Wildflowers in the Gros Ventre Wilderness

Mule’s Ear Wildflowers bloom on a mountainside in the Gros Ventre Wilderness

Last week I headed back into the Gros Ventre Wilderness for the first time. My destination was Blue Miner Lake, a small glacial lake just below the summit of Sheep Mountain, aka the Sleeping Indian. Just about every visitor to the area sees this mountain from Highway 89 as they’re driving north toward Yellowstone (if they’re not completely absorbed by the Tetons). Many locals and a few returning visitors, however will venture back into some of the relatively untraveled trails in the Gros Ventre Mountains.

The Blue Miner Lake trail is one such trail that brings you deep into the Gros Ventre Wilderness, a 285-000 acre protected area, and offers incredible views that easily compete with anything you’ll find in the Tetons. Following the ridge just a couple of miles farther will bring you to the summit of the Sleeping Indian where you can camp and watch an unparalleled sunrise and sunset, something I intend on doing within the next few weeks. This particular shot was taken just above Blue Miner Lake on my way back out. Wildflowers, such as these mule’s ear and geraniums, were blooming all over the trail and the scenery was spectacular!

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