Fall Tour, Yellowstone and Back

Wanting to get a bit more exploring before winter properly set in, and having never been to Yellowstone (or the Grand Tetons), I thought it was a great opportunity to take a few days to explore. A leisurely start on Sunday took me up through Steamboat, and then west into Utah where I camped in the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area.

Day 2 was to head out of Utah, which was amazing, and up towards Jackson. Since I got into camp a bit late (a theme on this trip), took a couple pictures around camp in the morning before leaving.

Then it was off to start heading north. Getting into Wyoming was nice (as it was my first time), and even dipped into Idaho for a few minutes (not even long enough to find a spot for a good picture...but plenty of nice views around every corner).

Another late arrival at camp. The views weren't as dramatic, but it was a lovely site on a river.

The next morning, I walked down to snap a shot by the river...and then off to explore more of Wyoming.

It had already been difficult to not stop at every turn to take pictures. The scenery alone was breathtaking, but add in the fall colors and it seemed every vista was better than the last.

Made it to Jackson, then the Tetons came into view.

Mormon Row, and then some more beautiful views by a river just past Mormon Row.

When stopping for a quick lunch, ran across an amazing young woman, Jilana, who lives part time out of her van. I really liked the way she reimagined how to use items to make her build work for her.

I knew I had made it to Yellowstone when I saw all the hot pools and geysers. Stayed in a campground in the park, which was my least favorite night of camp...but it was in Yellowstone, which was the motivation for the trip.

The next day, it was time to cover ground again. Headed out of Yellowstone via the east entrance, and the drive to Cody was another amazing drive.

From here, it was into Bighorn National forrest. The mountains can reach over 13,000 feet, and climb over 8,000 feet above the plains. Found more amazing colors while looking for a campsite, which I found right as the sun was going down.

Then it was to be the last day. I had expected to spend one more night camping, but as I was about to take on my last planned section of my route, I found a road that was closed. It meant, I either had to backtrack a couple hours, or move ahead (taking me on a more direct route home, with less interesting camping options). Due to the later hour of the day, and not really having the mental creativity to make up a new route...I opted to head home. I thought it only fair to photograph one cow since they are such a large part of life in Wyoming.

And as the sun set, a great week in Wyoming (and Utah with peek into Idaho) came to an end.