Mt. Washburn Hike (continued)

Baby Bighorns near the Washburn Summit

As we neared the summit, we spotted several herds of bighorn sheep. The rams, ewes and lambs appeared to be separated roughly into three groups but they were fairly close to each other. It was amazing to watch the lambs and ewes bleating as they came back together. The lambs were hungry and began nursing as soon as they met up with their mothers.

Nine Lambs Finding their Mothers

Jim snapped this photo of Colin and me at the summit. We all grabbed a snack in the summit observatory. Thankfully, Laurie packed a great bounty of cheese, crackers and fruit.

Laurie and Chelsea hiked back to the car the way we had come up. But Jim, Colin and I hiked down to Dunraven Pass further to the south. Laurie and Chelsea would then drive south on the road to pick us up at this southern trailhead. Here is the view looking down the trail from near the summit. Hayden Valley can be seen in the distance.

Jim had to get a little skiing in on the patches of snow that covered parts of the trail at high elevation.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the wildflowers continued to be stunning on the hike down.
This was a really nice hike. Thanks to Laurie for letting us hike down the back side!

For the remainder of this day we drove through Hayden Valley looking at the bison herd and birds alongside the Yellowstone River. We ate dinner at Canyon Village and then had a nice campfire and s'mores at the campsite. Then to bed for much needed sleep.