Yes! This was the perfect spot to see them; not too close, but not too far. The first guy we saw from about 80 yards away noticed us first and took off down the ridge before turning around, checking us out, and doing some head-wagging. He then took off across a small snowfield and did an awesome glissade before running off across some really steep scree slopes - wow they can move!
Thanks! The name thing is definitely crazy, but it's typical of the other subranges, too; 18 out of the 38 peaks over 12,000 feet in the Southeast Absarokas are unnamed, and it's a similar story in the North part of the range. The mountain in the Southwest range that gets more attention is Younts Peak, which is just 9 feet lower than Wapiti Ridge. While it is still not climbed a lot, it is considered to be the remote peak in the continental U.S. (minimum of about 25 miles approach either way), so it draws more people because of that...
Nice work on your page, it sounds like an amazing place to see. I can appreciate what a wild area that is, not much traffic. All of the Griz that I have seen are from the side of the road in Jellystone, it must have got your heart going to see them up in the high country. Great summit shots.
Thanks Mike! It was definitely neat to see the bears up high; I saw a mother black bear and a cub up near Timberline Lake while climbing Buck Mountain last weekend, which was cool too!
Just wondering about your vote; is there something you'd like to see different? Take care and thanks for commenting!
Bob Sihler - Aug 11, 2010 7:08 am - Voted 10/10
First grizzly sightings!Happy now?
musicman82 - Aug 11, 2010 3:02 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: First grizzly sightings!Yes! This was the perfect spot to see them; not too close, but not too far. The first guy we saw from about 80 yards away noticed us first and took off down the ridge before turning around, checking us out, and doing some head-wagging. He then took off across a small snowfield and did an awesome glissade before running off across some really steep scree slopes - wow they can move!
musicman82 - Aug 12, 2010 12:18 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Nice work!Thanks! The name thing is definitely crazy, but it's typical of the other subranges, too; 18 out of the 38 peaks over 12,000 feet in the Southeast Absarokas are unnamed, and it's a similar story in the North part of the range. The mountain in the Southwest range that gets more attention is Younts Peak, which is just 9 feet lower than Wapiti Ridge. While it is still not climbed a lot, it is considered to be the remote peak in the continental U.S. (minimum of about 25 miles approach either way), so it draws more people because of that...
TimW - Aug 12, 2010 6:24 pm - Voted 10/10
Great page!Good to see the photos. A memorable trip, for sure. I agree that the east drainage was probably easier. Led to a fun ridge run as well.
I've heard for Younts they at least used to run NOLS pack trips over the summit - likely not the case with Wapiti Ridge.
musicman82 - Aug 12, 2010 6:48 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Great page!Thanks Tim - it was great going with you! Looking forward to many more...
I'm in agreement about the NOLS groups - this mountain sees next to no visitors!
Tim
wyopeakMike - Aug 27, 2010 6:31 pm - Voted 6/10
awesomeNice work on your page, it sounds like an amazing place to see. I can appreciate what a wild area that is, not much traffic. All of the Griz that I have seen are from the side of the road in Jellystone, it must have got your heart going to see them up in the high country. Great summit shots.
musicman82 - Aug 27, 2010 11:48 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: awesomeThanks Mike! It was definitely neat to see the bears up high; I saw a mother black bear and a cub up near Timberline Lake while climbing Buck Mountain last weekend, which was cool too!
Just wondering about your vote; is there something you'd like to see different? Take care and thanks for commenting!
Tim
mtybumpo - Aug 29, 2010 4:31 pm - Voted 10/10
Wow!Looks like an awesome area!
musicman82 - Aug 29, 2010 11:13 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Wow!Thanks - it most definitely is! Unless it's hunting season... :)