Time in Grand Junction

While planning for an Epic Road Trip can require many hours of research, it’s what happens along the road that becomes our memories. Traveling through 11 states, in as many days, means lots of driving time. Positioning some strategic hiking times allowed us to keep our blood pumping. Facing a long drive back home, we felt the desire to take in lots of nature during this last hurrah. Colorado National Monument has been enjoyed by countless numbers since being established in 1911. We began the 23-mile drive at the western entrance to the park.

Morning Visitors

The main path is named Rimrock Drive and for good reason. All along the route, visitors are supplied with jaw-dropping views of the varied landscape. We proceeded slowly, so we could take it all in. Periodically, we would see bicycle riders pedaling through the hills and peaks that wind throughout the plateau. Since entering the park, it felt as though we had been constantly climbing, so we were impressed by those willing to challenge the park on a bike. Besides our human counterparts, we also spotted a group of bighorn sheep grazing along the side of the road. This was another sign that we were in High Plains territory.

On Top of the World

Our first hiking stop landed us at the visitors center. Behind the building, we found a rim trail that offers amazing views into the canyons. Seeing the monuments jutting skyward left us in awe of the powers of nature. The hard stone is layered with sandstone, which erodes to form these visually stunning displays. This rim trail was offering us plenty of stopping points, each offering its unique perspective.

Hidden Paths

Back to the car to continue our slow drive through the park. There are three tunnels that visitors navigate during their trip along Rimrock Drive. As we approached them, the hidden views beyond allowed our minds to wonder what stunning sights were awaiting us. They estimate the drive to take one hour, but that doesn’t account for stops. We knew that our time in the park would far surpass the estimate.

Morning Views

The engineers who designed the path made sure to include plenty of pull-offs. These are strategically placed to include views of some of the most dramatic views inside the park. At the Coke Ovens Overlook, we discovered one of the more unusual formations. These buff-colored monuments do resemble blast furnaces used in the steel industry and we were left to wonder why they had such an unusual shape. Whatever the reason, we were glad that we got to witness them firsthand.

Colorado National Monument

Continuing eastward, we were treated to more iconic views. Places with names like; Artists Point, Highland View, Cold Shivers Point, and Devil’s Kitchen all tempted us to investigate further. Trails abound throughout Colorado National Monument, but time only allowed for us to investigate a few. We did attempt to stop at as many of the pull-offs, as possible. Seeing the monuments from different directions offered diverse perspectives.

Wrapping Up Another Epic Road Trip

While our time in Colorado National Monument was limited, we stretched it out as long as we could. We find solace in the rugged beauty of the mountains and try to soak up every inspirational moment possible. While we love our home in Kansas, our excursions to the mountains are always a thrill. We have decided that living in the mountains would probably create an opportunity for us to lose our amazement with them, so we will just have to take them in with our periodic visits. Where do you find your favorite mountain views?

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Sky High Views

While the stops were limited, there were still some to note. It’s important to stretch your legs once in a while, and Pendleton, Oregon seemed like a good place for this. Sure enough, a quaint downtown strip offered a few interesting shops to explore as we let the blood flow return to our limbs. Most of our day was spent watching the miles roll by, as we made our way south. In the late afternoon, we caught our first sight of the Snake River, which told us that our destination was soon to be found. Dusk was falling as we turned into our hotel, so exploring would have to wait until morning. We couldn’t wait to cross the Perrine Memorial Bridge and see downtown Twin Falls.

Iconic Memories

The morning dawned bright with a promise of beautiful weather. After grabbing some coffee, a must for this traveling couple, we crossed the bridge into the city. My research had dug up an unexpected connection from near our hometown. It was in Twin Falls, that Evel Knievel had attempted his infamous Snake River Canyon jump. On September 8, 1974, Evel Knievel took to the Idaho sky, as the skyrocket soared from its launch ramp. A drag parachute deployed prematurely, and he drifted down into the canyon. While our memories of this particular stunt have faded over the years, the details are captured at the Evel Knievel Museum in Topeka, Kansas.

Niagara of the West

After spending a few minutes waiting for a base jumper to leap from the bridge, we finally decided to make our way to the falls. A short, but winding road leads down to Shoshone Falls Park. The basalt canyon walls enclose the Snake River, forcing the water flow to contract on its way to the Columbia River. The distinct horseshoe-shaped cliff stands 212 feet tall, which makes for an impressive drop. The falls get their name from the Lemhi Shoshone people who fished the salmon runs for generations. The height of the falls prevented the salmon from traveling any further inland, so this became a prime spot for fishing. The first written documentation of Shoshone Falls came from John Fremont’s 1843 expedition.

Shoshone Falls History

In 1869, gold was discovered around Shoshone Falls. This set off a rush of prospectors bent on quick riches. The majority of the finds were made up of fine particles, referred to as “gold flour”. The flurry of activity began to subside within a year, as the yields dropped significantly. By 1871, most of the miners were selling off their claims to Chinese immigrants, who would continue working the mines until the early 1880s. Many had hoped that the gold find near Shoshone Falls would be as significant as that found in Boise, but the reward failed to match up to the investment needed to retrieve it. In the end, the mines were abandoned and the river was allowed to return to its natural state.

In Awe of the Falls

Our visit to Shoshone Falls came in the fall when the water flow is often restricted. Even without the spring flush of water, it is still an impressive sight. This time of year allows visitors to see more of the details that make up the entire fall system. While it is nicknamed the Niagara of the West, there is one distinct difference. Unlike its counterpart in the east, this natural attraction is not overshadowed by commercial development. It almost feels like you are leaving town to get to the falls. This has allowed the splendor of the attraction to be the only distraction.

What a Way to Start a New Day

As we stood there taking in the grandeur of Shoshone Falls, we were in awe of the natural beauty we have found across our nation. While waterfalls are one of our favorite sights, we could also see the magic in the rest of the landscape. Being from Kansas, we are used to settings that have less rise and fall. As we meandered across the northwest, we were taking in all of the unique charms that are found at nearly every turn. Our day was only beginning and we were already maxing out our sense of wonder. With less than 400 miles to travel, we were looking forward to many more alluring scenes. The question for the day was; what would we find around the next bend in the road?

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Finding a Namesake

Wanting to maximize our time in the park, we departed our hotel before sunrise. The two-hour drive had us passing from residential to rural and finally into the wilderness. The weather was cloudy, but there was a promise of clearing later that morning. As dawn broke, we began to see peeks of our destination breaking above the landscape. Our path into the park led us along the White River, which appeared periodically from the long stands of pines. While keeping our eyes open for the park entrance, Crystal spotted a photo opp that we just couldn’t pass up. I have to admit that I’m a little jealous that we have never found a natural site named Jeff.

Taking It In

Not far from Crystal Mountain, we found our turn-off. We decided that our day should start with a visit to the park’s highest drivable point. Turning onto Sunrise Park Road, we began our climb to the visitors center. Nestled in a mountain meadow, the complex sits at an altitude of 6400 feet. The winding switchbacks offered peeks of the surrounding area, but only when not obstructed by the dense tree line.  After a while, we noticed a thinning of the vegetation as we approached the end of the road. We discovered the visitor center was closed, due to Covid, but it didn’t interrupt our chance to hike. From the parking lot, there are a couple of options but time-limited us to choosing the Sourdough Ridge Trail. From our mile-high perch, we climbed 1000 feet in elevation to find some amazing mountaintop views.

Sleeping Giants

With our first solid views of Mount Rainier under our belts, we turned our attention to lower elevations. The diverse environments of the mountain were something we had never experienced. Our excursions to the Rocky Mountains have provided plenty of scenic pine forest views. This would be our first adventure into an area filled with sleeping giants. We made our way back down the mountain volcano and soon landed at the Grove of the Patriarchs. Lucky timing landed us a spot in the small parking lot that leads to the trailhead. We took a few minutes to enjoy the lunch we had packed, before embarking on our next adventure.

Making Memories

The hike is a 1.5-mile round trip that has no elevation gain. As we made our way into the forest, the stillness quickly enveloped us. Through the trees, we could hear the rippling of the Ohanapecosh River, which flows down from Mount Rainier. The farther we journeyed along the trail, the more the feeling of longevity emanated from the woods. Coming down a small hill, we found ourselves at a small suspension bridge that led across the water. Passing single file, we were deposited on an island that felt like stepping into a sacred place. All around us, huge hemlocks, firs,  and cedars climbed into the sky. With an estimated age of up to 1000 years, we knew this old-growth grove was special.

Power and Beauty

We had made our way to the southern side of Mount Rainier. With our minds already blown by the amazing sights from the morning, we were now heading into an area filled with waterfalls. Like many of you, we are suckers for falling water. Paradise Valley Road winds across the foot of the mountain. Being the end of summer, snowmelt was coming to an end. There was still plenty to make for some incredible views. Our pre-trip research had told us that we could not pass up a visit to Narada Falls. We found the turn-off and made our way down a  short embankment trail that leads to a viewing area. Here we could see firsthand the 159-foot tall horsetail fall, which cascades down the rock face. We marveled at this natural beauty for quite some time, before making the climb back up the trail.

Mount Rainier Memories

Time was not on our side, as we had plans to meet up with our son for dinner. Knowing there was a two-hour drive in our future, we had to cut our visit short. A stop at Reflection Lake gave us a chance for one more set of selfies, before turning back toward the city. The memories we made during our Mount Rainier visit will stay with us for a lifetime. We don’t know if we will ever have the chance to hike on a volcano again, but we were glad this sleeping giant let us enjoy our time in peace.

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Twin Peaks Vibe

We rolled into Sammamish in the late morning and met up with Derek for lunch. After refueling our bodies, we set off for some sightseeing with the D-Rock providing guidance. When he first moved to the Northwest, he was living in Snoqualmie. While the name may not be too familiar, the town’s most notable attraction has been seen by millions. Snoqualmie Falls is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the state of Washington. The 270-foot drop can be viewed by upper and lower platforms. Our visit occurred during the height of the wildfires, caused by drought. While the water flow was lower than normal, it offered a view of the rocky base that is usually obscured. The balance of our day was focused on the sights of Sammamish.

Familiar Faces

The following morning, we hopped on a bus and made our way into Seattle. After a tour of the Pike Place Market, we walked to Seattle Center, which is a huge complex of shops, museums, and attractions all inside of a park-like setting. We popped into the Museum of Pop Culture to check out a variety of familiar artifacts. One of my favorite sections was all about sci-fi in movies and television. The museum has pieces that range from classics like The War of the Worlds to modern-day hits like Men in Black. Catching sight of General Sarris, from Galaxy Quest, was certainly an unexpected delight for me.

An Otherworldly Experience

The three of us continued examining collections of items that ranged from extremely familiar to completely foreign. In the Science Fiction Hall, we found pieces easily recognizable. A lightsaber from Star Wars or Iron Man’s helmet was displayed near the mechanical skeleton of Terminator. In the Fantasy Worlds of Myth and Magic, they display weapons from The Lord of the Rings. We also spotted the Cowardly Lion’s outfit from The Wizard of Oz, which reminded us that we were far from our home in Kansas.

Chilling with D-Rock

A lot of the exhibits focus on various forms of music, including some Seattle grunge artists. We expected to see pieces from Nirvana and Pearl Jam, but most enjoyed the section about Jimi Hendrix. Passing through the Guitar Gallery, we found instruments once played by artists like Bob Dylan, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Slash from Guns and Roses. There was so much to take in, but we gave it our best try. Of course, we still had other places to see, so we wrapped up our visit with a short stop in the gift shop.

Soaring Heights

A structure that dominates the skyline is the Space Needle. It is definitely a tourist attraction, but we were tourists, after all. The 605-foot tall tower stands high above the surrounding neighborhood. After our elevator ride to the top, we stepped out onto a revolving glass platform. We could see the ground far below and as we rotated, were able to spot the museum we had just toured. The city laid out before us and we watched as ships and ferries navigated the Sound.

Epic Road Trip Goals Accomplished

We moved along and stepped out to enjoy some fresh air. An outdoor deck offers the ultimate selfie spot for those willing to lean back on the glass benches. This was definitely a memorable day filled with family fun. I checked off a downtown visit to Seattle, from our list of Epic Road Trip goals. As we made our way back to the bus stop, Derek led us along a scenic route. Trekking through the blocks of high-rises and skyscrapers prevented views of the waterway. In the end, it gave us time to just chat and hike, and we wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

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1) Riverfront Park

By the time we crossed over the state line, we were already feeling like we were in the city. I-90 runs along the south side of the Spokane River and we would be teased with distant views of the rolling waters. We exited the interstate and headed into the heart of the city. Just a few blocks in, we came to Riverfront Park. This home of the 1974 World’s Fair is a huge playground for visitors of all ages. The Rotary Fountain welcomed us into the green space that surrounds Spokane Falls. As we strolled the various pathways, we discovered a variety of sculptures  and even a carousel. No wonder so many people were finding reasons to see Spokane Falls.

2) Salmon Runs

For centuries, Native Indians would gather at the falls in June. This would mark the annual migration of Chinook salmon. Standing on platforms assembled over the falls, they would spear the fish that could run as big as 80 lbs. The harvest involved a variety of tribes, who worked together in harmony. Each season a Salmon Chief was chosen, who would oversee the harvest and distribution of the catch. While the men were busy with the harvest, the women would have the vital task of preserving the catch. All of this would cease with the construction of dams downstream. It was only a hint of days gone by that allowed us to imagine these giant creatures navigating the path upstream.

3) The History of Spokane Falls

The Native Indians would enjoy the use of this area well into the late 1800s. In 1873, the first settlement was created near Spokane Falls. The fertile lands of eastern Washington attracted settlers and the village grew. The life giving waters were the heart of the new city. Lumber became an important product and a sawmill built along the falls was the central feature to its success.  A devastating fire struck the burgeoning town in 1889. Like a phoenix, the city rose from the ashes, as the structures were replaced with brick buildings. In 1908, the first dams were built along the Spokane River, which signaled the end of the Salmon Run here.

4) Changing Views

Like so many American cities, urban sprawl created a vacuum in the inner city, during the early 1970s. By this point, the area around Spokane Falls was an unsightly assemblage of warehouses, parking lots, and railroad crossings. It would be the 1974 World’s fair that opened the opportunity to revitalize this section of the downtown. Agreements were made with the railroads, and soon the land was razed for new development. The positives provided by the revitalization were short-term gains, and interest waned in the area during the 1980s. A renewed approach was begun in the late 1990s, and continues today. It includes an open-air arena that hosts various events throughout the year.

More Reasons to See Spokane Falls

With our evening lodging just an hour down the road, we had time to explore Riverfront Park and the falls. The more we wandered, we realized there are lots of reasons to see Spokane Falls. A nearby SkyRide provides aerial views of the waterworks. We chose to stay grounded, as we made our way upstream. Beyond the falls, we came upon the portion that has still water. While it appears unmoving, we could see a powerful current below the surface. All around us were landscaped parks that beckoned visitors to slow down and enjoy the views. This is certainly a place we would love to visit again.

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Approaching the Monument

The rolling hills that surround Devils Tower are covered with plenty of vegetation. We were making our way along a winding road but had yet to spot the prize we were seeking. It was still quite pleasant, so we took in the beautiful landscape as we continued forward. It was about 20 miles off the interstate before we came to the turnout for Devils Tower. Seeing the sign renewed our excitement and it would only be a few minutes until our diligence was rewarded. Cresting a hill, the monument suddenly popped into view. It was still a ways off, but we now could see our prize.

The Story of Bear’s House

Before we begin looking at the 3 ways to explore Devils Tower, let’s get some background on the site. The lands surrounding the monument were common to the Lakota and Kiowa tribes. Their legends tell of a group of girls out playing, when they were spotted by some bears. The creatures began to chase them and the children climbed a rock to escape. Out of fear, they prayed to the Great Spirit for assistance. Their prayers were answered and the rock began rising from the earth. The bears attempted to climb after and their claws raked the grooves into the sides of the rock. In the end, the girls reached the sky and turned into the star cluster known as The Seven Sisters.

Getting an Education

In 1906, President Roosevelt declared Devils Tower as America’s first national monument. The two-square-mile park is covered with pine woods and rock outcroppings. Arriving in the park, we showed our National Parks Pass and made our way to the visitors center. The first of 3 ways to explore Devils Tower, it is a great place to begin a visit. Inside the center, we found an array of exhibits showing the history of the area and the people who have inhabited it. Constructed in the 1930s, the space also includes a gift shop filled with various souvenirs.

Hiking the Base

After picking out our mementos, and stashing them in the car, we turned our attention to the second way to explore. There are five trails that criss-cross the park grounds. Whether you are planning an extended stay or just have an hour, there are options for everyone. We were on a tight schedule, so we chose the shortest version, which is the Tower Trail. At just over one mile, it offers hikers views of the tower from all angles. Along the route, we found a selection of signs that told more of the story of Devils Tower. While the hike had some steep inclines, we were still able to complete it in our timeframe.

Scaling Tree Rock

As we made our way around the monument, we kept our eyes peeled for climbers. Every year, many choose to scale and rappel down Devils Tower. Being the third way to explore the monument, it was not one we would select. Still, it was intriguing to watch a pair of climbers in action. We learned that you have to have a permit to scale one of the thirty-one climbing trails up Devils Tower. This is done for the climbers’ safety and to ensure that every climber is accounted for at the end of the day. We are betting that it is very exhilarating to experience a climb on this amazing natural feature.

The Many Faces of Devils Tower

The 275-foot tall pillar is about 100-foot across. As we made our way around the monolith, we started to notice the different appearances it presents. In the bright sunshine, we could make out the greenish tint of the stone. On the other side, shadows highlighted the crags and fissures that scale the monument. It was easy to see why this place has held special meaning to so many people for so long. Besides the Lakota and Kiowa, there are stories from other tribes that include bears creating the unique ridges along the monument’s sides. As we stared up at it, it was easy to imagine such a scenario.

3 Ways to Explore Devils Tower

While we only participated in a couple of the 3 ways to explore Devils Tower, we came away with a healthy respect for this national monument. Day 2 of our Epic Road Trip included about 600 miles of driving. We noticed the afternoon burning up and knew we still had four more hours behind the wheel before we stopped for the night. Dinner would be a quick stop between the park and our lodging in Billings, Montana. While the promise of a soft bed was enticing, we dedicated ourselves to enjoying the scenery along the way. This was an opportunity to see some landscape that we had never experienced and we love a good road trip.

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The Trail Ridge Road began as a path used by native Americans to cross between their home lands in the west, and the hunting region to the east. The road was began in the late 1920’s despite much opposition. The director of the National Park Service decided that it would encourage visitors, and steps were taken to minimize the intrusion on the landscape. We began our journey on the western end. At the entrance we purchased a 7 day pass for the park for $30.00. If you are just passing through you can get a single day permit for $20.00 per car. We found ourselves quickly ascending about 4000 feet through aspen forests, and meadows filled with native wildlife.

Soon you pass through these and into the fir and spruce filled subalpine forests. As you continue your ascent, you finally pass beyond the tree line and enter the alpine tundra. In this windswept area few animals reside. Those that do are especially equipped to handle the harsh conditions. A keen eye will uncover the marmots, Pikas or bighorn sheep that graze cautiously in the open areas.

Travelers along the Trail Ridge Road are in for some wonderful views, at this high altitude. There are plenty of pullovers along the way for safe viewing. It is easy to let the time slide away, as every turn offers a new view.

Due to the high altitudes, a large portion of the road closes between mid-October until Memorial Day. If you have plans near either of those dates it would be wise to keep a close eye on the weather conditions. After crossing the Continental Divide at Milner Pass, we were ready to stretch our legs. A little farther up the road we came to the Alpine Visitor Center. Here guests may grab a bite to eat, do some souvenir shopping and use the restroom facilities. Those looking to add a little more altitude can make the climb to the top of the paved trail behind the building. This gives you the chance to feel like you are on top of the world, and possibly a little light headed.

Back on the road, we came upon the highest altitude that the road reaches. It would all be downhill from here, albeit a rather slow descent. All along the way we would encounter snow drifts. In some places they were still a few feet deep, but amazingly just a few feet away we would find alpine flowers blooming. No matter how often this scene repeated itself, we were still amazed at the wonders of nature.

As we approached the eastern side of the park, we dropped back below the top of the tree line. Here we began encountering larger animals again. In an area appropriately named Sheep Lakes, we spotted a small group of bighorn sheep grazing in a small meadow.

We were approaching the eastern entrance to the park, but had one more detour to take. The road to Moraine Park offers visitors an assortment of scenic trailheads with varying length hikes. We were limited on time, so we chose two hikes that were each 1/2 mile long. The first took us on a circuit around Bear Lake. At just under 10,000 feet altitude it was more of a chore than we expected, but we both completed it without any breaks.

Our second hike was at Sprague Lake, which was popular with a local fisherman. As we marched around the lake, we watched him cast repeatedly, but never saw him catch anything.

Soon we were back in the car and heading toward Estes Park. After checking into our hotel, and having a hearty dinner, we slipped back into the park for a sunset drive along Trail Ridge Road.

We drove back above the tree line, and found a place to park. We watched the sun pass behind the mountains, and the light slip from the sky. As twilight faded the stars came out, and we sat in awe of the depth and beauty of a clear night sky, beyond the city lights. For those moments we felt like we were the only people on the planet, and that we were on top of the world.

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Ahead we could see our next stop, Jenny Lake.  Here we stretched our legs on one of the mountain trails. Soon we were making our way to our evening’s stop at Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

The Peaceful Valley

The late afternoon was wearing on by the time we arrived, but there was still time for a little shopping. We found our way to our lodging at the Inn on the Creek. It is appropriately named, as it sits right beside Flat Creek. We strolled along the creek a little bit, and watched a few ducks play in the water. Dinner was at a nearby restaurant, which was within walking distance. The days activities had wore on us, so we had no issue falling asleep that night.

The next morning we joined our fellow guests at the inn for a wonderful breakfast. A little more time downtown, before heading off toward our next location. Our itinerary was jammed packed, so we would only spend two nights at the same place once on this journey. The road south followed along the Snake River, which afforded us some nice views during the day. After a bit, the river dumped into a reservoir, and we continued on without it. As we drove through a selection of small towns in southwestern Wyoming, we noticed a pattern of displaying antlers in various ways. It was an odd, yet entertaining sight.

As lunchtime approached, we turned west toward Idaho. Less than 20 miles across the state line we pulled into Montpelier, Idaho. This town of less than 3,000 happens to be home to The National Oregon/California Trail Center. My research had uncovered this little gem, and we were quite excited to check it out. Of course, it would have to wait until after we had lunch.

Unusual Lodging

After a delightful visit, we headed south toward Bear Lake, and the Idaho/Utah border. A short stop to gaze at the amazing blue waters of the lake, and we were back on track. The highway meandered through the Wasatch Mountain Range, which is quite small compared to the Rocky Mountain Range. Our route had us passing through the canyon walls. By early evening we pulled in to Logan, Utah, where we would spend the night at Anniversary Inn. This unique bed & breakfast had the makings to be one of most memorable lodging choices along the trip. We were both eager to see it.

A Capitol Day

The following morning we lingered around the inn, as we hated to leave. Our itinerary only had us traveling about 100 miles that day. We would be visiting the Hogle Zoo and seeing the Great Salt Lake. The Salt Lake ended up being none too exciting. It did afford an excellent view of the city with the mountains in the background. Our stay was short, and we made off toward the zoo. Here we spent the afternoon in a state of zoological bliss. The zoo had some interesting displays, although it was only about 2/3 the size of the Kansas City Zoo.

A 30 minute drive from the zoo landed us in Park City, Utah. Here I had scored what I felt was the best deal of the whole trip. An evening at the Waldorf Astoria in Park City usually comes with a hefty price tag. With some handy work on Price-line, I was able to get a room for around $100. I’m sure that the fact that it was not ski season played in to the ability to get such a deal. Of course, I still considered it a success. While the lodging the night before had been the most unique so far, this was by far the most luxurious. They pull out all of the stops to make sure their guests are treated to the highest level of service. We certainly felt like royalty. We would like to make a return visit to this hotel during a snowier period.

Heading Toward The Rocky Mountain Range

The next morning we woke refreshed, and ready for a new day. The next 400 mile leg that would take us back to the Rocky Mountains. Just under halfway into the drive we crossed into Colorado. The first town we came to was named Dinosaur. It appears that the residents and business owners wanted the town to clearly represent its given name.

Off and on throughout the day we would see the mountain range growing in the distance. By early evening, we would arrive in our destination of Grand Lake, Colorado. For now we were enjoying the wonders of nature that surrounded us on our Rocky Mountain Road Trip.

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Preparing for the Journey.

Visitors are escorted through the exhibits by character actors portraying various professions that would be found in days gone by. After paying our $12.00 each for admission, we were introduced to our guide. Dave, our Wagon Master, escorted us to the small store, where he explained the items that we would need on our 2000 mile journey. He showed us a variety of tools we would have used to complete our daily chores on the trail.

Next he showcased our wagon that would serve as our transportation, storage, and lodging for the hard road ahead. We were loaded into a simulator, which uses audio/video technology to help guests get the feeling of what it would have been like to cross a river. Once safely across, we exited the other side of the wagon, and found ourselves at our nightly campsite.

Nightfall brings new discoveries.

Here we were greeted by Mrs. Adams, one of the other travelers on this journey. She beckoned us to join her by the campfire, and then proceeded to tell us about the evening rituals that we would have experienced. Along with this historical lesson, she peppered in a little campfire gossip about some of our fellow wagon train members. It was quite educational and entertaining.

As the stories continued, the artificial evening wore on. Soon the sunset spreads across the sky, and the red lights of dusk start to fade. Our visit draws to a close, and we are ushered out of this area, and back toward the main entrance.

The end of the trail.

Visitors exit the auditorium, and walk through an art gallery featuring a variety of western pieces. Before leaving, we stopped in the gift shop for a couple of mementos of our stop. Our visit to The National Oregon California Trail Center was a fun way to experience history. The actors really helped make the experience fun for the guests. As we drove off southward toward Bear Lake, we found ourselves with plenty of new discussion material.

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Today thousands of visitors come to Jenny Lake annually. The hiking trails are one of the main draws, and a wide variety are available for all skill levels. Since we are not above novice level, we were unsure if we would find one that fit our beginner status. Fortunately, there is a challenging, yet attainable trail to Hidden Falls. We arrived at the visitor center around mid-day, and purchased our $15.00 per adult boat tickets. This is a round trip price with shuttles running every 15 minutes to the Cascade Canyon trail-head.

We boarded our boat, and soon we were off on our trip across the lake. The ride was pleasant, as the waves were fairly minimal. The views along the way are inspiring, and we chatted with some guests who had been on this trail on a previous visit. They assured us that if they could complete it we should have no problems. This eased our nerves a little, and soon we arrived at the far side dock.

The trail is well marked, and it would be difficult to get lost. It winds slowly up the side of the mountain, but the steps are manageable. There are so many sights to see along the way, that it seemed we were constantly stopping for a photo opportunity. This did help in keeping us from wearing out on a constant trek. The total elevation gain on this hike is 230 feet, so it is mostly a gradual incline.

The rushing water from the falls cascades down the mountain base to the lake below. The trail takes advantage of this, and follows the path to the falls base. Along the way, hikers are treated to a variety of smaller falls and rapids. We forged ahead, and soon we could hear the increasing roar from our ultimate goal. As you come through a thicket of trees, you finally enter a clearing and find yourself facing your prize. The falls are a wonderful reason to stop for a bit, and just enjoy this wonder of nature.

After the requisite amount of time, we began our downward trek. There is the option to take an alternate trail, which deposits you at the same boat dock at which you arrived. Both paths offer wonderful views, but we chose to see the second option, as well.

During the climb up, you spend most of your time in the tree cover. This doesn’t allow you much of a perspective of the distance traveled upward. On the descent, when you come to a clearing the lake spreads out before you, and you can appreciate the beauty and wonder of this attraction.

Soon we had completed this 1.3 mile round trip, and were comfortably back in the boat. Our ride back was filled with conversations about conquering what many would consider a molehill. For us it was a mountain that we had climbed. We returned to the Jenny Lake Visitor Center, where we visited their store to pick up a couple of mementos from our visit. Soon we were back in our car and heading down the highway. The memories of our short commune with nature was fresh in our minds, and in our discussions, as we headed for Jackson Hole.

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As we traveled we began to see more things that told us we were far from home. The mountains were more than enough to make this obvious, but then we ran across this sign, that certainly took it to a new level. There are plenty of various creatures roaming the plains, but not this particular species.

We passed through the park entrance, after paying our admission. The rangers were very courteous, and provided plenty of informational guides to assist us in our visit. The temperature had slowly dropped, and as we pulled to the side to take a photo of the entrance sign, it began to snow. Although it was only flurries, it still made for a memorable experience.

Almost immediately after entering the park we were welcomed by a small herd of buffalo. These mighty creatures wander where they wish, and when they choose to cross over you get stuck in a unique traffic jam. Of course, none of the visitors seemed to mind, since they were getting a bird’s eye view of the slow moving animals.

In Yellowstone it is common to be driving along, and suddenly come upon a crowd of cars pulled off to the side. We quickly learned to pull over, as well. Usually the stoppage was due to either a fantastic view, which were usually noted on the maps, or some form of wildlife. It was interesting to see the variety, even in this cooler weather period. Sometimes the animals are quite easy to make out.

Then there are times that it is a little more difficult. In one instance, we rounded a corner to find a handful of cars parked on the curb. We joined them, but could not see what they were looking at. Finally, Crystal pointed out what she thought was a bear on the mountainside. Once again we were glad to have a camera with a good zoom feature. The distance was so great that those with point & click cameras could not make out any more than a small dot. As I reviewed my captures I had a small group scrambling to see on my screen what they had missed. Note to self: always take the good camera.

The wildlife were so prevalent that we even found them in the tourist areas. In Mammoth, near the general store, we found this adult male elk resting on the lawn. I realized after taking the picture just how majestic it made the animal appear. Some moments are just being in the right place.

The first day flew by, and we barely scratched the upper half of the park. Our lodging for the night was in the little town of West Yellowstone, Montana. Located just on the west side of the park, this place is a tourist attraction all of its own. We spent the evening wandering the shop lined streets looking for just the right souvenir to capture the memories of our day.

Morning brought the promise of a beautiful day of exploring. The sunshine was helping to brighten our spirits, and a big breakfast at Running Bear Pancake House helped fuel our desire to get back out on the road. Soon we were back in the park, and continuing where we had left off.

We don’t know how many waterfalls and rapids exist in Yellowstone, but there were plenty to constantly mesmerize us. Many of these cut through a large ravine, which was appropriately named the “Grand Canyon of Yellowstone”. Some are small, and gently roll across askew stones, while others are very grand and plummet large distances, crashing with a roar. All of them are amazing in their own way, and we spent a good portion of the day hunting them down.

All of this water found its way down to Yellowstone Lake near the southern end of the park. This is where our lodging for the night ended up being located, so we made our way toward it. As the day drew to an end, we knew the next day would hold even more wonders. Our lodging was close to the shoreline, and we had noticed a waterfront restaurant when we checked in, so we headed down to find some food. We never expected to be treated to such a fantastic view, while we dined.

After a little exploring nearby, we finally headed to our cabin for the night. After such a busy day we had no problem sleeping like logs. The next morning we woke early, as is our usual pattern. It also helps that we were on Mountain time, which gave us the extra hour. We headed out to begin our day, and were treated to a sunrise over the lake that was breathtaking. I am unsure how long we sat there watching, but eventually we made our way to breakfast.

This day was to be spent exploring the southern region of Yellowstone, which has a considerable amount of geysers, mud-pots, and steam vents. Not long after hitting the road we spotted one of our first vents. We were so excited, but did not realize the minuscule scale of this one versus what we were to see later.

An obvious stop for almost every visitor to Yellowstone Park is the Old Faithful Geyser. Aptly named, because the time of eruption is fairly predictable. Here the water spews over 130 feet in the air. While it is the most famous geyser in the park, it is not the only one. There are actually about 500 geysers in the park, which is the largest number in any single region in the world. We spent a large portion of the morning attempting to locate as many as we could.

This search took us through the three main geyser basin areas; Upper, Midway, and Lower. This area is packed full of more waterfalls, lots of thermal activity, and some very unique sights. The bubbling mud-pots were an amusing stop, as they burped and plopped. The landscape around them looking almost like another world. The location that really captured our interest was the Midway Basin, which is home of the Grand Prismatic Spring. This  area has a collection of hot springs with a wooden walkway offering visitors a close up chance to observe, but getting a little further away offers an even better perspective of the scene.

Too soon it was time for us to set our sights southward, and out of the park. We are sure that a person could stay a month in the park, and still find areas that they never realized existed. The beauty of Yellowstone seems to be unending.

As we passed through the southern exit, we bid goodbye to Yellowstone National Park. Although we knew that we only scratched the surface of what it held, we also knew that we had many more sights to see in front of us.

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Lay of the Land

The museum is filled with life-size dioramas showcasing various life events, that would have been experienced by travelers. Life was hard, and the displays help relate this to visitors. A multi-media presentation plays across the walls, with plentiful seating on platforms stationed throughout the museum. Here we heard the stories of pioneers. It gave us a better understanding of the reasons that so many people chose to face the overwhelming dangers. After all, they were seeking a new life in the west.

Oregon Trail

As we explored the exhibits, we were reminded of the sacrifices made by many. Dangers along the Oregon Trail were numerous. Each day would require breaking camp and moving 15 to 20 miles down the trail. Here they would be required to make camp again. This process was repeated over and over again. The journey, if successful, would take four to five months to complete. It is estimated that nearly a half-million people traveled the Oregon Trail.

Getting Interactive

While many of the displays are static, there are some interactive exhibits. A handcart display shows visitors the amount of strength needed to move possessions across the trail. After attempting it, we realized there was a reason that so many personal effects would be scattered along the way. Lightening the load would become more important as you made your way into the mountains. At another station, visitors can sit in a covered wagon, as a media presentation shows the excitement of a river crossing. This exhibit is especially entertaining for kids and we found a similar display in Montpelier, Idaho.

Forward in Time

We also had an opportunity to climb aboard a stagecoach. Sitting there, we could imagine the long hours inside this bumpy carriage, as we traveled from one point to another. Of course, the stagecoach lines would come along later. For those traveling through the region, the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center should be a must stop. It is a great break from the road, and offers an educational view of life before electronics. By the time your visit is complete, you will have lots of fuel for conversations on the open road. You will also gain a greater respect for the hardships our ancestors experienced.

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