Gene walks up on a grizzly bear on Mt. Washburn, Yellowstone National Park

Top of the Tetons

When I did this day-hike in 2011 I had no idea it was to be described by Backpacker Magazine as one of the 10 hardest day-hikes in America.  See below.  
Yes, it was sunrise to sunset.  
Yes, it was beautiful.  
Yes, you had to keep on the lookout for grizzly bears.

9. Paintbrush Canyon-Cascade Canyon Loop
Grand Teton National Park, WY
Score: 66 Miles: 19 Elevation Change: 8,000 feet X Factor: The occasional
 ultramarathoner passing you

Why does the 4,000-foot climb from String Lake up Paintbrush Canyon
seem to last longer than Paris Hilton's overextended 15 minutes of fame? 
There's no shade, and the climb stretches endlessly out over 8 miles. 
Start before dawn to beat the high-altitude sun-and to get over 10,700-foot 
Paintbrush Divide before early afternoon, the witching hour for the Tetons'
infamous thunderstorms. At the pass, drink in views up and down the
range, but don't celebrate yet: 11 long miles down Cascade Canyon await. 
Contact: Grand Teton National Park, (307) 739-3300; www.nps.gov/grte

Camp Life, Grand Canyon Backpacking

Osten & Shandiin Breaking in their new "Noculars" at Walnut Canyon outside Flagstaff, AZ.

Outdoors with Osten - 4

Outdoors with Osten - 3