The Beaten Path

Published on 2026-09-03 by Michael Stanton

Most of these excellent photos are from Theron

Theron was coming to town! Robert suggested the Beaten Path as a fun backpacking trip for the three of us to do. We had good weather, and would be able to arrange a car shuttle with two vehicles if I drove up from Idaho Falls through Yellowstone to meet them at Cooke City. No problemo!

In fact, we were really lucky, because Case was going to do the trip as well. If we travelled north to south, then on exit, I could hop in my Subaru, and Theron and Robert could take Case's car back to Bozeman, and he would take Roberts truck. Amazing. Couldn't have planned it any better.

We repaired to a camp spot, built a fire and enjoyed some burgers in the sunset.

Robert and Michael the night before the hike

Day One, 10.5 miles

Theron marching forth just south of East Rosebud Lake

The imposing Bear's Face

Michael rounding a corner, possibly at Lake At Falls

Imposing peaks of the Beartooths

Robert tends the fire at Echo Lake

In search of a great campsite, we followed a trail all the way to Echo Lake, which we had to ourselves. Good food, a fantastic warm fire, and hours of joking around and philosophy made for a great night.

Day Two, 8 miles

I took off a bit early, then sat to meditate and have a snack above a cliff where the fellas caught me. The way the trail was blasted into cliffs usually on the north side of the many lakes was fantastic. Pretty gentle but steady elevation gain to the country above timberline...

High lake country

The trail often traversed cliffs above waterfalls

Gorgeous high country

Likely the falls above Duggen Lake

Michael gets in some meditation

They snuck up on me thanks to my headphones!

Subalpine country below Fossil Lake

Theron self-portrait at Fossil Lake

The area of our camp

Evening festivities!

Listening to music and enjoying some whiskey

Horseplay and tawlk

Goodbye, sun...

Theron in the evening

Just horsin' around!

Robert shows off the new tent

No fire tonight, but lots of fun listening to music and planning future trips. We harkened back to a time that we never knew, but somehow hope to recreate -- America before 1915: big ideas, confidence in the pride and spirit of the nation, a vision of man and nature in communion.

Day Three, 10.5 miles

Again I took off early. The fellas were spoofed by an etheral voice making whooping noises and thought it was me, playing the trickster. No! It was a strange lady making sing-song noises above a cliff. But they found me a 1/2 mile later on the edge of a cliff.

On the way out, I followed somewhat tiredly behind, perhaps unwilling to say goodbye to the restful high country.

Just excellent high country wandering here...

You wouldn't believe how old Theron's pack is!

Near the trailhead, the country of the Beaten Path recedes...

A most excellent trip for us. Also, we'd thought bad weather would come in by noon, however as we drove away, there was no sign of the expected cold, snow and wind. It'll be here soon though!

Thanks Rob and Theron!