backpacking yellowstone national park
When exploring the wilderness on a backpacking or hiking expedition a plan should be in place as to the specific route to traverse. Often when well equipped with a GPS, or maps and a compass, the urge to break off the trail and orienteer to your destination will be overwhelming. Usually its when the backpacking trail takes an unexpected turn that seems less efficient than the immediate terrain appears that prompts ambitious hikers to contemplate deviating from the trail. As thrilling as trail blazing may seem my advice is resist it.
There is a reason for that unexpected turn in the path. Wilderness backpacking trails in the forest started out as game trails and exist because wildlife used and developed them over a very long time. Believe me the forests’ natural inhabitants know best. When you do give in to the urge, and you will, be prepared for some major obstacles such as swamps, boulder fields, thick brush, steep hills and deep canyons. It is quite probable that the shortcut will turn into a physical and mental challenge. The realization that you are not going to make your destination before night fall is very frustrating.
Even more dangerous is when the party slits up because usually the backpacking and camping gear is split with them. The worst case scenario is someone getting hurt. They won’t be easily located or assessable because they are off the established routes. I have experienced all of these and am a firm believer that a trail is a good thing. There is a wise adage that states “plan your work and work your plan”. It’s an important philosophy to follow when backpacking or hiking in the wilderness.
My hometown, Casper, resides southeast of the Grand Tetons, the Wind River Mountains and Yellowstone Park. A short jaunt to the north sprouts the Bighorn Mountains which were explored by Buffalo Bill Cody, Jeremiah Johnson and Butch Cassidy.
My Discount Outdoor Gear website is a great resource for the backpacking and camping information. Within its pages are tips on how to plan and prepare for a backpacking expedition, the backpacking and camping gear needed, how to make, cook on and extinguish a campfire, camping gourmet recipes, backpacking activities, trail safety, wildlife safety, navigation tutorials… And more
Backpacking Yellowstone National Park 2008
