Road Trip-- Glacier, Yellowstone, and Rocky Mountain National Parks

Alaska and the American Northwest

During May and June of 2005, we took the first extended vacation in the U.S. that we had done in almost twenty years. I hope that someday I can create a better album of the trip, but this will have to do as a poor substitute for now. I apologize for the inconvenience, but you'll have to use the Back Arrow to return after each photo. The trip will be divided into three parts: (1) the Alaska Cruise, (2) Vancouver to Glacier National Park via Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, and (3) Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Rocky Mountain National Parks. Naturally, we'll begin with Part 3.

Glacier National Park

1	We spent our first night at the Village Inn in Apgar on the west side of the park. What a great view from the balcony!	4	Breathtaking vistas can be found around almost every corner along the Going to the Sun Road.
2	Lake McDonald Lodge is also on the west side of the park.	5	St. Mary Falls is a relatively short hike from the road.
3	We weren't originally planning to go to Glacier, but after reading that the Going to the Sun Road had opened early, we quickly changed our minds.	6	After going for several days without seeing much wildlife, we took half a roll of film when we finally found the goats near Logan Pass.

Yellowstone National Park

1	We entered Yellowstone through the Roosevelt Arch at the North Entrance after spending the night in Gardiner.	9	Lower Falls of the Yellowstone is one of the most beautiful sights in the park.
2	This must be one of the most popular places in the park to pose for a photo.	10	The Yellowstone River meanders through Hayden Valley after leaving Lake Yellowstone.
3	Some people believe that Mammoth can be left out, but we found the Ranger tour there one of the best in the park.	11	West Thumb's geysers lie at the very edge of (and sometimes in) Lake Yellowstone.
4	Hoodoos are interesting rock formations formed by erosions. These hoodoos are on the road near Mammoth.	12	It is important to remember when to yiled the right of way when driving in Yellowstone.
5	Old Faithful blows in the wind, erupting within seconds of its predicted time.	13	This lone wolf, spotted just south of Canyon, appears to have had a rough winter.
6	The Dragon's Mouth near Mud Volcano is one of the thermal features that continues to change over time.	14	Early morning was always a good time for spotting the elk alongside the highway.
7	From the lookout, Norris Geyser Basin appears to be from another planet.	15	See if you can find Waldo. Bear spotting is very difficult when your "scope" is a pair of opera glasses!
8	We spent two nights in the cabins near Canyon Lodge, only a short drive from the lookouts to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.	16	But, when you can't spot a bear, it's almost as much fun to spot the bear watchers, a devoted group with lenses larger than my leg.

Grand Teton National Park and Jackson

1	The peaks of the Tetons have a way of making us feel very small.	4	Smaller mammals were much more cooperative about having their photos made.
2	There were clouds and fog on our second day in the park, but the mountains and lakes were still magnificent.	5	The marmot appeared from nowhere and gave me a quick check before finding another hiding place.
3	After failing to see a moose in Yellowstone, we spotted this one within an hour of entering Grand Teton NP.	6	According to reports, Jackson is very crowded in summer, but in early June, it wasn't bad, even for the shootout.

From the Snowy Range to Rocky Mountain National Park

1	Now near the end of our trip, it was time to relax in the "executive suite" of the historic Wolf Hotel in Saratoga.	4	Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park is similar to the Going to the Sun Road in Glacier.
2	We took the loop through Saratoga to get off the Interstate and were rewarded with the beauty of the Snowy Range.	5	We were afraid the bighorn sheep photo would be all we'd see, but a ewe eventually came down to the lick.
3	Wildlife is easy to spot in Estes Park. Just look for a nice, thick lawn to feed on.	6	With all the beautiful sights we'd seen, we were sorry to see our trip nearing its end. Note: Begin planning for next year!