• NAXJA is having its 19th annual March Membership Drive!!!
    Everyone who joins or renews during March will be entered into a drawing!
    More Information - Join/Renew
  • Welcome to the new NAXJA Forum! If your password does not work, please use "Forgot your password?" link on the log-in page. Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] if we can provide any assistance.

Waterton-Glacier & Yellowstone backcountry camping info?

OverlandZJ

NAXJA Member # 101
Location
Bristol,PA
Taking my son out to Glacier and Yellowstone in mid to late June. Looking for info on backcountry camping,fishing and trails for NE Yellowstone area as well as Glacier NP.

We'll be in the area for about 2 weeks. Looking to avoid camping within the parks, more remote the better.

Local info/links or those who visited much appreciated.
 
I have hiked, camped, climbed and fished in the upper rocky moutains. If you said you want solitude, I would definetly avoid Glacier. I use to think Yellowstone was the worst for crowds but I think Glacier now has them beat. You can have a great, relatively secluded, backcountry experience in Yellostone. However, you need to apply for a permit as there is a limited number and can be stiff competition for them.
I would also tell you to avoiod Glacier that early. Many of the good trails will not be snow and ice free until early July at best. Looks like they have been getting more snow lately so it is not uncommon for many of the trails not to open until late July. Lastly, the mosquitos will be bad then.
I might suggest some alternatives. It depends on how much you want solitude. An alternative to Glacier is Bob Marshall Wilderness. However, it does nto have the Alpine look and feel of Glacier. It does have a feature called the Chinese Wall as well as numerous lakes and streams for fishing.
I think the best alternative wouldbe the Bridger Wilderness in N.W. Wyoming about an hour from Yellowstone. It has the same look and feel as Glacier without near the crowds. Some areas, like teh Cirque of Towers, gets more pressure. If I was going to suggest one place in particular it would be the Green River Lakes area. Crowds are relatively light and has good access to day trips and extended climbs. Once you get away from major trailheads, good luck seeing anybody. Misquito's will still be ab issue then as well as some snow on higher elevation trails. Lastly, the fishing is good. Granted, it would be excellent the later you go.
 
Agreed. I have been backpacking in several places in Mt and Wyo (and Utah & NM) and I think you can find a lot of what you are after without the headache of a National Park. By all means drive through and see them, but you can find a lot of great hiking near Anaconda MT.
 
Should have been more specific, i will not be camping within the parks. I will be taking a cruise through them for the experience.

I am looking for info on camping and backcountry drives and fishing locations. I have a bad back so no backpacking/climbing for me...my son and bud will be doing a bit though.

Seems like there's a few who have visited extensively, i look forward to your input.

Thanks.
 
Back
Top