Hiking the Bechler Area of Yellowstone Nat. Park

[Every Miles A Memory]

We just finished a grueling 18 mile round trip hike, in 1 DAY , to photograph the Union Falls waterfall and soak in the hot springs! If you're into hiking, this should be on the top of your list of hikes to add to the list. If you arent into hiking, just know this section of the park is amazing and might just be a reason to get you into the sport

It was the first time we realized we were in the fall season when we visited the Bechler Area where we're camped up in Grant Village, its all Pines, so no fall color

The morning was chilly with the temperatures hovering just above freezing. We werent ready to take off our boots yet for this first stream crossing

The numerous streams, waterfalls and cascades are reason enough to be out hiking before sunrise

Once the sun did come up, the clothes got stripped off but the river crossings were still brutally cold

Moose Antler we found along the hike - Photo by my Wife Cindy Bonish

Union Falls themselves are worth the hike! I believe nature to be my religion, and when viewing a scene like this perched atop a 100' cliff, its as spirtual for me as ones journey to Mecca or the Vatican

From the falls, we decided it would be worth it to add another 1.5 miles to the hike to soak in the hot springs. Imagine finding this tropical looking spring nestled in the backcountry of Yellowstone, all to yourself and with water that's 85 degrees!!

Swimming in the tropical warm waters in Yellowstone National Park

 

[Every Miles A Memory]

Studying the map while hiking back home

My wife Cindy, hiking through the neon colors of the Bechler Area

One last stream crossing just as the sun had set. We still had a few miles to go and it would soon be dark in Bear Country

Getting back to our camp site, well after dark and enjoying the heavens

Full gallery can be seen here. Hope you enjoy!

 

[Funrover]

BRAVO!! That is a great post. I will show my wife and see if we can't do this trail next year. I always love your post man!

 

[Every Miles A Memory]

Thanks Funrover!! If we could do it again, we'd have camped at the last backcountry campsite closest to the hot springs and made it at least a 2 day hike if not a 3 day ordeal so we could have taken our time.

That hot spring is reason enough to hike in! A bottle of wine or a nice aged whiskey sitting in there watching the stars is on our list of things to go back for.

I'll look at the back country map when I get to work and post which number it is incase you and the wife want to try it out.

 

[bucketosudz]

Is there anyone else out there that covets all the Bonish's have done in the last few months? Pat and Cindy, I hope someday I can have as much fun as it appears the two of you are having. I lived in Wyoming for 25 years less than 2.5 hours away from Yellowstone and I am ashamed I never took in the pleasures of this marvelous place as deeply as you both. Forever a fan!!!

 

[Tucson T4R]

I'm also a long running fan of Pat and Cindy's travels and outstanding photography. Kudos again on this latest series. Beautiful area and perfectly captured as usual. :victory:

 

[RMP&O]

nice pics...good find on the hot springs. I live in Jackson and was just up in Yellowstone last week but I never knew about these hot springs!

The picture of the Union Falls is very good....

 

[DrMoab]

Very cool Pat. That waterfall is unbelievable.

 

[Richie]

Your pictures brought back great memories. I've been to Yellowstone 3 or 4 times all when I was younger. It's absolutely gorgeous. What I remember about the park is it seemed while driving through the park, we had to stop every 5 to 10 minutes because there were either wildlife crossing the road or grazing on the side of the road. It was really exciting as a young boy to see a line of cars ahead and not know what kind of animal to expect.

 

[Every Miles A Memory]

Man, you guys really know how to make a guy blush!

bucketosudz, thanks for the kind words and we're trying our hardest to take advantage of this place while we're here. It wont be long before the snow is flying and we'll be heading south to warmer climates.

For those of you who would think of taking this hike. A few things I'd recommend and want to inform you on.

It cant be hiked till after July. The stream crossings are too high and the water is moving too fast before then, and it would be too dangerous.

If you were going to hike it, dont try and bag it in one day like we did. Take your time, make it a two or three day hike and enjoy the hot springs and the waterfall.

I'd love to shoot the waterfall at night under a full moon:drool:

There are two campsites within a very short distance to both the hot springs and the falls. Granted they're about 8 miles in, but once you're in there, you'll have the entire place to yourself at night.

The backcountry sites are 9U4 and 9U5 if you are planning your adventure.

Hopefully next time we'll have pictures of the falls under a full moon, and have the hot springs with a nice bottle of Joseph Phellps:coffeedrink:

 

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Awesome!

I am so impressed by all you do, and for your love of the outback!

Thank you so much for sharing!


Keep Going....!....:ylsmoke:




.

 

[jeepmedic46]

Those pictures are breathtaking and a awesome write up.

 

[02TahoeMD]

Great pics there guys, as ever. I love your photography and the eye you have for capturing nature at its finest. Guess I am gonna have to plan on an overnight camp trip to the falls the next time I get to Yellowstone.

Gorgeous, thanks for sharing.

 

[ttora4runner]

Dang, it. Now I know what my friend was talking in Rexburg about the area.

Crap! Looks like I need to get up there before it snows.:victory:

 

[Every Miles A Memory]

Thanks for all the comments guys! It was a great hike, and all I really had to do was point the camera in the right direction as the surrounding landscape is that beautiful!