Gneiss Creek

Weather:  77º, sun 

About this Hike:  This hike kicked off the next four days in Yellowstone National Park. Originally I wanted to do either Fawn Pass or Bighorn Pass from trailheads on US 191 north of West Yellowstone. 

Being as I arrived in West Yellowstone late this afternoon, Gneiss Creek was a similar, but closer alternative. Just like the original two trails, Gneiss eventually traverses across the Yellowstone park boundary. I was also surprised at how late the sun sets here. It was settled; Gneiss would be an after-dinner kickoff hike.

The wildflowers in the meadows along Gneiss were stunning. I followed the trail down to the first creek crossing. I was getting uneasy, as it was getting near dusk and that's when bear and other wildlife often become active. 

I never saw any wildlife, but the mosquitos were awful down by the creek. I didn't stay long.

Returning to the trailhead, I made up my mind that I was no longer interested in Bighorn or Fawn Passes. These trails looked long, rugged, and with potential to encounter hostile wildlife. I decided I wanted to maximize my time in the national park starting tomorrow.