Heart Lake

Another great backcountry lake not far from Grant. This lake is the fourth largest in the park and sits at the base of Mt. Sheridan (the highest peak in the red mountains). There is not a lot to say about this hike. It was mostly just lots of woods hiking and brief stint through a large open valley leading down to the lake. There were also a few small thermal areas along the trail, which always adds an interesting element to a hike. Being able to lie on a remote beach and watch a pelican fish was certainly the highlight of this trip. This trip also marked my completion of the employee 100 Mile Hiking Club. I hope to return to this hike and climb Sheridan, however its a 21 mile hike with 5,000+ft of elevation change (over the course of 5 miles) if Sheridan is added.

Valley Leading down to Heart Lake:

View of the lake from the shore:

Mt. Sheridan:

Seven Mile Hole

This is easily the hardest hike I have ever been on, one section drops roughly 1300ft into the floor of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. The first three miles of the hike skirt the rim of the canyon, and offers some spectacular views. Including a view of Silver Cord Cascade, which drops off into the canyon over 1200ft. Overall it was an extremely challenging yet equally rewarding hike.

Silver Cord Cascade:

Canyon Floor/Yellowstone River:

Avalanche and Hoyt Peaks

I'm skipping a large number of hikes to just post my hike from today, the rest really don't compare. These are two peaks of the Absaroka Mountains, each about 10,500ft at the summit. Easily the highest I have ever climbed. The hike up was not too bad, only 5 or 6 miles however, there was easily 8,000ft of elevation gained or lost over the course of the hike. The hike begins on Avalanche then continues on a saddle over to a rather technical climb up to the peak of Hoyt. There are not many pictures of my descent, mostly because I was too busy not falling off the mountain. Not much to note, what you see is basically Yellowstone Lake, Avalanche, Hoyt, and some small mountain lakes that exist due to snow melt. This is without question my favorite hike (replacing yesterday where I hiked off Bunsen Peak in 70mph winds). Enjoy

Snow melt lake:
Yellowstone Lake from Hoyt:
Avalanche from Hoyt:

Hoyt Peak:

Some snow melt lake from Hoyt Peak:
Yellowstone Lake from Avalanche:
Absarokas:
Avalanche from the base: