Wyoming--Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks
Date: 2004-12-18
Crowds of people visit Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks each summer. If you plan to be one of them, you might appreciate getting out of the crowds
for a day or two during your visit. The following three drives will take
you through some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere in the United
States. All three are 200 miles each. For the most part, the best things
about these little day trips are the absence of crowds and the beautiful
scenery.
For the first drive take U.S. 26 from Togwater Pass in Grand Teton Park, and go 35 miles through Dubois. Head straight ahead 55 miles to Route132, south 18 miles to U.S. 287, and back north to the park. West of Dubois is gorgeous Wind River Lake and trail rides; the "dude ranch" originated here. The Bighorn Sheep Center will make you an expert on these beautiful creatures.
Your next drive starts on U.S. 14/16/20 from Sylvan Pass in Yellowstone Park. Head 52 miles through Wapiti Valley to Cody and back. If you feel adventurous, go north 17 miles on Route 120 to Route 296, and across 47 miles to U.S. 212. This will take you back to the northeast entrance and is the route for spectacular views. It's also important to note that since this is a mountainous route you should prepare for cold weather conditions. This drive will take three hours each way. (The pass is closed October through April.)
The last of these gorgeous drives starts on U.S. 212 on the northeast side of Yellowstone. Sixty-eight rugged miles takes you over Beartooth Pass to Red Lodge, Montana, and back. If you want to, you can return via Cody down Route 300, Route 72, and Route 120. Cody has a major rodeo every summer night. Old Trail Town has authentic frontier landmarks including Butch and Sundance's cabin, and Jeremiah Johnson's grave. Do not miss the Buffalo Bill Museum or the Winchester Museum. Route 296 is spectacular.
Starting Point:
Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, WY
Distance of Drive:
About 200 miles each
Must Eat:
Becker's Kitchen
600 North Broadway Ave., Red Lodge, MT 59068
Phone:406-446-2568
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Good Stop For:Home style cooking
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Late spring to fall
Points of Interest on Drive:
Buffalo Bill Museum
Winchester Museum
Bighorn Sheep Center
Yellowstone National Parks
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