Yellowstone Cliffs and Windy Gap, Northern Loop, Lake James & Grand Park via Lake Eleanor — Saturday, Sep. 13, 2025

Decided to hike to Windy Gap, because it was the only area of the Northern loop I haven’t done. I did this as a one night backpacking trip, getting a permit at Lake James and starting via Lake Eleanor and entering the loop after Grand Park. 
First step was to pick up the permit at White River ranger station. This kills at least an hour of your day since you have to gi in the park and drive back to road 73, which you have to take to TH. The road is not great, many potholes and rocks, but doable driving slowly. The TH has parking for 6 cars, but there is extra room on the road. Drive on 73 takes about 45 minutes.  
I hiked to Lake James the first day and after Grand Park I saw nobody until getting to the camp. Uneventful hike, very woodsy and huge descent to the river and then ascent to the lake. The ascent a little rocky and overgrown. 
The next day I woke up at 5 and left camp for a morning hike ti Windy Gap and Yellowstone Cliffs. This was done without carrying all the overnight stuff. On the way to Windy Pass I came across a baby bear and mama, just getting down from a tree. Gave them their space, waited for their departure and got my bear spray out, just in case. Made noise the rest of the day while walking. Walked to Windy Gap and further to the cliffs and it was spectacular. Colors are starting to turn. Sun was rising.  Beautiful tarns. The trail is in great shape. Work has been done or is in the process. The air was good, no smoke. After meandering to the Yellowstone campground area, I turned around and was heading back to James and boom! A mama bear and 2 adorable cubs. They saw me, I waited for them to move and they did not seem to want to. I then hiked off the trail, catching the trail lower down. They were very busy consuming the last of the berries.  
Hike back to camp, packed and headed back to the car. During this adventure, about 28 miles, I saw very few people on the trail.  It surprised me because I assumed it would be more popular since it was hard to get permits.  There was one other group at the camp ground. 
Good adventure. Windy Gap is beautiful