Elk Country

Yesterday Jordan and I did a 8.5+ mile hike to Burnt Mountain, which is located in the middle of the Big Horns.  It was super breezy, but the sun was out and there was no shortage of wildlife.

First we made our way up to the top of the mountain, and then followed its ridge line for a few miles.  There are numerous hoodoo-like rock formations around the top of Burnt Mtn, and the views are spectacular:

Throughout the day we came across herds of elk as we hiked across a meadow on the valley floor and then back up and over the mountain.  But the best encounter by far was with this young elk calf, whom we found hunkered down to stay out of the wind.

We were able to get within 10 feet of this gorgeous creature, who lay placidly in the grass waiting for us to move along.  It was pretty epic!

We ended our day with a trek up to the tallest part of the mountain.  It was exhausting, but so exhilarating too!