Welcoming the Returning Wildlife

We will be taking advantage of the unseasonably mild weather to get the 2026 day hiking season off to a traditional start. Historically, we launched our hiking season by wandering up the west side of Mt. Everts, starting from the Rescue Creek trailhead along the former North Entrance Road. The 2022 Flood put an end to that practice when it washed away the stock bridge over the Gardner River, so we have been forced to relocate this jaunt to the east. Providing the snow situation allows us passage, the plan is to leave the Mammoth-Tower Road somewhere between North Butte and Phantom Lake, heading north, off-trail. We will endeavor to intersect one or more of the migration trails that ungulates who wintered outside the park use to head east and southeast to their summer range. We will probably cross the historic Howard Eaton trail on our way north. My hope is to access a large "peninsula" of rock that lies between Blacktail Deer Creek as it plunges toward the Yellowstone River and the striking boulder field to the east. We have encountered black bears out in that region on many occasions, usually a solitary male scavenging for lunch or dinner. In several instances, one off those bears showed up hours later on the always closed Blacktail Plateau Drive in the vicinity of where it meets the service road that heads east from the Frog Rock area. We often see herds of bison, elk, and pronghorn as they graze their way toward the Tower/Roosevelt area. Red fox are abundant in this part of the park, and we often meet one of them making their scavenging rounds. More rare, but always a potential rare sighting, would be cougar, an early emerging male grizzly, or a moose. We have seen a grizzly playing with a coyote on a snowfield nearby once upon a time in the early spring. You never know what you might witness as the park's fauna make the seasonal transition from the scarcity of winter to the anticipated abundance of summer!

All participants are encouraged to bring bear spray, secured in such a way as to be reliably accessible if needed. You are also cautioned to be prepared for possible encounters with ticks. We are entering prime time for these bloodthirsty parasites. We recommend spraying pants legs from the knees down with tick spray. Even better, wear gaiters, and distribute tick spray on them.

We will have an optional coffee and scone gathering at the Wonderland Cafe and Lodge in Gardiner before we head up the hill. Be aware that the Mammoth Hotel and Dining Room is now closed, and will be reopening in late April.

The current weather forecast for where we will be hiking on Saturday calls for "A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 64". Bring appropriate layers that can equip you for temperatures anywhere between as low as 45 or 50 degrees and as high as 70 degrees. Be ready for the possibility of light rain and potential strong wind gusts. Use adequate sun protection, which includes use of a head covering, polarized sunglasses, and strong SPF sunscreen. Remember, "cotton kills", so don't wear jeans, cotton socks, or a cotton shirt. Use synthetic materials, like fleece, TechWare, or wool (which still insulates when wet). Bring plenty of water and your choice of trail food/snacks. Don't forget binoculars and your camera of choice, be it a cell phone, a digital SLR, or a point 'n shoot.

For those new to this group, be aware that the meet point and meet time info posted is deliberately bogus. Those who RSVP "Yes" will be provided the accurate intel via Meetup messaging.

Also, if the Organizer does not have your cell phone number, you can anticipate being approached via Meetup messaging for that number.

Lastly, you will be afforded the opportunity to RSVP to the coffee and scone get together prior to the hike. If you elect to attend, you will be provided the meet time. Those not attending will be given the alternative meet time and place where the group will gather immediately prior to departing to the eventual trailhead.

I look forward to seeing those "old hands" who will elect to join us on Saturday and any new Members who also attend.

Ballpark