By Thomas Lehrich, author of the Adventures of Backpacker Billy and Shave
There are some places in this world that feel like they were made especially for adventure. Entering Yellowstone National Park through the Montana gate near Gardiner is one of them. The road winds gently along the Yellowstone River before rising toward the terraces of Mammoth, and from the very first mile, you feel that something wild and wonderful is waiting.
As we made our way toward Mammoth Hot Springs, the landscape began to change. The mountains opened into rolling sagebrush hills, and before long, we spotted elk grazing in the grasslands. Their tall antlers stood like crowns against the big sky. Deer stepped lightly through the brush, pausing just long enough to look at us before bounding away.
Mammoth itself feels like a place from another planet. The steaming terraces, layered in white and freezing water look like frozen waterfalls made of stone. But beyond the boardwalks and bubbling springs lies one of my new favorite family hikes, the trail from Mammoth to a Beaver Pond
The Beaver Ponds Trail climbs gently above the historic buildings and into quiet hills where adventure truly begins. The path winds through grassy meadows and shady groves, opening to wide views of the valley below. Along the way, we spotted more elk and watched hawks circling overhead. The ponds themselves are frozen reflecting clouds and lodgepole pines like a mirror. It’s the kind of trail where children can imagine they’re explorers charting unknown territory — just like Backpacker Billy and Shave often do.
For young explorers inspired by places like Yellowstone, here is a feature on our book about Utah’s spotted owl to spark the journey: The Adventures of Backpacker Billy and his trusty dog, Shave, continue in Utah’s Zion National Park with Spotty the Owl. The sixth book in the series brings readers to desert canyons where Backpacker Billy and Shave find wildlife in the old growth forests and learn about conservation from Ranger Richard. Created and written by Tom Lehrich the series follows Backpacker Billy and Shave as they trek around the globe and learn about wildlife. Be among the first readers to join them in this Utah adventure learning about the desert habitat and finding spotted owls. Young and adult readers alike will enjoy the wonder and adventure of Backpacker Billy and Shave. Order directly from the publisher.
Adventure is out there — sometimes waiting just beyond the next bend in the trail. See more books you will love!