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This isn’t your run-of-the-mill hiking adventure in Yellowstone. This trek will take you into the wilds of the park, giving you a mostly off-trail adventure is definitely a unique way to see the famous wildlife and landscapes around Lamar Valley. Along this tour, which can vary in distance based on your hiking ability, we will start by crossing over a small bridge on Soda Butte Creek before making our way across the bison and pronghorn filled fields of Lamar Valley. After that, we will head off-trail and go up toward the start of Mount Norris. Along this path, we will stop and see plants, animals and everything else you don’t get to see anywhere else in the valley.
For some, this may be the turn around point for the adventure, as it will already make the trip around 7.5 miles with a few thousand feet of elevation gain. If this is your preferred turn around point, you’ll still have an amazing time, as the views here are truly spectacular. As we overlook Lamar Valley, we will scan for wildlife in the distance, more than likely seeing bison and pronghorn, possibly even spotting bighorn sheep, bears and even wolves.
Those who want to continue a little farther will find themselves at an overlook that gives sweeping views of both Lamar Valley and Soda Butte Creek. From here, bison herds can easily be spotted. This spot will make the day approximately 10 miles in length, round trip. If you are wanting to summit Mount Norris, we will hike and climb another two miles to reach the rocky wonderland near the summit. To summit, expect a 15 mile day with around 4,000 feet of elevation gain.
Along this hike, I will share the history of the region, giving you an insight to the unique landscape that you won’t get from the road. We will also be scanning for wildlife, as bears, bison, pronghorn, bighorn sheep and even wolves are often seen in this area. As with all of my tours, I will be providing bear spray for the group.
We will also have an opportunity to see the unique geology of the region, then take some iconic pictures with antlers as we overlook Lamar Valley. This experience alone is one that is worth the time and effort to reach the overlook.
Overview
Along this hike, I will share the history of the region, giving you an insight to the unique landscape that you won’t get from the road. We will also be scanning for wildlife, as bears, bison, pronghorn, bighorn sheep and even wolves are often seen in this area. As with all of my tours, I will be providing bear spray for the group.
We will also have an opportunity to see the unique geology of the region, then take some iconic pictures with antlers as we overlook Lamar Valley. This experience alone is one that is worth the time and effort to reach the overlook.
After a safety discussion and gear check in the parking area, we will begin our adventure. For the first mile or so, we will stay on the flat and easy to wander trail, but after that, we will pick our way up a steep hill that leads to the side of Mount Norris. The first off-trail section will be steep, gaining a little over 1,500 feet in the next few miles. Along the way, we will have plenty of distractions, from wildlife sightings to cool despots of antlers and bones. After catching our breath and having a snack, we will continue a bit more along the western flank of Mount Norris, making our way to a flatter section where we will see a fantastic display of the region’s unique geology. For many, this will be the turn around point, giving a roundtrip hike of roughly 10 miles.
Those wanting to get on the summit block of Mount Norris will need to be ready for a 15 mile round trip trek with around 4,000 feet of elevation gain. The summit is 9,935 feet above sea level and has some scrambling during the last push to the top. I want to stress that we will only hike and climb to your level of comfort and be very aware of the time and weather. A summit may not happen, but it will still be an amazing day in a place that very few people ever wander.
