Indholdsfortegnelse for Yellowstone 2024 i National Park Journal

I didn’t lay eyes on Yellowstone for the first time until I was 21 years old. It was a place my dad always talked about fondly, having visited when he was a kid, but despite living an easy road trip away, my childhood passed without seeing the land of geysers and grizzlies. We hadn’t been on a daddy-daughter trip, just the two of us, since my little sister was born 17 years earlier. That fall, we found ourselves finally taking the road trip. We loaded his Jeep with camping and fishing gear—plus a box of family size Cheez-Its my dad rolled his eyes at me for packing—booked a mystery hotel deal from Kayak, and headed north. Two days later, after camping and hiking our way through the Tetons, we drove…

IN THE PARK 1 Think big. At more than 3,400 square miles, Yellowstone is huge. It can take hours to drive from one part of the park to another and speed limits are 45 mph or slower on all roads. Not to mention notorious bison jams often cause delays. Plan your trip strategically so you don’t spend all of your time driving. 2 Get your pass. You can buy a $35, 7-day pass at a park entrance station, or use your America the Beautiful or other interagency annual pass to get into the national park. If you’re planning to visit Grand Teton as well, an America the Beautiful pass is the way to go to avoid paying double entrance fees. 3 Watch your step. Yellowstone’s thermal features are fatally hot.…

Visiting a national park, whether it’s Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain or Badlands, is an experience you won’t soon forget, but sometimes it’s nice to have something tangible to remember your trips by. Commemorate your favorite trails, most exciting wildlife encounters and million-dollar views with a hand-illustrated Xplorer Map of your favorite park. Artist Chris Robitaille hand draws every line, letter and icon on each map and includes interesting details that will help cement your memories. On the map of Grand Teton, you’ll find wildlife like a mother grizzly with three cubs and a guide to local flowers and trees. On Yellowstone, you’ll find a beautiful rendering of Old Faithful erupting. As a member of 1% for the Planet, a portion of proceeds go to conservation organizations. In addition to maps, Xplorer…

CHUGWATER, WY Get off the highway and explore the charming southern Wyoming towns that stretch from Chugwater to Glendo for sparkling lakes and history galore tucked into the plains. In Chugwater, stop at the mint green Chugwater Soda Fountain, the oldest in the state. It’s home to incredible strawberry milkshakes and cheeseburgers you won’t want to miss. Spend the day floating the Platte River. Buy a tube at Guernsey Mercantile and put in at West Bridge on Highway 26. The approximately one-hour float to Register Cliffs is mellow and the perfect way to enjoy a summer afternoon. At Register Cliffs, you’ll see the names of hundreds of pioneers who took the Oregon Trail west carved into the rock. Also in Guernsey, you can see six-foot-deep paths in the sandstone carved…

Explore the Canyons and Mountains Located about 25 minutes from Buffalo, Crazy Woman Canyon is best explored in a high clearance vehicle. The one-lane dirt road winds under towering cliffs alongside Crazy Woman Creek, offering spectacular scenery and several great spots to park and take in the views along the water. Allow at least two hours for a leisurely tour and longer if you plan to picnic along the way or stop to fish or dip your toes in the creek. On the western end, Crazy Woman Canyon Road meets Highway 16 in the Bighorn Mountains, where you’ll find even more recreational opportunities. Pull over at Loaf Mountain Overlook to read the interpretive signs and appreciate the panoramic vista. Stroll Through Beautiful Downtown Buffalo Main Street is lined with unique…

Celebrating more than 60 years of experience and an outstanding safety record, Jackson Hole Whitewater offers a great trip on the Snake River for the young and the young at heart. The company offers fun and family friendly seven-mile float trips down the Snake River. The float trips last 2.5 to three hours and begin at the historic Snake River Ranch and end at Wilson Bridge. The views along the way are outstanding. Make reservations in advance by calling 307-733-1007, online at JHWW.com, or stop by the office in town square, where the company has a reservation desk. Ask about their whitewater rafting trips in the Snake River Canyon. Learn more at JHWW.com.…

In Yellowstone, unhurried bison roam past shooting geysers. Wolves hunt in the dawn light and a massive lake stretches to the horizon. Five hundred miles north, on the Canadian border, lush forests give way to alpine lakes with colorful rocks making up their shores in Glacier National Park. Grizzly bears roam underneath ancient glaciers while towering peaks guard stunning valleys. These two incredible parks might be what originally draws you to Montana, but you’ll find the real magic lies in the small towns, fascinating history, amazing trails and famous big skies in between. Start in Bozeman, a vibrant, outdoorsy town with a great local food and beverage scene. As you drive south to Yellowstone, you’ll get the chance to experience some of the best rivers in the West whether you…

“Drink local” is the motto of Bozeman Spirits Distillery in downtown Bozeman. And there may be no better locally concocted cocktail than the distillery’s Montana Huckleberry Mule. Made with huckleberry flavored vodka, it’s served in a copper mug in the saloon inspired tasting room. Using local grains as often as possible, the distillery produces whiskey, vodka, gin and rum, all distilled and bottled on site. And if you like what you’re sipping, bring a taste of Montana home with you. Purchase a bottle at the tasting room or throughout Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and North Dakota. Stop by Bozeman Spirits at 121 W. Main Street or go online at BozemanSpirits.com.…

Locals in Gardiner like to say Yellowstone’s north gate, just five miles down the road, is ’nature’s favorite entrance.’ While we can’t speak for the wildlife, it seems an apt statement. Elk wander the streets in summer and bison amble through town in search of lower elevations as winter sets in. This town is also a favorite of visitors of the human variety, thanks to its close proximity to incredible outdoor recreation. With the Yellowstone River running through, getting out on the water is a must. Go on a whitewater rafting or float trip (see pages 60 and 68), or enjoy the serenity of the river on its banks as you soak in Yellowstone Hot Springs Resort. You can combine rafting with horseback riding through the gorgeous landscape with several…

Floating down a peaceful river in a gorgeous setting may be one of the most memorable experiences you have on your vacation. Offering everything from a leisurely float on a tube to half-day and full-day rafting trips, plus ziplining courses, Montana Whitewater is the place to go for outdoor adventures. Watch the rolling mountains pass by as you lounge on an inflatable tube on the sparkling waters of the Madison River on a peaceful excursion. Montana Whitewater staff will meet you at the Madison River put-in or you can meet at the shop in Bozeman. They provide all the gear you’ll need, including inflatable coolers and lines to rope your group of family or friends together. After your float, they’ll assist in shuttling you back to your car or the…

Looking for the fastest way to get to five of South Dakota’s stunning national park sites? You’ll want to fly the most direct route, into Rapid City Regional Airport. From there, drive less than an hour to reach the towering presidential heads of Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, the underground wonderlands of Jewel Cave National Monument and Wind Cave National Park, the awe inspiring geology of Badlands National Park and the hidden nuclear history at the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. With five major airlines serving the airport, there are many ways to get to Rapid City, giving you plenty of time to explore the entire region. There are also seven on-site rental car agencies to choose from, so you can road trip from the airport. Make Rapid…

On June 3, 1948, five survivors of the Battle of the Little Bighorn looked up as the first blast on Thunderhead Mountain took place to start work on Crazy Horse Memorial. Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear, on behalf of his elders, had asked sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski to carve a memorial in honor of all Native Americans. The massive sculpture emerging from the granite is of Oglala Lakota leader Crazy Horse. Fighting to preserve his people’s way of life, Crazy Horse was a revered strategist and led his warriors to victory at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876. Seventy-six years after the first blast, you can still see crews working on the memorial, drilling, chiseling and removing rock three-quarters of a mile from the visitor complex. Four of Ziolkowski’s…

Just a short drive from the monument are Gillette and Wright, Wyoming. Here, you’ll find tons of surprising attractions. Start with a tour of the 55,000-acre Durham Bison Ranch. It’s been in the Flocchini family for three generations and is one of the largest bison operations in the world at more than 3,000 head. Take a two-hour tour where you’ll literally ride into the middle of the bison on a bus to learn how the Flocchinis holistically manage their herd. Then, embark on a very different kind of tour. Anyone who’s ever turned on a light switch should see where their power comes from. The Powder River Basin provides 30% of all coal used in the country’s coal-fired energy plants. It’s why Gillette is known as the “Energy Capital of…

See herds of bison and soak in hot springs for free without Yellowstone’s crowds in Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis, just under 2.5 hours east of Yellowstone. After driving through the state park to see bison, unwind in the free Bath House, which has 104° F water. Then, see what else this destination has to offer. Float the Bighorn River by renting an inner tube and life jacket from Rent Adventure, which offers a shuttle service. Your float could take two to four hours, depending on water flow. For ATV enthusiasts, the Wagonhound Off-Road Park offers hours of cruising and even extreme rock crawling. At Hot Springs County Museum & Cultural Center, you can see a horse-drawn carriage used as a Yellowstone taxi and one of Wyoming’s largest Native…

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK Long before Yellowstone became the country’s first national park, this land was important to a diverse group of people. Philetus W. Norris, the park’s second superintendent, convinced America that Indigenous people avoided Yellowstone because of their fear of the park’s geysers. This came at a time when the U.S. was at war with many Native Americans so it was a convenient story, but it couldn’t have been further from the truth. Native Americans hunted, fished and gathered plants in the park. Some groups visited the geysers and conducted ceremonies while others collected obsidian. The Fishing Bridge area was used as a gathering place and the thermal waters of the park were used for ceremony and healing. There are 27 Native nations with historic ties to Yellowstone who…

Surrounded by three gorgeous mountain ranges, Lewistown, Montana offers a quieter side of a state known for its wildness. When you stay at the boutique Calvert Hotel, you’ll feel that sense of relaxation. Located between Yellowstone and Glacier national parks, it’s the place to stay to get away from it all. “We offer touches of home paired with luxuries of vacation,” says KellyAnne Terry, general manager. You’ll notice the modern details like custom tile, Keurigs in the rooms and luxury bedding. A bountiful grab-n-go breakfast is the perfect way to fuel up for the day with homemade pastries, a custom blend of coffee from local roaster, Rising Trout, and more. But you’ll also feel the hotel’s historic charm from the moment you walk in. Built in 1917 as a dormitory…

Tucked into the rolling green hills of southeast Idaho, you’ll discover an off-the-radar gem worth exploring in charming Lava Hot Springs. Wellness is top of mind here, from the world class hot springs you can immerse yourself in year round to the yearly Wellness Festival held each June. In the heart of town, you can soak in five wonderfully sulfur-free outdoor pools heated between 102 and 112° F by natural underground springs. A number of the hotels in the area also have their own private hot springs, spas and massage therapists. Head here mid-week for the best rates and least number of people. Spend time on the Portneuf River that flows through Lava Hot Springs by renting an inner tube at one of several stands next to the hot springs…

IDAHO POTATO MUSEUM It saved Europeans from frequent famines and it was the first vegetable grown in space. There’s no better place to learn more about the magnificent, dirt-encrusted potato than at the Idaho Potato Museum in Blackfoot. “We have a big display on how it changed the world,” says Tish Dahmen, executive director of the Idaho Potato Museum. She notes that the Spanish brought it back to Europe after conquering the Incas in Peru in the late 1500s. At first, Europeans eyed it suspiciously. Check out the Mr. Potato Head exhibit, the world’s largest Pringle and a spud signed by a vice president. For some food for thought, grab a bite to eat at the museum’s quaint Potato Station Cafe where you can order baked potatoes (call ahead two…

Located five miles south of Grand Teton National Park, Snow King Mountain Resort is Jackson, Wyoming’s best kept secret. This family friendly paradise has summer activities from adrenaline inducing zip line courses, an alpine slide and coaster to mini golf, bike rentals and a scenic gondola. The resort offers a variety of activities and packages to fit all sorts of budgets, whether you’re looking to stop in for a few hours or the entire day. If you stay after dark, you’ll be treated to mesmerizing views when you see the newly completed observatory and planetarium. Located atop Snow King Mountain, this one-of-a-kind facility is open to the public and is home to a one-meter telescope as well as a variety of exhibits focused on the stars. Head up after the…

After Grand Teton and Yellowstone, lose the crowds when you dip into southern Idaho and its three unique national park sites. Start at Craters of the Moon National Monument, celebrating its centennial in 2024. Formed by eight major volcanic eruptions from 15,000 to 2,000 years ago, this otherworldly landscape in Arco makes you feel as though you landed on another planet. If you only have 30 minutes, drive the seven-mile scenic loop. For a two-hour hike, park at the Spatter Cones parking lot and walk to Big Craters. Southern Idaho’s second national park site can be found along Thousand Springs Scenic Byway, a fantastically scenic drive that takes you through the stunning Snake River Canyon, past Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, historic towns, hot springs, stunning blue water and waterfalls.…

You can tour Yellowstone on your own, but if you download the GuideAlong app, you’ll get an insider’s perspective on the park without having to go on a tour. It’s like having your own guide in the car with you. “We recognized that travelers prefer to set their own pace and itinerary, but still enjoyed a fun, informative and educational guided experience,” says Rick Bulich, founder of GuideAlong. “That became our inspiration. How do we recreate that experience for people who want to remain independent and self tour?” As you drive, the app uses your location to automatically play perfectly timed commentary about history, geology, wildlife and more. Stories like how microscopic bacteria in Yellowstone’s hot springs have enabled scientists to find our distant ancestors, cure diseases and even solve…

Fields of golden prairie grass and green crops roll up to bluffs. Sunflowers bob their heads in a summer breeze, brilliantly yellow against the blue Wyoming sky. Horses and cows dot the landscape. Gazing out across this southeastern corner of Wyoming, you can imagine what life would have been like for the pioneers crossing the many trails headed west to seek a new life. In the 1800s the Oregon, California, Mormon, Bozeman and Pioneer trails, along with the Pony Express, all crossed through this part of Wyoming, making it an important respite for westbound travelers. Stop here on your way to Yellowstone for a peek into the past. Fort Laramie began as a private trading post in 1834. The Lakota and Sioux would trade buffalo robes for manufactured items until…

When President Franklin D. Roosevelt ordered all people with Japanese ancestry to be removed from the West Coast during World War II, more than 14,000 Japanese Americans ended up behind barbed wire at Heart Mountain Relocation Center. The first incarcerees arrived via train on August 12, 1942. The last left the center in November 1945. Today, stop by the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center to learn more about the Japanese and Japanese Americans who were forcibly moved from Washington, Oregon and California where they lived. There’s a museum, gallery and theater. Then head outdoors to the walking trail to see a war memorial and original camp structures. “It’s a really important piece of American history,” says Kate Wilson of Heart Mountain Interpretive Center. “A lot of people don’t know about it…

GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK 1 Cruise Jackson Lake Take a scenic boat ride on Jackson Lake departing from the Colter Bay Marina. If you opt for a meal cruise, you’ll dock and get out on beautiful Elk Island to dine where you’ll get a totally unique perspective of the park. Book at GTLC.com. 2 Hike to Phelps Lake Hike this beautiful 5.8-mile loop to an alpine lake that leaves from the Laurence S. Rockefeller Preserve. Wander along the Aspen Ridge Trail through fluttering trees and boulder fields until you get to Phelps Lake. You’ll get views of Death Canyon along the shore. Take Boulder Ridge Trail back. 3 Drive Teton Park Road Spot wildlife and stop for a picnic on this 21-mile scenic drive in the park. It stretches from…

Drive south of Grand Teton National Park, and you’ll stumble on a wonderfully uncrowded national monument unlike any you’ve visited. Fossil Butte National Monument is a unique National Park Service gem 15 miles west of the Kemmerer/Diamondville area (pronounced “Kemmer”). Instead of the huge mountain peaks of the parks to its north, you’ll discover a high desert landscape that’s home to incredibly preserved fossils of ancient turtles, birds, snakes and more. In fact, the monument was created in 1972 to protect these ancient animals and plants. Start in the visitor center for exhibits on more than 300 fossils, including a crocodile, found in the ancient, 48-million-year-old Fossil Lake, which is now dry. Then, head out to the 2.5-mile Historic Quarry Trail lined by trailside exhibits about wildlife, plants and geology.…

Cool down in the heat of summer by renting a stand-up paddleboard at Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area in Utah. A number of wakeless paddling trails near the dam and near Sheep Creek Overlook enable you to explore canyons that rise anywhere between 100 and 1,000 feet. You won’t even have to worry about waves from motorized boats. “It’s really spectacular,” says Ryan Kelly, Flaming Gorge marketing director. “It’s a great way to get that deep canyon experience without going on a commercial trip downstream.” Below the Flaming Gorge Dam runs a mellow stretch of the Green River that’s great for family float trips. Rent a raft and journey seven miles downstream to Little Hole takeout where a pre-arranged shuttle can pick you up. Or rent a houseboat to explore…

Paradise Valley: Livingston to Gardiner Hemmed in by the Absaroka Mountains to the east and the Gallatin Range to the west, Paradise Valley follows a meandering stretch of the Yellowstone River through a stunning valley. The route on Highway 89 runs about 50 miles from the town of Livingston in the north to the town of Gardiner in the south. Located on the north end of the valley, Livingston is a vibrant town with a lively art scene and lots of good eateries. Add an overnight stop at the historic Murray Hotel where you can stay in a Victorian era room with a Western spin. From Livingston, it’s easy to get out and explore Paradise Valley. Don’t forget to pack your bathing suit—stop by Chico Hot Springs and Yellowstone Hot…

Soaking in the peaceful pools of Yellowstone Hot Springs Resort, you’d never know you were just eight miles from Yellowstone’s North Entrance in Gardiner. Opened in 2019, the hot springs are tucked off the highway just 100 feet from the Yellowstone River. Here you’ll feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the park. One-hundred-and-fifty-degree water is pumped a mile and a half from the hot springs to feed five pools, a 105° F hot plunge, a 98° F warm pool, a 68° F cold plunge and two Kneipp pools to rejuvenate the whole body. Kneipp pools, while popular in Europe, are rarely found in the U.S. Two parallel, shallow pools—one hot and one cold—are lined with river rocks. When you walk through the pools, the rocks and the…

The town of West Yellowstone sits at the West Entrance to the park. Along with easy access to Yellowstone and plenty of lodging options to choose from, there are fun activities right in town. Missed seeing a grizzly in Lamar Valley? You’re guaranteed to see one at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, a non-profit wildlife educational and research facility minutes from the park. The seven resident bears arrived in West Yellowstone after becoming nuisance animals where they lived by either damaging property in search of food or becoming aggressive toward people. Rather than be killed, the bears at the center were rescued and serve as ambassadors for grizzlies in the wild. Don’t miss seeing the center’s seven wolves, and then North American river otters in an exhibit which offers…

1 Virginia City Players Theatre Co. Sit back in this historic theater in Virginia City and be entertained by 1800s-era melodramas and vaudeville variety acts. You can purchase a drink at the Bale of Hay Saloon next door and bring it into the theater. 2 Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site Once the headquarters of a 10-million-acre cattle empire, this National Historic Site in Deer Lodge offers tours of the ranch home built in 1862. You can explore the bunkhouse, blacksmith shop, horse barns and cattle sheds. Spend time with the horses, chickens and cows on site. 3 Butte Trolley Tour Ride the trolley to hear about Butte’s colorful history and present day attractions, including the Copper King Mansion and the Berkeley Pit Viewing Stand. Afterward, visitors can go 65 feet…

Unique, cool, serene, welcoming and replete with natural beauty, Missoula is Montana’s coolest university town. Nestled in the Northern Rockies, surrounded by seven wilderness areas and at the confluence of three rivers, it’s also an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Head to the Clark Fork River next to Caras Park where you can watch river surfers, kayakers and the occasional brave tubers tackle Brennan’s Wave, a human made water feature. Or, head to the University of Montana to go on a hike that offers spectacular Missoula views. The popular “M” trail is 0.75 miles one way and leads up 10-plus switchbacks 620 feet above town. Walk a mile farther to reach the top of Mount Sentinel. You can access the trailhead behind the stadium. Discover a variety of art galleries and eclectic…

Havre might look like a classic western town, but there’s a fascinating twist to its history. In 1904, a viscous fire swept through downtown, destroying almost every building in the bustling frontier outpost. Business owners moved underground while reconstruction took place. Ten blocks of passageways were home to a subterranean saloon, laundry, brothel and more. Later, the passageways were used by bootleggers during Prohibition. Today, the passageways have been refurbished as a tourist attraction: “Havre Beneath the Streets.” Stop by 120 3rd Avenue to get tickets for daily tours between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. in the summer and between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. every day but Sundays in the winter. Fort Benton is one of the oldest towns in Montana, and its historic downtown still holds onto its…

Meadowlarks, their yellow bellies glowing in the sun, sing their distinctive song. Blue skies stretch as far as the eye can see over rolling prairies that give way to badlands and forests. President Theodore Roosevelt said of his home in North Dakota that’s now his namesake national park, “it was here that the romance of my life began.” The plains hold many beautiful things, if you look closely. Road trip from Chicago or fly into Rapid City Regional Airport in South Dakota where five diverse national park sites lie within a few hours of each other. At Badlands National Park wildlife is abundant, from bighorn lambs leaping over colorful rock formations to bison grazing in a sea of grass and prairie dogs chirping their warnings. Go underground at Wind and…

Sundance offers a deep dive into history and stunning natural beauty. Notorious historical figure Harry Longabaugh did his first prison stint in Sundance, which led to his nickname, “The Sundance Kid.” During the Sip N Walk Historical Tour, meet him and other historical figures played by locals as you stroll downtown with your complimentary adult beverage. Call the Crook County Museum for tour prices and to sign up at 307-283-3666. In Sundance Square right next to the museum, you’ll find a statue of the Sundance Kid, a playground and splash pad for kids, plus restrooms and picnic tables. Beyond the square browse Bruce Seidel Gallery, which sells wildlife art, landscape art and more. Then hit the trails on horseback with Seven J Outfitters. If you want to explore under your…

The best way over the Bighorn Mountains on the way to Yellowstone is U.S. Highway 16, known as the Sweet 16. Passing through Ten Sleep, it’s also known as the safest route because of the road’s gentle curves and lower grade hills. For the camping enthusiast, the Bighorn National Forest has 32 different campgrounds and 14 picnic areas. Just 20 miles east of Ten Sleep on Highway 16, camp at the gorgeous Lake View Campground on the northern end of Meadowlark Lake. At Washakie Museum, see exhibits on Paleoindian mammoth hunters and Wyoming’s early settlers. The Last West exhibit covers cattle barons and the infamous Spring Creek Raid of 1909. There are plenty of hands-on activities for kids. This area attracts climbers who scale the limestone walls of Ten Sleep…

The quaint town of Red Lodge sits at the northeastern end of the Beartooth Highway, known as one of America’s most beautiful roads. You’ll pass some of the most incredible scenery in the west as you approach town. Imagine thick, lodgepole pine forests, striking cliff bands, meadows carpeted with wildflowers and more than 900 glassy lakes reflecting snowcapped peaks. Allow at least three hours for the drive, more if you want to hike or picnic. Like something out of a storybook, Red Lodge is tucked under the slopes of its namesake ski resort and is filled with boutiques and eateries, innovative locals like the owners of Crazy Creek—the legless camp chair company—and all the outdoor recreation you could wish for. Just five minutes from town, hop on the Silver Run…

Whether you love lacing up your hiking boots or you’re looking for pedal-powered adventures, Southeast Montana is home to some truly remarkable trails. Spots like Makoshika State Park just outside of Glendive and Terry Badlands Wilderness Study Area near the town of Terry offer the chance to spot geologic wonders like natural bridges and hoodoos. Dirt paths aren’t the only kind of trail you’ll find here. Bring your appetite for the Southeast Montana Burger Trail that will take you on a mouth-watering adventure around the region. From patties covered in homemade mango salsa to cheese-stuffed burgers with all the fixings, no two burgers are the same. Get started by downloading the digital passport and maps from SoutheastMontana.com/burgertrail. While Montana’s Trail to the Stars encompasses nearly the entire state, if you…

With its vibrant downtown, lively events and many miles of trails, Pocatello is a great spot to spend a long weekend. Dotted with historic buildings, unique shops and a variety of restaurants, head to the downtown walkable district with lots to see. From art and history to fine dining and events, the area is a great place to spend an afternoon. Get out like a local at Revive at Five, held every Wednesday evening throughout the summer at Lookout Point, Pocatello’s city square. The weekly gathering features a live band, beer, local food vendors and fun kids’ activities, making it a great outing for the entire family. The downtown area is also home to more than 20 restored neon signs, a fun relic of Pocatello’s past. Take the self guided…

Yellowstone is as big as Puerto Rico, so it’s important to take distance into account when planning sightseeing and lodging. To make the most of your trip—and to spend less time driving—you’ll want to decide in advance which of the five entrances to the park makes the most sense for you to use. If you’re driving from Denver, or plan to also stop at Grand Teton National Park, use the South Entrance. Travelers coming from Utah or Idaho should use the West Entrance. Going south from Montana, you can use the North or Northeast entrances. The North Entrance is the only one accessible to passenger cars in winter from outside the park. The final way to access the park is the East Entrance, which is most convenient coming from Badlands…

Stretching from the high deserts of New Mexico across 3,000 miles into Canada, the Rocky Mountains are North America’s biggest range. This road trip traces a small section of these iconic peaks from the Mile High City of Denver, Colorado, to the Wyoming-Montana border before looping back south through the canyons of Utah and western Colorado. Touch the clouds as you drive Rocky Mountain National Park’s 12,183-foot-high Trail Ridge Road. Then, cross into Wyoming and visit a bison ranch or watch a rodeo in the state’s capital, Cheyenne. Drive through some of the prettiest scenery in the West on the Snowy Range Scenic Byway and get out on the water at beautiful lakes near towns like Wheatland and Casper. You can learn about the history of the West from ranching…

If you’ve timed your visit right, you’ll arrive in Cheyenne for the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and western celebration where top rodeo athletes compete for more than $1 million in cash and prizes. Celebrating its 128th year in 2024, Cheyenne Frontier Days offers more than daily rodeo action July 19-28. Take the Behind-the-Chutes Tour to learn what goes on during the rodeo. Meet the animals, step into the chutes and finish the tour by walking across the arena. Stop by Indian Village where Native Americans have been performing since 1898, returning each year to entertain and educate visitors about their heritage with dances, handicrafts and storytelling. There’s also a carnival with rides, an air show, top name entertainment like Zach Bryan and Cody Johnson, Professional Bull Riders (PBR) and several…

Get off the beaten path to explore one of Carbon County’s most stunning and least visited scenic drives: Battle Highway. A 57-mile scenic route that spans across the Sierra Madre Mountains from Encampment to Baggs, you’ll find breathtaking views and few crowds. This route has wide shoulders and little traffic so it’s also a great option for road bikers. Visit historic sites like Battle ghost town and take in mountain views, mixed aspen and conifer forests and stop to hike at the many trailheads in Medicine Bow National Forest. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like deer, moose, pronghorn and bighorn sheep. When you reach Saratoga, stop at Snowy Mountain Brewery, which may be the only one in the country with its own hot springs resort. Soak in the 70-foot…

Back in the day, bootleggers stashed liquor in tunnels they built underneath the heart of Greybull’s downtown, or so the legend goes. Today, you can visit the Historic Hotel Greybull and see the renovated speakeasy that was ground zero for an illegal liquor operation during Prohibition. Owners Myles Foley and Lori Davis finished renovations in 2011 that celebrate the hotel’s storied past but include modern amenities. Below the hotel, you’ll find The Speakeasy Restaurant, which still has the original buttons used to alert employees when the authorities were on the way. Reservations are recommended. Catch a glimpse of another era of history when you walk among World War II bombers that later became firefighting planes at the Museum of Flight and Aerial Firefighting behind the WYDOT rest area north of…

YELLOWSTONE NAIONAL PARK And the first rule of Grizzly Country? Be bear aware. Yellowstone is home to approximately 150 grizzly bears, as well as their smaller cousins, black bears. While negative human and bear encounters are rare, they can happen. It’s important to take steps to protect yourself—and these magnificent creatures—when you’re recreating in the park. Be proactive about avoiding a bad encounter with a bear by storing food and other scented items in bear-proof containers while at camp and in scent-proof containers while hiking. When you’re on the trail, never hike alone and ensure you’re making noise while in thickly vegetated areas or coming around a corner. It might feel silly, but whistling, singing or even calling out “hey bear!” can alert animals to your presence. They want to…

1 Via Ferrata Unlike the world renowned expert climbing routes in the Tetons, the Via Ferrata makes mountain climbing accessible for families and individuals looking for adventure. Accompanied by a guide, you’ll secure yourself to cables and move across a mountain face by way of metal ladders, rope walkways and ledges. Book in advance a full-day climb (five hours) with lunch included or a partial-day climb (three hours) that enables you to sample some of the routes without lunch. 2 Aerial Tram Take the tram and soar 4,139 vertical feet, passing the notorious Corbet’s Couloir on your way to the summit. At the top, check out the new Grand Teton Skywalk viewing platform where you can take in stunning views of Grand Teton and the valley floor far below. The…

It might be the giant pink dinosaur welcoming you to town or the sweeping vistas of Dinosaur National Monument that invite you to imagine a time when dinosaurs roamed the earth, but either way, once you enter Uintah County, you’ll quickly get a feeling for why Vernal is known as “Utah’s Dinosaur Land.” Hugging the Utah-Colorado border and home to much of Dinosaur National Monument, Vernal is the place for dinosaur lovers of all kinds. Learn more on page 54. “We like to say, ‘Come for the dinosaurs, stay for the adventure,’” says Uintah County tourism and events director, Lesha Coltharp. It’s an apt piece of advice because in Vernal you’ll find plenty of both. If you’re serious about exploring the area to its fullest, consider booking an overnight stay…

Tucked in the northwestern corner of Colorado with views that rival those of the Grand Canyon is unexpected Dinosaur National Monument, surrounded by small town charm. A little off the beaten path and away from the crowds, Moffat County encompasses the towns of Craig, Maybell, Hamilton, Massadona and Lay and is home to two-thirds of Dinosaur National Monument (pg 54). To raft the Yampa River outside the monument, reach out to Good Vibes Rafting Gear. A Yampa River Access brochure lists all launches from Steamboat Springs to Dinosaur National Monument and is available through Good Vibes Rafting or Visit Moffat County. Both the Green River and Yampa River offer single and multi-day adventures, which enable you to experience the region in a unique and adventurous way. “It’s absolutely gorgeous,” says…

Anaconda, Montana is a great spot for those looking to connect with the West’s boom-and-bust history. The town was founded on smelting, the process of extracting metal from ore, and a retired 585-foot smokestack still can be seen from town today. On weekdays throughout the summer, learn more about Anaconda’s history by boarding a vintage Glacier National Park red tour bus at the Discover Anaconda Visitor Center. The volunteer run tour will bring you past historic sites and buildings where you’ll learn more about the city’s early smelting days. The city’s founder, Marcus Daly, was an Irish immigrant who started from nothing and became one of the west’s “Copper Kings.” His rags-to-riches story drew many Irish immigrants to work for him, and Anaconda still has a strong Irish heritage today.…

The road from Missoula to Glacier National Park is full of incredible towns and sights, not all of which are apparent if you never leave the road. To start, visit the farmers market in Missoula. Afterward, check out Missoula’s burgeoning art scene at Montana Museum of Art and Culture, Radius Gallery and Allez!. In Moiese, you’ll find the CSKT Bison Range on the Flathead Indian Reservation. Management of this 18,500-acre conservation area was transferred to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes in 2022. Roughly 350 bison live on the range, along with elk, bears, abundant birds and more. Three scenic drives and a nature trail let you get out and explore. Continue north on Highway 93 for another 30 minutes until you reach Ninepipes Lodge in Charlo where you can…

Get out on the waters of the Missouri River, a great activity for any hot summer day. Rent a stand-up paddleboard or kayak at Big Horn Outdoor Specialists, Montana River Outfitters, or on the banks of the river from Treasure State Outdoors. You can easily access the river from right in town—put in at the Broadwater Bay boat ramp or West Bank Park and float 12 miles south to enjoy a scenic cruise on North America’s longest river. Great Falls is also known for its lively art scene and vibrant history. If you only have time to visit one museum, the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center is the crown jewel of Great Falls’ dozen museums and is home to North America’s largest collection of artifacts and information…

KIRBY, WY What do a pair of cattle ranchers and a lawyer know about making whiskey? Before Brad and Kate Mead and David DeFazio started Wyoming Whiskey, the answer was nothing, other than having a sharp palate for what they liked in a bottle of bourbon. Today, when you pour a glass of the distillery’s flagship Small Batch bourbon, a unique wheated whiskey, you’d never know that it was the brainchild of a trio of Jackson Hole friends who knew next to nothing about whiskey making. “I was Mr. Impatient,” DeFazio said of the first batch of whiskey they barreled in 2009. “I tried it every step of the way and it was fascinating to see how it aged and refined.” That first batch of whiskey, aged in 45 white…

Riverton Fly into Riverton on daily United flights from Denver to get to central Wyoming quicker. The cute downtown has a great shopping and dining scene and is a short drive to some of Wyoming’s earliest history at Castle Gardens Petroglyph Site. The road to the site can be rough, so a high clearance vehicle is recommended. TIP: Riverton was home to the 1838 Mountain Man Rendezvous and holds a celebration each summer to commemorate the traders. The reenactment includes costumed participants, homemade crafts and more. Lander Lander is the heart of Wyoming’s outdoor community. Don’t miss a drive up to beautiful Sinks Canyon State Park where mystery shrouds the Popo Agie River as it disappears underground. The water takes several hours to reappear a quarter of a mile later.…

Traverse the western side of the Rockies for hidden gems, gorgeous views and fresh mountain air. Start in Salt Lake City, a vibrant community set against the backdrop of snow dusted peaks, capped by impossibly blue skies. From here, you’ll cross Utah, Idaho and Wyoming on your way to Yellowstone, escaping the crowds to see a side of the West that’s often overlooked. Hit wildflower filled trails and a community dedicated to sustainability in Park City before discovering pioneer history as you make your way north to Logan. Across the border in Idaho, Fort Hall offers a glimpse into the culture of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes. If Idaho makes you think potatoes, stop in Blackfoot to learn everything there is to know about this humble tuber. Then, dive into communities like…

Catch a glimpse into pioneer living, enjoy live theater performances and stroll a charming downtown with a stop in Logan. Start by going back in time at the 160-acre American West Heritage Center in nearby Wellsville. You’ll find interpreters in period clothing to help you learn about life in the Mountain Man Camp, mock settlements and a working farm straight from 1917. Then, stroll the newly renovated center of historic downtown Logan at Main and Center streets.“It looks like something out of a Hallmark movie,” says Cache Valley Visitors Bureau director Julie Hollist Terrill of the quaint street dotted with colorful hanging baskets and outdoor dining. Stop by the Bluebird Candy Factory where you’ll see handmade chocolate and candy being created at this Logan landmark. Candy has been hand dipped…