Dancing With Wolves Along Spearfish Canyon

15 December 201817 September 2024

My internet searches led me to Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway for spectacular views of South Dakota. I started the scenic roadway from I-90 and began heading south.

Somewhat similar to the Needles Highway, palisades were the highlight of the skyline while canyons and gorges gave the feeling of being surrounded by a natural biodome.

Also known as Route 14, there were two waterfalls, Roughlock and Bridal Veil Falls which were used as the backdrop for the final scenes in Dances with Wolves.

Spearfish Canyon was well worth the drive to experience the natural beauty of the Black Hills. I had not included the additional time for retracing my route, which added a couple of hours, but I was able to reach my next destination before nightfall.

Have you driven the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading my post and Happy Travels!

Devil’s Tower and the Legend of the Bear

8 December 201817 September 2024

My ten-day journey out west was proving to be one of the most fascinating trips I had ever taken. I had seen the beauty of the Badlands, the patriotic carvings of Mount Rushmore and traveled miles on picturesque, scenic drives.

In the distance, a monolithic rock of colossal proportions arose from sacred ground. I knew that I would soon be approaching the Devil’s Tower, a hollowed location of the local Indians. Reaching high towards the heavens, I imagined this would have been an awesome site for early settlers.

The Lakota Indians and other tribes believe that there is a strong spiritual connection here. Evidence of this land’s significance to Native American tribes is proven by the prayer ribbons tied on the trees at the base of the Tower.

Rising 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River, the Lakota named this gargantuan “tree stump” Matho Thipila and Ptehe Gi meaning “Bear Lodge and “Brown Buffalo”. The tribes congregate here for sun ceremonies and rites of passage.

The Kiowa Tribe legend tells of seven small girls who were playing far away from their home when they encountered a bear. The girls reached a rock standing about three feet high and prayed to the rock to save them. The rock began pushing itself up from the ground away from the bear. In an effort to reach the girls, the bear tried to climb up the rock. Leaving only scratch marks as the rock continued to rise higher and higher into the sky, where the girls now reside in the heavens as the Pleidades constellation.

Devil’s Tower is known as the United State’s first National Monument, dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906. It is a popular place for experienced rock climbers who long for the challenge of climbing between the rock’s “scratch marks”. For those that do not climb, there is the Tower Trail that encircles the base of Devil’s Tower, which takes about one hour to complete. Just be aware of bears…

If you have visited Devil’s Tower, hiked the trail or climbed this fascinating monument, I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading my post about Devil’s Tower! Wishing wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Devil’s Tower
WY-110
Devil’s Tower, WY 82714
Telephone: 307 467 5283 x635

Admission Fee: Each entrance fee covers 7 days of park entry. Private Vehicle: $20; Motorcycle: $15 and Hiker/Biker: $10 which only applies to visitors 16 years old and older entering the park by foot, bicycle, etc. An annual Pass for Devil’s Tower National Park is $40 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. Devil’s Tower National Park accepts the America the Beautiful Pass which allows access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites for a cost of $80 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. Check out their website for more information: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
Hours: Open daily, 24 hours; Refer to the Devil’s Tower website for the operating hours of the Visitor Center.
Amenities: Hiking, cross country skiing, climbing, scenic drives wildlife viewing, Visitor’s Centers which provide interpretive exhibits and park information and Ranger-led programs.
Scenic View: Take in the view of this ecological phenomenon from miles away.
Length of Visit: Three days is recommended to see all of the attractions at Yellowstone.
Tips for Your Visit: It is recommended that hikers bring 1 liter of water per 2 hours of hiking. Wear proper footwear and in the winter, ice cleats, snowshoes or similar are recommended. The park is open year around, but winter time can be a challenging during snow and ice. If you are looking for animals, winter is the time that they hibernate. Spring is a wonderful time to visit because you can see newborn babies. When viewing wildlife, you must stay 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yard from all other animals in the park. For photographers, you may already know that dawn and dusk are the best times to photograph animals and you will want to bring a telephoto lens for capturing them from far distances. Do not feed the animals. Be respectful of this site as it is a sacred place for indigenous people. Do not disturb prayer bundles or other cultural artifacts.

Where to Stay:

Devil’s Tower Lodge
#37 West Road, WY-110
Devil’s Tower, WY 82714
Telephone: 307 467 5267

Where to Eat:

Devil’s Tower Gulch Restaurant
601 WY-24 Devil’s Tower
Devil’s Tower, WY 82714
Telephone: 307 467 5800

They had a special for a hot roast beef sandwich with gravy and mashed potatoes. Some down home cooking, which was absolutely amazing.

What to Eat:

Buffalo
Chicken Fried Steak
Chuck wagon-style meal cooked over a flame
Elk
Fry Bread – puffy taco base usually used for taco salads
Old Fashioned Soda from Annie’s Soda Saloon and Cafe in Cody
Pig Candy – sweet spiced bacon
Prime Rib
Rocky Mountain Oysters – calf testicles
Soda Bread discovered by the American Indians which is a mix of soda and flour
Wyomatoes – gourmet tomatoes with a sweet taste
Wyoming Whiskey

What to Read:

Cody (Then and Now), by Lynn Johnson Houze
A River Runs Through It, by Norman Maclean
Colter’s Run, by Stephen Gough

Photo Guide for Cody, WY:

Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark
Castle Gardens near Riverton, WY
Old Trail Town
Yellowstone National Park

Hike the Fairy Trail at Yellowstone for an Amazing View of Grand Prismatic Spring

8 December 201825 October 2024

From the trailhead of Fairy Trail, I checked my backpack, tightened my boots and took out my water bottle in preparation for my hike. I could see the steam coming off of the multiple springs to my right and would soon be able to climb above the Middle Geyser Basin for a spectacular view of Grand Prismatic Spring. Distracted by my surroundings, I hadn’t notice the furry Bison standing within a few feet from me. While he appeared to be docile and more interested in grazing, I quickly passed, giving him plenty of space.

Within about twenty minutes, I reached a path leading upwards through the woods but I wasn’t quite sure if I was heading in the right direction. The woods were thick with fir trees that had fallen and blocked the trail but I decided to push forward. The climb was intense, but soon I noticed a small clearing and what seemed to be a natural bench of rock. I took a seat and looking out towards the spring, I was not prepared for the beauty of one of the most surreal sights I had ever seen.

One of the most surprising features of the Grand Prismatic Spring was the colorful rainbow of rings bordering the circular pool. Not visible from ground level, the vibrant primary colors and the orange-flamed runoff radiated like the sun.

I sat in amazement of the largest hot spring in the United States and realized I was looking down on a dormant volcano. I watched the steam slowly leave the geyser, disappearing into the air. Understanding that the mist is due to the boiling water reaching temperatures of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, I also thought about how this silent volcano could explode at any moment. What an eerie thought.

Leaving this peaceful place on the hill, I returned back to the trailhead, curious to find the bison I saw at the start of my hike. I was surprised to notice that he was standing in the midst of Middle Geyser Basin. Concerned for his safety, I said a little prayer and hoped that he would escape from any harm and make it home safely.

Did you know that the Fairy Trail leads to a beautiful view of the Grand Prismatic Spring? Have you hiked the trail? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading my post about my visit to Yellowstone! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Yellowstone National Park
PO Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Telephone: 307 344 7381

Admission Fee: Each entrance fee covers 7 days of park entry. Private Vehicle: $35; Motorcycle: $30 and Hiker/Biker: $20 which only applies to visitors 16 years old and older entering the park by foot, bicycle, etc. An annual Pass for Yellowstone National Park is $70 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. The Yellowstone National Park accepts the America the Beautiful Pass which allows access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites for a cost of $80 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. Check out their website for more information: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
Hours: Open daily, 24 hours; Refer to the Yellowstone National Park website for the operating hours of the Visitor Centers.
Amenities: camping, hiking, boating, skiing, biking, bird watching, climbing and mountaineering, fishing, horseback riding and llama packing, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, Visitor’s Centers which provide interpretive exhibits and park information and Ranger programs. Guided tours are also available in the park.
Scenic View: Take in the view of Grand Prismatic Spring from the Overlook off of the Fairy Falls Trailhead. For the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, you can see this beautiful waterfall from several locations offering different views of the falls: Brink of Lower Falls, Lookout Point, Uncle Tom’s Trail and Artist Point. Check out the stadium seating at Old Faithful for a front row seat of this geyser that erupts every 35 to 120 minutes. The park’s Twitter account, @GeyserNPS, the Geyser Activity Page on their website or the Geyser App lists the predicted times for Old Faithful.
Length of Visit: Three days is recommended to see all of the attractions at Yellowstone.
Tips for Your Visit: The park is open year around, but winter time can be a challenging during snow and ice. If you are looking for animals, winter is the time that they hibernate. Spring is a wonderful time to visit because you can see newborn babies. When viewing wildlife, you must stay 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yard from all other animals in the park. For photographers, you may already know that dawn and dusk are the best times to photograph animals and you will want to bring a telephoto lens for capturing them from far distances. Summer is the busiest time for the park you may find road construction and traffic.

Where to Stay:

I was fortunate enough to stay at one of the lodges at Yellowstone. I absolutely loved staying at the park and have Melba Coleman to thank for assisting me in my reservation.

Where to Eat:

Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room
Yellowstone Park, WY 82190
Telephone: 307 344 7311

For a light lunch, I ordered the charcuterie plate which included meats, cheeses, olives, walnuts and whole grain crackers. It was the perfect location to enjoy the park sitting by a large viewing window, mesmerized by the spectacular view.

Yellowstone’s Geyser Basin is an Out of This World Experience

1 December 201817 September 2024

Managing to wake up early before the dew disappeared, I followed the Upper Geyser Basin’s wooden boardwalk that meandered through the world’s largest concentration of geysers. It is estimated that 25,000 spectators pass through this menagerie of exotic formations each day. I was completely mesmerized by the clear water features and pools of water as they bubbled and sputtered from the heat.

I strolled the boardwalk with its twists and turns. There was a sulfuric cloud that floated above the geysers and hot springs in the morning. This gaseous mist could be seen from miles away. A mixture of orange and white run off trickled down towards the Excelsior Pool, last active in 1986 when it erupted for a period of 48 hours.

Exploring the features along the boardwalk, there was one in particular that caught my eye. It reminded me of a mini volcano with ashen sides and boiling water in its center.

The pools were as blue as the waters of the Caribbean. More cliffs and crags below the waterline were visible with the passing mist. Individual in their own way, some had crystallized edgings that gave a deceptive coldness to their character.

The contrast of color was intensified by the green of the nearby forest. The light blue pool of water and its rising steam was spectacular in the midst of this land of geological splendor.

And splendid it was as I admiringly approached the Grand Prismatic Spring, one of the most beautiful of all the hot springs in Yellowstone. Just beneath its surface the volcanic magma heats the water reaching temperatures of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Having only spent an hour here, I was eager to move on to see the Grand Prismatic Spring feature of the Midway Geyser Basin. I was also looking forward to taking the Fairy Trail hike for a more scenic, unobstructed view of this beautiful place.

What is your favorite place to visit at Yellowstone? I would love to hear about your experience exploring this phenomenal National Park in the US if you would kindly leave your message in the comments below. Many thanks for reading my post about the Geyser Valley of Yellowstone! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Yellowstone National Park
PO Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Telephone: 307 344 7381

Admission Fee: Each entrance fee covers 7 days of park entry. Private Vehicle: $35; Motorcycle: $30 and Hiker/Biker: $20 which only applies to visitors 16 years old and older entering the park by foot, bicycle, etc. An annual Pass for Yellowstone National Park is $70 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. The Yellowstone National Park accepts the America the Beautiful Pass which allows access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites for a cost of $80 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. Check out their website for more information: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
Hours: Open daily, 24 hours; Refer to the Yellowstone National Park website for the operating hours of the Visitor Centers.
Amenities: camping, hiking, boating, skiing, biking, bird watching, climbing and mountaineering, fishing, horseback riding and llama packing, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, Visitor’s Centers which provide interpretive exhibits and park information and Ranger programs. Guided tours are also available in the park.
Scenic View: Take in the view of Grand Prismatic Spring from the Overlook off of the Fairy Falls Trailhead. For the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, you can see this beautiful waterfall from several locations offering different views of the falls: Brink of Lower Falls, Lookout Point, Uncle Tom’s Trail and Artist Point. Check out the stadium seating at Old Faithful for a front row seat of this geyser that erupts every 35 to 120 minutes. The park’s Twitter account, @GeyserNPS, the Geyser Activity Page on their website or the Geyser App lists the predicted times for Old Faithful.
Length of Visit: Three days is recommended to see all of the attractions at Yellowstone.
Tips for Your Visit: The park is open year around, but winter time can be a challenging during snow and ice. If you are looking for animals, winter is the time that they hibernate. Spring is a wonderful time to visit because you can see newborn babies. When viewing wildlife, you must stay 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yard from all other animals in the park. For photographers, you may already know that dawn and dusk are the best times to photograph animals and you will want to bring a telephoto lens for capturing them from far distances. Summer is the busiest time for the park you may find road construction and traffic.

Where to Stay:

I was fortunate enough to stay at one of the lodges at Yellowstone. I absolutely loved staying at the park and have Melba Coleman to thank for assisting me in my reservation.

Where to Eat:

Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room
Yellowstone Park, WY 82190
Telephone: 307 344 7311

What to Eat:

Bison
Elk
Trout

What to Read:

American Wolf by Nate Blakeslee
Empire of Shadows: The Epic Story of Yellowstone, by George Black
The Wolverine Way, by Douglas H. Chadwick

Photo Guide for Yellowstone:

Artist Point
Excelsior Geyser Crater
Fairy Falls
Fountain Paint Pots
Grand Prismatic Spring
Great Fountain Geyser
Minerva Terrace
Morning Glory Pool
Norris Geyser Basin
Old Faithful
Overlook Point
Palette Spring
Roaring Mountain
Trout Lake
Upper Falls View

Exploring Norris Basin at Yellowstone National Park

24 November 201817 September 2024

Heading north, the plan for the day was to check out Norris Basin, explore Mammoth Hot Springs and begin making my way to Grand Teton National Park.

While the temperature was cold, the sun was shining bright as I put on my jacket and hiking boots to begin my next hike. The beautiful landscape ahead of me was surreal as I wandered the boardwalk exploring the unusual pools, gases and geysers.

Milky white liquids filled pools that seemed to be harmless, but their position along several major fault lines makes this location one of the hottest geyser basins in the park. Reaching temperatures of close to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, this may well be one of the hottest geyser basins in the world.

This area was abundant with sulfur and sulfuric acids making the water highly acidic and deadly to the trees and plants nearby. The surrounding countryside seemed desolate and barren. With an ever-changing environment, new geysers were being formed daily.

The journey was surreal as the boardwalk was only inches from the smoky haze coming from the ground below. Vegetation was few and far between, yet a single fir tree managed to rise out of the cauldron of steam seemingly unaffected by the poisonous gases.

South of the museum was a one-mile loop known as the Back Basin. I approached the Emerald Pool where, looking closely, I saw the slight bubbling of the pond. With its temperature just below boiling, it had a captivating color and clarity.

A short walk and I reached Steamboat Geyser which was spouting out hot water reaching only about 40 feet. It is known to erupt at distances of 300 feet, more than twice the size of Old Faithful, but this is a rare occasion, happening anytime within a span of 4 days to even 50 years.

The more predictable geysers were fun to watch as their eruptions could be determined like clockwork. With some surges occurring every few minutes, there were some lasting upwards to twenty minutes at a time. With an abundance of geological features, the basin is was one of the park’s more active areas in terms of exploding geysers and bubbling pools.

What is your favorite section of Yellowstone Park? Are you fascinated with the surging geysers or the colorful sulfuric pools. I would love to hear about your favorite memories of Yellowstone if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for taking the time to read my post about Yellowstone’s Upper Geyser Basin and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Yellowstone National Park
PO Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Telephone: 307 344 7381

Admission Fee: Each entrance fee covers 7 days of park entry. Private Vehicle: $35; Motorcycle: $30 and Hiker/Biker: $20 which only applies to visitors 16 years old and older entering the park by foot, bicycle, etc. An annual Pass for Yellowstone National Park is $70 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. The Yellowstone National Park accepts the America the Beautiful Pass which allows access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites for a cost of $80 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. Check out their website for more information: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
Hours: Open daily, 24 hours; Refer to the Yellowstone National Park website for the operating hours of the Visitor Centers.
Amenities: camping, hiking, boating, skiing, biking, bird watching, climbing and mountaineering, fishing, horseback riding and llama packing, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, Visitor’s Centers which provide interpretive exhibits and park information and Ranger programs. Guided tours are also available in the park.
Scenic View: Take in the view of Grand Prismatic Spring from the Overlook off of the Fairy Falls Trailhead. For the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, you can see this beautiful waterfall from several locations offering different views of the falls: Brink of Lower Falls, Lookout Point, Uncle Tom’s Trail and Artist Point. Check out the stadium seating at Old Faithful for a front row seat of this geyser that erupts every 35 to 120 minutes. The park’s Twitter account, @GeyserNPS, the Geyser Activity Page on their website or the Geyser App lists the predicted times for Old Faithful.
Length of Visit: Three days is recommended to see all of the attractions at Yellowstone.
Tips for Your Visit: The park is open year around, but winter time can be a challenging during snow and ice. If you are looking for animals, winter is the time that they hibernate. Spring is a wonderful time to visit because you can see newborn babies. When viewing wildlife, you must stay 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yard from all other animals in the park. For photographers, you may already know that dawn and dusk are the best times to photograph animals and you will want to bring a telephoto lens for capturing them from far distances. Summer is the busiest time for the park you may find road construction and traffic.

Where to Stay:

I was fortunate enough to stay at one of the lodges at Yellowstone. I absolutely loved staying at the park and have Melba Coleman to thank for assisting me in my reservation.

Where to Eat:

Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room
Yellowstone Park, WY 82190
Telephone: 307 344 7311

Preparing for Yellowstone, The Grand Tetons and the Sites In Between

17 November 201817 September 2024

I have been counting down the days until my vacation out west!

I picked up the rental car (Alamo Car Rental) from Dayton International airport in the evening so I could leave Ohio early in the morning. Through the website carrentals.com, I found a midsize car, unlimited mileage for only $141.40 for 9 days. When I arrived at the rental counter, I was provided a Volkswagen Jetta for my trip, roomy and extremely comfortable.

With plans to depart at 5AM, I will be settling in early for the night. The first stop on my agenda will be Sioux Falls, South Dakota and I am hoping to reach this point before sundown. I am prepared for the long day because the excitement and adrenaline overcome any thought of the dread of a long drive. Besides, I will be exploring some of the most beautiful parks in the United States.

In preparation for my trip I used the following resources

Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks, A Lonely Planet Guide
Fodor’s Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks
Yellowstone in Photographs, by George Wuerther
Moon Handbooks Yellowstone & Grand Teton

My itinerary for the first couple of days consists of the following places to visit, but I am prepared to make any necessary changes should I decide to add or subtract items on my list.

Sioux Falls
Corn Palace
Badlands National Park
Wall Drug
Mount Rushmore
Custer – Wildlife Loop Road
Peter Norbeck Scenic Highway
Wind Cave
Jewel Cave
Deadwood
Spearfish, WY
- Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway
Bighorn Scenic Byway
Devil’s Tower

I have the next few days packed with activities and attractions, but I am totally ready and can’t wait to see what an amazing adventure lies ahead.

If you have any suggestions for places to visit while I take on this expedition, please let me know. I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

Mammoth Springs, An Apocalyptic Fairytale

10 November 201817 September 2024

Arriving into Mammoth Hot Springs, there was a large crowd of visitors standing around the center of town. From a distance it was difficult to see what was taking place downtown, but as I drove closer, I noticed a large bull elk and his harem. Roaming the Parade Lawn were about twenty beautiful females.

The crowd began to push in and as they moved closer to the elk, a park ranger warned the group to move away from the herd. Clearly ignoring the warning sign placards, guests seemed to have forgotten that bull elks can become unpredictable when provoked and dangerous if startled. I thought it best to leave the potentially dangerous situation and decided to explore the Hot Springs of Yellowstone.

Situated at the north end of Yellowstone, Mammoth sits at an elevation of over 6,000 feet. One of the most photographed areas of the park, it is known for its multi-layered colors created by volcanic chemicals.

The orange limestone terraces glowing in the sunlight were bold in comparison to the white chalky substance. Created by algae and bacteria, there is a strong contrast between the colors that stand out from the rest of the scene. A continuous mist was rising up from the stepping stones as if to reach the sun and stars. Unlike the other features in the park, the view seemed as though I had just landed on another planet.

The scenes of the park took my breath away. A lone tree sprouted up from the white limestone against the blue sky creating an image that could only be painted by a surrealist. As if rising out of a fairytale book, I was sure that nymphs or sprites could appear at any moment.

Located on the Upper Terrace of Mammoth Springs is the New Blue Springs. Without one speck of blue to be seen, this monochromatic contrast with colors of white and orange would seem most likely to exist on planet Mars.

Approaching the last formations of limestone, I found this area to be one of the most unique collection of springs. Unequivocally unique in its design, they are one of the many reasons that four million visitors arrive in Yellowstone National Park each year.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Yellowstone National Park? What were the highlights of your trip? I would love to hear about your adventure if you would kindly leave your experience in the comments section below. Many thanks for taking the time to read about my fabulous trip to Yellowstone National Park and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Yellowstone National Park
PO Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Telephone: 307 344 7381

Admission Fee: Each entrance fee covers 7 days of park entry. Private Vehicle: $35; Motorcycle: $30 and Hiker/Biker: $20 which only applies to visitors 16 years old and older entering the park by foot, bicycle, etc. An annual Pass for Yellowstone National Park is $70 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. The Yellowstone National Park accepts the America the Beautiful Pass which allows access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites for a cost of $80 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. Check out their website for more information: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
Hours: Open daily, 24 hours; Refer to the Yellowstone National Park website for the operating hours of the Visitor Centers.
Amenities: camping, hiking, boating, skiing, biking, bird watching, climbing and mountaineering, fishing, horseback riding and llama packing, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, Visitor’s Centers which provide interpretive exhibits and park information and Ranger programs. Guided tours are also available in the park.
Scenic View: Take in the view of Grand Prismatic Spring from the Overlook off of the Fairy Falls Trailhead. For the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, you can see this beautiful waterfall from several locations offering different views of the falls: Brink of Lower Falls, Lookout Point, Uncle Tom’s Trail and Artist Point. Check out the stadium seating at Old Faithful for a front row seat of this geyser that erupts every 35 to 120 minutes. The park’s Twitter account, @GeyserNPS, the Geyser Activity Page on their website or the Geyser App lists the predicted times for Old Faithful.
Length of Visit: Three days is recommended to see all of the attractions at Yellowstone.
Tips for Your Visit: The park is open year around, but winter time can be a challenging during snow and ice. If you are looking for animals, winter is the time that they hibernate. Spring is a wonderful time to visit because you can see newborn babies. When viewing wildlife, you must stay 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yard from all other animals in the park. For photographers, you may already know that dawn and dusk are the best times to photograph animals and you will want to bring a telephoto lens for capturing them from far distances. Summer is the busiest time for the park you may find road construction and traffic.

Where to Stay:

I was fortunate enough to stay at one of the lodges at Yellowstone. I absolutely loved staying at the park and have Melba Coleman to thank for assisting me in my reservation.

Where to Eat:

Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room
Yellowstone Park, WY 82190
Telephone: 307 344 7311

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

The Bighorn Byway Drive Towards Devil’s Tower

3 November 201817 September 2024

Traveling out west, I had finally reached Wyoming and decided to take the scenic route towards Devil’s Tower. My initial plan was to travel the Medicine Wheel Passage, but it had rained the night before and I was concerned that this would have an affect on the roads as US Highway 14A is not well paved. Instead, I decided to continue towards Devil’s Tower by way of the Bighorn Scenic Byway.

I refueled in Sheridan at the Holiday Stationstores for $25 and began my scenic drive through the Bighorn Mountains with a stop at Shell Canyon and Falls.

Climbing the mountain, I noticed a lookout and decided to pull over for a short break, taking in the scenic Blue Sky drive. Stretching my legs and walking towards the edge of the parking lot to take in the view, I happened to notice a small deer out of the corner of my eye. She was making her way down the hill so I slowly crept towards her direction for a closer look when I realized there was a young buck further down the slope. While keeping my distance, I stood still in the lot, taking in the beautiful moment before returning to my drive.

I was nearing the end of the byway when I noticed signs for the Shell Falls Interpretive Site. Thirty miles east of the town of Greybull, I was excited to make this stop to see the falls and explore the educational center.

Opening the car door, I immediately noticed the sound of the waterfall, Long before reaching the entrance, I was surprised to see a mist emanating from the cascade with a spray that was lightly covering my windshield. A donation box marked the start of the trailhead and within minutes, I was standing on the platform facing the falls. It was then that I realized I was too close to capture the falls it in its entirety as I had not brought the correct lens. I stood against the handrail with my eyes closed, feeling the spray on my face.

After a refreshing stop and a boost of energy, I continued along the interpretive trail. Rounding the corner and towards my left, a pathway opened up to a canyon Rock formations seemed to rise up from inside of the valley.

In the distance stood a limestone and dolomite rock feature known as Copman’s Tomb, the precipice was so named in memory of local settler, Jack Copman whose dream was to launch a glider over the side of the cliff. Unfortunately, he was unable to complete his dream, but locals have named this immense stone in Copman’s honor.

I had finally reached the end of the quarter a mile trail where I spent about twenty minutes. Not only was the trail a perfect break during my long journey towards Devil’s Tower, the mist from the falls provided me with a much needed car wash.

Have you had the opportunity to drive the Bighorn Scenic Byway or stop by Shell Falls? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading my post about the Bighorn Scenic Byway and Shell Falls! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

For more information about the Bighorn Scenic Byway, visit the Bighorn National Forest website at http://www.travelwyoming.com/article/big-horn-scenic-byway.

Pigtails and Tunnels on the Iron Mountain Road

27 October 201816 September 2024

South Dakota boasts some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United States and there are several scenic roads that visitors can drive to take in the wonders of this part of the world. Traveling from Mount Rushmore to Custer State Park, Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway is a 70 mile stretch of roadway that includes Needles Highway as well as Iron Mountain Road.

The first section of the byway is US Highway 18A which is most commonly known as the Iron Mountain Road. According to history, it was the road that “couldn’t be built”. The major features of this drive are three granite tunnels and three pigtail bridges. There are stopping points at the tunnels where glimpses of Mount Rushmore are framed by the tunnels and provide for fabulous photo opportunities. Without stopping it will take me approximately 1 hour to drive Iron Mountain Drive, but even I can’t resist the occasion to pull over and take in all of the scenic views.

One of the pigtail turns

Gorgeous View from Peter Norbeck Overlook

A view of Mt. Rushmore from the Iron Mountain Drive

A map of the scenic drives

Scenic Views Along Iron Mountain Drive

One of the granite tunnels along Iron Mountain Drive!

Have you driven the Iron Mountain Drive? I would love to hear about your experience if you kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for checking out my photos of the Iron Mountain Drive! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Iron Mountain Drive

Seventeen mile stretch of road in the Black Hills of South Dakota, also known as 16A

Where to Stay:

Country Inn & Suites
2321 N. Lacrosse Street
Rapid City, SD 57701
Telephone: 866 522 8891

Where to Eat:

BaRLee’s food and drink
253 Swanzey Street
Keystone, SD 57751
Telephone: 605 666 5509

Down home cooking where everything is made from scratch!

Deadwood, South Dakota: “No Law at All” for the Outlaws

20 October 201816 September 2024

“No law at all in Deadwood? Is it true?” According to the HBO television series, Deadwood, this was the state of the infamous town, east of the Mississippi. Set in the late 1870s, this gold mining town of the American West was known for its whiskey, women and western wranglers. This popular show, airing in 2004, fascinated me with its depiction of the Gold Rush and life in a western town. While gun fights and debauchery brought noteriety to Deadwood, Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane would serve as its main characters.

The US gave this land to the Lakota Indians, by means of the 1851 Treaty of Laramie in an effort to resolve disputes between the Indian tribes and the US Government. Once it was discovered that gold was in the hills of the Great Sioux Reservation, prospectors invaded the land ignoring the terms of the agreement. This resulted in war between the Sioux Indians and the settlers in 1866 and a major conflict continued between the two.

Deadwood continued to grow as a prospectors camp and was eventually established as a city in 1876. A city that once thrived on prostitution, gambling and the excessive consumption of alcohol, Deadwood’s popularity as a tourist stop was based on its preservation of historical buildings as well as its colorful past.

With the lack of law enforcement, Deadwood was known for its high rate of crime, including homicide. Its most notorious murder is that of Wild Bill Hickok by Jack “Crooked Nose” McCall, living under the alias of Bill Sutherland.

The story begins with Hickok playing a game of poker in the Nuttal & Mann’s Saloon (today’s Saloon Number 10) when McCall, who had lost a fair amount of money to Hickok the night before, shot Hickok from behind. It was said that Hickok was holding a pair of black aces and eights, which has become to be known as the Dead Man’s hand.

Saloon Number 10 displays the chair where Wild Bill Hickok was shot as well as other historical memorabilia.

McCall attempted to escape the law, but was apprehended, He was later sentenced to death in a second trial. At the age of 24 years old, he was hanged on March 1, 1877. Today, the Masonic Temple in Deadwood hosts reenactments of the Trial of Jack McCall during the summer months.

After spending the night at Comfort Inn Gulches of Fun, I awoke early in the morning with one last stop at the Mount Moriah Cemetery. Located on the outskirts of the historical downtown, the burial ground maintains the grave sites of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Known as Hickok’s girlfriend, Martha Jane Burke, was an outlaw in her own right. Their resting place is a short uphill walk from the cemetery’s entrance.

A further jaunt towards the edge of the cemetery is a stunning scenic view of the city of Deadwood. According to Loretta, the friendly historian at the Welcome Center, Deadwood is very much the same as it was in the 1880s. She also mentioned that the series Deadwood is very true to its historical portrayal of the city as it was during the time of the Gold Rush. A once thriving city with upwards to around 5,000 residents, today it is a quiet, somewhat laid-back town, quite different to its former reputation. That is, until the shootout reinactments begin and you’re taken back to the Deadwood of Wild Bill Hickok.

Have you visited Deadwood or other Wild West sites? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading my post about Deadwood and I wish you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Mount Moriah Cemetery
10 Mt. Moriah Drive
Deadwood, SD 57732
Telephone: 605 722 0837

Admission Fee: There is a $2 admission fee for Mt. Moriah Cemetery
Hours: Open daily from 8AM to 6PM
Amenities: The park provides a map that identifies the celebrity graves and other significant locations.
Scenic View: Towards the back of the cemetery is an amazing view of the downtown of Deadwood.
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Wear proper footwear for walking. The cemetery is a sacred place and should be treated with respect.

The Trial of Jack McCall
Telephone: 800 344 8826

Saloon No. 10
657 Main Street
Deadwood, SD 57732
Telephone: 800 952 9398

Admission Fee: There is no fee to enter the saloon.
Hours: Open daily from 8AM to 2AM
Amenities: Historical site, restaurant, bar, gambling, entertainment and souvenir shop
Scenic View: See the location where Wild Bill Hickok was killed by Jack McCall and scan the walls for western memorabilia.
Length of Visit: 1 hour or more depending on if you want to play blackjack and the slots
Tips for Your Visit: When visiting Deadwood, a stop at Saloon Number 10 is a must! Be prepared for a wild enactment of the shooting of Wild Bill Hickok. Cigar smoking is permitted in the bar, so there are times when this may deter non-smokers.

Where to Stay:

Comfort Inn Gulches of Fun
225 Cliff Street
Deadwood, SD 57732
Telephone: 605 578 7550

Where to Eat:

Gem Steakhouse & Saloon at The Mineral Palace
601 Main Street
Deadwood, SD 57732
Telephone: 605 578 2036

It had been awhile since I had seen Buffalo on a menu so I ordered the Buffalo Salisbury which included a 12-ounce ground Buffalo patty served with mushroom gravy and mashed potatoes.

Deadwood Social Club Restaurant at Saloon No. 10
657 Main Street
Deadwood, SD 57732
Telephone: 800 952 9398

I decided to dine here before leaving Deadwood continuing my trek out west. It was a beautiful evening to enjoy the rooftop patio with its twinkling lights strung about against the growing darkness of dusk. I ordered the 8 oz. Filet Mignon, medium rare with a Crab Hollandaise topping. The other option which I really wanted to try was the Crab & Pork Belly Carbonara which included the crispy pork belly, snow crab, peas, red bell peppers, fettuccine in a rich cream sauce. The prices were exceptionally reasonable and the flavors of my steak and crab topping was extraordinary.

What to Eat: