Early Yellowstone History Tidbits Along the Gibbon River

This will be the second attempt to execute this itinerary. The first effort, last fall, fizzled out due to lack of participants. Several Members have voiced interest in giving this unique wander another chance.

Compared to many of the future ventures, this opportunity to explore seldom visited, but close to the Grand Loop places is rather straightforward. The morning plan is to attempt to retrace the route of one of Yellowstone's earliest roads, one designed and constructed by the Park's second superintendent, Philetus W. Norris. It runs along the base of the Tuff Cliffs, between the vicinity of the Gibbon Falls Picnic Area and the Tuff Cliffs Picnic Area. That's a distance between 2 and 2.5 miles, but we are talking about a road old enough to have never been paved, and one that is just short of 150 years old. Who knows how rugged portions of this route might be, particularly where blowdowns or fire-burned snags are concerned? There could be little traces of the earliest European-American visitors to our nation's first national park along this route, like inscriptions etched in tree bark or on the rocks of the caldera's NNW rim. We have found historical leavings in a variety of places along the Howard Eaton trail and Hiram Chittenden's 1900 era roads. Do you know anyone who has walked this old road in the modern era? I certainly do not!

In the afternoon, we will move our base of operations up to the parking area above Gibbon Falls, and walk up the old Grand Loop Road to where Secret Valley lies to the west. We will visit an old road construction dump, and then see if the spring runoff flow will allow us to walk a mile or two up the valley. There are some thermal features up that way.

If you have an interest in expanding your experience and knowledge of Yellowstone beyond the boardwalks, developed areas, and pavement, this might be right up your alley.

The weather forecast for Saturday looks quite favorable at present. Fair skies and a high temperature in the low 60s is predicted at present. Bring the usual gear, starting with bear spray, tick spray, and sun protection (hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen). Add camera, food, liquid refreshment, and an extra layer of clothing. A lightweight camp chair is optional. Hiking poles and waterproof boots are highly recommended.

If we do not have at least 4 participants signed up by Friday at 6:00 PM, we will likely cancel this activity, out of an abundance of concern for the group's safety.

Adventure is calling!

Ballpark