘wild’ feel. We didn’t end up running into any ‘large animals’, but there was never a moment on this hike you weren't keenly aware we were no longer on the top of the ‘food chain.' The 'High Bear Activity' signs and non-stop bones from past kills left no doubt we were in active grizzly country.
For those who have watched my other videos this one is done in the same style - 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 amzn.to/3Q3Gsco
Lens: Nikkor 20mm f1.8 Z-mount lens amzn.to/3znpOP7
Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens amzn.to/2QZqNOo
Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod amzn.to/3bH3Rvg
Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system amzn.to/2wRdusp
Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 amzn.to/2X5dKyu
Pack: Zpacks Arc Blast 55L
Tent: Zpacks Triplex
Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm amzn.to/2yjrUlj
Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite amzn.to/39zju6v
Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL amzn.to/2WYE5hZ
Stove: JetBoil Flash amzn.to/3azKRi7
Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 amzn.to/3dPtOL5
Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle amzn.to/3bF1RDB
Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot amzn.to/2R0JvoW
Buff: Merino wool Buff amzn.to/3dCYHSC
Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger amzn.to/2URI7G3
Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero amzn.to/2xzbwgh
Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek amzn.to/3bA3X7I
Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes amzn.to/2JwbQ2e

[@jackpearson1110]

A few years ago you were the first person I ever saw hiking on youtube. Since then I've retired and moved from Virginia to Wyoming. thank you!

[@glory5918]

how do you like WY?

[@garrymundy6936]

That's my Sunday evening entertainment sorted

[@rolytech212]

Nothing better than spending quality time with son. 👍

[@dnmccurry]

Our family is headed to Glacier and Many Glacier to camp and hike the last weekend of this month. My happy place!

[@craigsmith6446]

I love that your dog follows you out to your car even in the earliest of hours. That dog loves his papa!

[@edmiller999]

I love all the "pre trip" content you include. Where you stay, getting there, etc. I can't wait to see what you have planned next.

[@nehiker1973]

As usual, David, you captured the essence of a backpacking trip: the travel; the night before; the last minute prep; the exhilaration of starting the trip; the relief of finishing the trip. After watching your videos, it always gets me excited for my next backpacking trip. Hopefully, you can get in another trip this year.

[@anotherpenny1942]

Don’t forget all the food consumption.

[@markathey5329]

Never disappointed with your videos. It is nice to see things other youtubers dont include. Keep up the amazing work.

[@Lemi-killmister]

Great

[@burleism5158]

Hard to believe that I have been watching you for 10 yrs --- I've said "thanks" but have to again. Thank you for all your efforts that it takes to bring us along -- I know what that takes and i am grateful. You are a treasure , don't let anyone tell you otherwise...

[@AnderMc60]

Been watching your videos for 4 yrs now. My favorite part in each one is watching your expressions when sipping that first drink of coffee in the morning...... Lol. Keep up the good work!

[@nicklindsey3040]

This is wonderful. I am in the Marine Corps, stationed in Japan. I love it here, but man do I miss the great outdoors in the US. Thank you for making this video.

[@Sjguitarpnw]

Always a must see! Thanks for taking us along!

[@mikewanders]

Nice David! That river crossing was no joke. That fear is certainly a major part of the Yellowstone package.

[@lizstangelo6880]

I don’t know but I happened upon your channel while recovering from surgery a few weeks ago and it made my recovery much more bearable! I was super sick from pain meds and just in a lot of pain in general and your videos were so relaxing and peaceful. I could just enjoy the scenery and forget about feeling bad for little bit. I think I’ve watched about 12 of them so far. So just wanted to say thank you for making great videos David!!

[@davidwhite8028]

Your videos are so inspiring for my family. Thank you so much for blessing us with them!!! ❤❤❤

[@darenroth7390]

one of your best videos Love seeing the lodges and the trip before the trip

[@shcmoly]

Thanks for the views David.

[@dnmccurry]

Your videos are the best!!!

[@dave76920]

Great video! The realities of backpacking sometimes. Day 1: excited energy Day 2: what just hit me Day 3: O . O rough night. Love to see how you keep the energy up and stay positive throough it all! Ive gotta try that cheddar cheese and ritz combo for hiking!

[@SwitchbackImages]

It’s always a great day when you post a new video! That river crossing would’ve spooked me out, you guys handled it well. Looking forward to your next hikes David!

[@akjack42]

I absoluty love the scenery of this video

[@KevinFryAdventures]

David, you were the first backpacking KZbinr I ever watched and I still love your videos just as much today. I feel like I am along for this hike while watching!! This was such a beautiful hike & you did an amazing job capturing it. Looking forward to the next one!

[@mindywong3839]

Finally...

[@bruceburtner5418]

There was a stock bridge a couple miles north of river crossing you coukd have used. Adds several miles but better than that crossing.

[@kevinseversonandhisvizslas8287]

The footbridge brought back memories of Jaden. My eyes filled with tears. 👍🏻❤️

[@delvinmorales9458]

Been looking forward to this.

[@ml5668]

Great video, rain sucked but I loved the countryside, thanks!!!

[@moretea8314]

David, your back packing vlogs are equal best along with ‘My Own Frontier’ (now only on Patreon). Thank you for taking the time to share your adventures with us. Best wishes, Simon of Suffolk England.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@mikecarrington4297]

Thank you! Well done!

[@rickstanleydmd9836]

Awesome content!!❤🔥❤🔥

[@TheWayOutdoors]

What a fantastic video David! Its my Birthday today, and this was a treat to watch! Those wildflowers were amazing with the late afternoon sun. Safe trails!

[@All_Things_Out_Doors]

What spectacular views ....a well put together trip as always David!!! I really enjoyed this one. Hope to see you soon, my friend.

[@davidgrayin]

Thank you, Jeremy. I wish you could have joined us. Looking forward to our next hike (or drive!) together.

[@micheleaday3902]

Wow You Are All So Blessed To Be Able To Hike Wiconsin And To Montana I Would Have Walked To Montana And Back If I Were There...God Bless You Guys For This Beautiful Outstanding Video❤

[@AlanDunkin]

Great video. Glad everyone is ok! For the record, the Hellroaring trail down to the suspension bridge area is basically one of the most high-density places for grizzlies in the park. So happy at least you didn't have a close encounter but you saw evidence of their presence. You *can* get great landscape shots at nice views on some hikes, but you'll just need to find out which ones. But it's the wildness of the place with few people encounters i think that makes the Yellowstone backcountry really special. Not a lot of people do the trails, despite the high number of visitors every year.

[@najruqwi7008]

Wow! So BEAUTIFUL! Thanks for sharing this with us 👍 Great video 👍

[@BrianWolftop]

Great one hour video about your journey and Yellowstone. Loved the picture collage at the end!

[@rosebud3466]

Another awesome adventure always love watching your videos.

[@lisaray6493]

2:33🤣🤣🤣nowhere to💩! Awesome stuff as usual. Well done!

[@jeffharwood7314]

Always enjoy your video’s! Love the West.

[@elizabethescher5445]

Good job. The Rocky Mtns are notorious for their T-storms... and bugs. The river crossing was intimidating! You survived a tough one. Congrats!

[@johneason6540]

Nice video guys. I have done several back country trails there. Yes, I shared the bugs and the thunderstorms too. Loved it 🎉

[@christinerolle3876]

Finally I get to watch u again David.thanks for taking us along in your trip.Im glad u are back.I was wondering what you were up.thank goodnes u are very much alive.

[@davidgrayin]

Thank you for watching. It's been a rough year from a backpacking standpoint. My longtime trail partner (yellow lab) Jaden died at the end of April, and then I started a new job in early May. My early season hikes had generally always been done with the dogs in mind, and the hole that Jaden's death left in my life was tough to work through - hiking-wise - early in the season. Then add to that the effort to try to get established in the new job (plus little vacation) and it's added up to be a challenge to get out on trips. I'm still hoping to get a couple more trips in this year yet, and planning on 2024 being a bit more of a normal year, trip-wise.

[@christinerolle3876]

@@davidgrayin so sorry hearing about Jaden. My prayers for u !! And Im glad hearing that you are very much alive.

[@DavesCampingAdventures]

that was one awesome video!

[@redwhiteblue7831]

Awesome trip... Awesome video. 🇺🇲

[@shredhiker6209]

That's a fun part of YNP to hike through. We stayed a night at Absaroka Mountain Lodge last spring, and it was such a cool spot!

[@logike77]

Wyoming isn't much different than Colorado. The sun will beat on you. You know. It's a clash of dry desert and lush trees and mountains. Love your work. I keep saying, hit me up.

[@DaveCollierCamping]

Awesome video, enjoy your day

[@nelsonminingandabandonedplaces]

Such a wonderful video David. Yellowstone is amazing i did a backcountry horseback ride near there 2 years ago

[@rbrown61081]

Great video as always. I've been wondering when the next video was coming out for a couple weeks. My family stayed at the Absaroka Mountain Lodge last summer. It's great place to kickoff a Yellowstone trip. Hidden gem for sure.

[@DrJohn493]

Enjoyed your Yellowstone adventure and the scenery but a David Gray backpacking video ain't complete without your sidekick Carl 😉.

[@rayd6416]

Another great video. Had the great opportunity to meet you at Glacier last year on our trip to Yellowstone and Glacier.

[@THENEWWRANGLER]

Fire bans are pure evil, great video,

[@BS2Dos]

👍👍

[@ozarklife9996]

Ozark trail is still waiting for you. Taum sauk and current river sections are my recommendations. Not as "Wow" as put west but it jas many charms that other overlook. Not nearly as for to drive. Also arkansas eagle rock loop is on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing yellowstone with us. I think ill keep that place a car camping destination.

[@esherm63]

Whenever I fly to that area I fly into either Bozeman or Jackson Hole. The only hike that I have enjoyed in Yellowstone was along the Yellowstone river in the north of the park. Still working on this vid and hoping to get some inspiration from you to do the same hike this year. I think you have mentioned in the past that you have never hiked GTNP, which I think is much better than YNP because of its Alpine hikes.

[@mnworthington]

My dad and I love watching your backpacking videos! Have you ever tried convertible pants? My dad swears by them when he's backpacking. Whenever he's tracking through water he converts the pants into shorts, that way the pants aren't soaked! Awesome video.

[@octoberfox3399]

Hey there, I just was watching one of Dan Beckers' old videos, and he recommended checking out your channel. It looks like I'm going to get the chance to see some epic and glorious trails on here. In the video I watched of his, he says, "How it would be a dream come true to hike with you." It might make for a great video to see you two doing a trip together. Also, just a heads up, he's playing on doing a Glacier hike out in Canada next year, too. I look forward to watching your videos. Thank you and take care, David. 🙂 I just finished watching this wonderful hike of yours. Seeing all that open area just reminds me of a Louis L'Amour novel. Wow such a beautiful hike and awesome commentary. One tip I always try to keep some rope on hand so that if you are doing a river crossing like that you can get your strongest one across the river tie off the rope and get everyone safely across. You might get wet but not lost down stream. I also use it for hanging my food too.

[@mindywong3839]

Beautiful. Nature's gift to humankind. Absaroka reminds me of Cedar Grove lodge in Toronto. Wyoming is a beauty with a small population. Delicious food as always. Appreciate your sharing.

[@DkSkywalker]

대한민국에 사는 당신의 팬입니다 항상 감사합니다 건강하세요

[@StanMills]

Why didn’t you use the bridge that is up the stream a ways? Great video.

[@CraigGrant-sh3in]

When crossing moving water face upstream and side step. Also, open your waist belt and chest strap . If you fall in you can slip out of your pack and not get pulled under .

[@CraigGrant-sh3in]

The elk probably move down into that valley for the winter where they drop their antlers and wolves make dinner of them

[@glory5918]

David, thanks for sharing your Yellowstone Nat'l Park expierence with us. Perhaps best to ask Rangers prior to venturing into back country if there are any open water crossings along the trails you are planning on trekking??

[@esherm63]

Just finished the vid, I was grateful to be sitting at home instead of experiencing all of that rain! Was this your last hike of 2023? I don't see any vids after this one.

[@mikehuber2480]

Glad to see a new video! You are my wife’s and i favorite you tuber! Where do you get the cheddar cheese spread? I have been unable to find it.

[@davidgrayin]

The cheddar cheese spread is from Packit Gourmet (www.packitgourmet.com). It's gotten kind of ridiculously expensive (now $11.99 a package) but I've never found anything that even slightly compares, and I don't go through much of it in any given year.

[@pigfender]

Great video, David (or should that be “Gray-t video”?!). Thanks for uploading. That “stream” crossing looked intense!

[@davidgrayin]

Thank you! Yeah, that stream crossing was something else. The video doesn't really do it justice. It's hard to imagine the force that water has when it's moving that fast, especially when it's ice cold and at the very beginning of a trip when all you're thinking is 'we have to get across this...'. We're still all thinking we 'missed something' with that crossing - the Rangers never mentioned it during our briefing when we picked up the permit, and right when we were getting started some people were finishing the same hike from the other direction, and never said a word about it. Hmmm....

[@WKR79]

When crossing a river like the one at 28:47 you should grab a large stick to use as a stabilizer when you are in the water. It helps bigtime.

[@davidgrayin]

I actually did grab a big stick for my second crossing attempt, and it was the only reason I made it across. My first attempt was 'stick-less' and failed. Normally, I would have had my trekking poles with me, and I brought them with me for this trip, but one of the poles was broken when I deployed them at the trailhead. Rather than go with one trekking pole I left them in the car. Trekking poles would have made a huge difference too.

[@WKR79]

@@davidgrayin I use trekking poles too. They help allot with me being 63 yo. But when the going gets really tough like that river, I think two hands on a stout stick/staff help me more with stability.

[@sierraseb3311]

You make such great backpacking videos ! I love how you document the nuts and bolts of the trip from the journey to the trail head, to getting the permit, to bugs on the trail, the temperature, the humidity level, etc. I love seeing what hikers eat and their gear. The only thing missing for me is I would love for the last still photo of the video to show your celebratory End of The Adventure meal. I wish you would consider coming back out to the Eastern Sierra for another backpacking trip. Check out the Kearsarge Pass/Kings Canyon area west of Independence, CA, Onion Valley TH or Chocolate Lakes area near Bishop Pass west of Bishop, CA. KZbinr Sheety33 has several videos covering these magnificent areas. Thanks again for sharing.

[@sierraseb3311]

PS, thanks for not playing music during the hiking portion of your videos. I love to hear Nature's music.

[@BrianWest58]

Aside from the water crossing, bugs and thunderstorm, EPIC trip and video! Assume you shot it with the Nikon. How many batteries did you use?

[@davidgrayin]

Thank you. Yes, I shot the video with my Nikon Z6. I typically go through about one battery per day, maybe a bit less. I was about halfway into the third battery when we finished the trip.

[@advanturecantstop901]

can you add info the cabin you guys stayed..and cost..thanks

[@OneEyeHikes]

Always enjoy your adventures. Not to sound like a know it all, but strongly suggest unbuckling sternum and hip belts when crossing water like you guys did. If ya ever take a dip, those packs can act like lead sinkers.

[@dakta1]

Look closely at 29:37. That is exactly what I did. I wasn't going down with that heavy first day pack.

[@santiagohills3997]

@@dakta1 you must be the world famous Travis!

[@terryhikes]

Hi David! Fellow Indy backpacker here, I love your vids. I've never been to Yellowstone, but leery of doing it alone, so there's that haha. I have a few weeks vacation left to use this year, I'm heading out west somewhere but haven't decided yet. I went to southern Utah (Bryce/Zion) a few years ago, I'm thinking of something similar this year. By the way, curiosity got the best of me, so I googled the "closed" campsite you found - it was because of a bridge to the campsite being out. Thankfully not a gnarly grizzly incident. :o Glad you guys got across the river ok and sorry the conditions weren't favorable for you the rest of the trip. But hey, even a disappointing backpacking trip out west is never disappointing. Thanks for sharing your adventures, I'd actually love to do a trip with you sometime, maybe something closer to home for starters - being a solo backpacker is great but I'm always looking for adventure buddies. Check out a few of my vids for reference!

[@bruceburtner5418]

Fellow Indy area hiker also. Headed to Yellowstone August 31 - September 10 if you want to use some vacation time lol. Big trip planned for the Bechler Canyon.

[@davidgrayin]

Boy, I would love you join you! But my brand new 'day job' is really putting a crimp on my vacation time all of a sudden. I feel lucky to have gotten the time away I have, being the newby, and I don't want to push it too hard. I actually have a really nice John Muir Trail permit starting from Yosemite Valley in early September but I don't see any way that I'll be able to get away this year. It's been hard to part with (the permit) but any day now I'm going to force myself to cancel it to free it up for someone else - I keep hoping to find 'some way' to get out there to do at least part of it, but it is almost certainly not happening this year.

[@thesuperioraffection4502]

Check out his Four Pass Loop in Colorado video from 8 years ago or MyOwnFrontier's video of it from 7 years ago. Spectacular scenery and very challenging. I did it in 7 years ago and it was my first backpacking and solo trip in the mountains. September is a great time to go.

[@jenniferfisher530]

​@@davidgrayinaw, that's too bad. I'd love to hike the John Muir. If you ever find yourself in CA, you have a fellow nature lover and hiker to join you. I love the Sierra and have hiked all over.

[@santiagohills3997]

@@davidgrayinI gave up my JMT permit this year as well…between the day job, the snow, and the downed bridge…seemed like a good year to pass. Next year!

[@Puckhead91]

Quote of the video..."I don't see any place to shit"!

[@davidgrayin]

I think it was 'sit,' but I like your line better! :-)

[@JoshEbersole]

Yellowstone looks absolutely gorgeous but I have no desire to backpack there cause of the bears lol. I’ve backpacked in the Winds and Tetons and that’s close enough for me in grizzly country. Anyway, another fantastic video!

[@santiagohills3997]

Just finished the video. Curious what specifically is your beef with the campsites? Like are they uncomfortable/rocky, or poorly situated for the best views? Too long a walk to the outhouse? I mean I saw your Boulder Pass video…

[@davidgrayin]

No real complaints with the campsites - they were much better than many I have stayed at over the years. It was a comparison and expectation thing (expectations always get you in trouble!). The comparison was with the Yellowstone campsites that we stayed at during our 2019 Shoshone Lake hike. The campsites on that trip were all outstanding, and only one was rated '5-star' like our first campsite on the 2023 trip. So going into the trip we had images in our mind of sites like the 2019 sites, and the 2023 sites just weren't what we expected so it was a bit of a letdown. But they were fine and treated us well in the end.

[@santiagohills3997]

Roger that. It does look more like whitewater rafting country than big-mountain backpacking. I bet it would be an awesome horse-pack trip. Reminds me of the time the wife and I backpacked Joshua Tree back in the 90s. It’s just not a place that rewards the walking in the same way that the High Sierra do. If I’m going to put in the effort I want a big payoff. Last weekend we went up in the Western Sierra with the Jeep. We stayed at a lake that was nice, fine, OK. But you know that there’s something amazing just…over…there…

[@stephenhall5421]

Note: you can’t “haul out” antlers or any other type of resource from a National Park

[@davidgrayin]

Yes, I know that - as well as hauling out basically anything else you come upon. Leave it where you find it. In addition to the fact the antlers weighed about 30 pounds per side and we had no intention of hauling that much weight... we were just joking about it.

[@kellymccarter6032]

This was a great video, ill add you. I also enjoy adventure archives, check them out.

[@Pa1_Thakur]

just curious, whats your age?

[@davidgrayin]

I am 62 and will turn 63 in April 2024. I didn't start backpacking until I was nearly 50, which, as I get older and everything starts to hurt more, is one of my regrets in life. I sure wish I would have taken some time in my 20's and 30's to hit some of my current bucket-list trails, but I have been fortunate to get in some incredible hikes despite my late start.

[@Pa1_Thakur]

Hello @@davidgrayin , Im 18 right now, and I really want you to know that it was your Ansel Adam hike video, which I saw about 3 years ago, that kickstarted my love for hiking and adventure in general. Thank you very much sir.