We embarked on an amazing adventure last Saturday. It all started with a drive to our friends house in Victor, ID on Friday evening. Bright and early Saturday morning, we woke up before 5am, made a quick breakfast, and drove to the Bechler Range Station just inside Yellowstone National Park. Armed with bear spray, bear bells, headlamps, and warm clothes, we started our run/hike of the Bechler River Trail (7:30am). Another group of friends parked near Old Faithful and started their trip around the same time. 
Rob and I ready to go.
Kent and Jen ready for adventure.
Prepared for whatever we encounter - yikes:)
headed to Old Faithful
As the sun rose, we got our first glimpse of Bechler Meadows
It was an amazing experience - feeling so far from the popular section of YNP - knowing that few visitors actually travel to this southwest section of the Park.
Colonade Falls along the first half of the trail
Iris Falls
Thermal area we ran through.
So many amazing sights, smells, and sounds.
The plan was to run/hike ~15 miles to Mr. Bubbles (soaking hot spring), hopefully meet up with the group coming in the opposite direction, and continue on the remaining 15 miles. Somehow - that is exactly what happened! As we were nearing the short spur trail to Mr. Bubbles, we passes a group on horseback and asked it they'd seen a group of 6. Sure enough, they had - just 5 minutes back. We started running towards them and were able to meet them right as we all arrived at the spring. Mr. Bubbles can get a little angry - I put my foot too close to the bubbly area and got burned causing me to drop my sandwich in the water! I took a bite of the soggy bread before thinking about the implications - thankfully I am still amoeba free and haven't experienced any ill effects.
After our ~1 hour soak and lunch, we continued north towards Lone Star Geyser. The trail was quite steep so we hiked to the top.
Jen was able to do a little yoga on the trail.
Came across another meadow with the sun trying to pop out. The weather all day was amazing. I was awfully cold at the end, but if it had been any warmer - we probably would have overheated.
We came across a half-elk in the last 5 miles!
More amazing thermal features.
Elevation profile from Bechler Ranger station to parking area near Old Faithful. We were told there was only 900 ft of elevation change - I guess was overall change from start to finish. Really, though, the trail didn't feel as bad as this profile looks.
We made it to the shuttle car before sunset - and that was my only goal of the day (aside from having an amazing experience with good friends). I am already planning my next running adventure. I really enjoyed the lack of pressure to run fast and get through the trail. We were able to stop, take photos, eat, and soak without the constant feeling of hurry up! Before and after running and hiking 30 miles!
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