Today was an early morning and we headed into the South end of Yellowstone, and we had to drive through the Grand Tetons to get to the park. We had already been to this park in past trips but decided that logistically heading eastward towards home we could see a nice park, and drive some extremely beautiful drives during the day.
We started with breakfast at mcdonalds in Jackson WY and gassed up to head into the park. We of course stopped at the Grand teton visitor center to get a stamp but did not hike this day in that park due to the fact that there are mostly long hikes and back country hikes in the tetons to see things that cannot be seen from afar. Thus we stopped quickly and headed northward to the Yellowstone entrance.
Our goal was to drive the west side, take some pictures, and head through the north rim road then eastward our of Yellowstone which was something we had never done. The north side is one of the best surprises of the trip as there were two great waterfalls to hike, which were Canyon falls and Tower falls. And we were able to see the unique lava columns just before the Yellowstone North junction turnout. There is a great stop with a coffee store and supply area for us to stock up on. However we were determined to get a hotel this trip, so it was almost 4 in the afternoon heading out of the park, and continuing our scenic drive, with the intention to get to red lodge, which is the city right over the pass.
My friend, Slavee (from Glacier) gave me great tips on doing this drive, and it was absolutely worth it. This drive is one of the most scenic in America and it is called the Beartooth highway. Before we get to the pass however, the exiting valley road from the northeast side of Yellowstone where the majority of buffalos in the park graze and migrate to. This was a huge surprise due to the fact it was unforeseen, and not expected. The valley alone is absolutely gorgeous and features mountainous terrain with a gorgeous plain view of buffalo grazing in happiness. There were elk and antelope as well and they seemed to be so happy with the life they were living. We stopped for some wonderful pictures of the animals, along with what seemed over 100 cars doing the same thing. Buffalo were crossing the road and the weather was sublime.
As we headed out of the park, I realize we had started the Bears Tooth pass ascension, as the scenery turned from jagged mountain to stone filled prairies, which were incredibly unique looking, and I found a gorgeous sense of beauty during the drive. as we climbed the road started to wind and turn, and eventually we ended up at the top to take a picture of the pass sign. at the top, the view is comparable to the grand canyons and I was blown away with the magnitude of canyons and mountains we had just ascended. we paused for a bit to take in the scenery, and then headed downward into the town of red lodge.
we booked a hotel and decided to have a nice steak for dinner, and make it a good night to reenergize, and enjoy without being too cold. IT was about 60 but at the late night it would be easily in the freezing temperature. This steak house was awesome and we split a nice meal of crab legs and steak, and definitely gave us a smile instead of using the camp food. After a nice break we headed to the hotel, and cleaned up to get ready to continue our trek eastward. It was about this time that I felt we were starting to head home, and the apex of the trip was over. Nonetheless we had many things left to see, and we were still excited to get there!
EXPENSES
11.18 Mcdonalds
12.97 gas
3.10 sticker
48 snacks and gifts yellowstone
14.47 lunch
72 steakhouse
109.90 hotel
Total – 274.62