Biking Arches National Park
The ride we did the first day in Arches ended up being a splendid introduction to the area. From bike you have a wide open view of the high rocks close the road and can really get a sense of the landscape.
Driving from Bozeman to Moab: White to Red
Last week was Spring Break. I took a trip down to Moab, Utah. Jeff took me from Bozeman to Idaho Falls and Hilary picked me up on her way from Missoula. It was a sneaky maneuver that sped things up a bit.
We brought our bikes down there and enjoyed the bright blue sky and red desert sandstone.
February Snowshoeing in Yellowstone
After we left Virginia City we stopped at Norris Hot Springs, about 45 minutes west of Bozeman. The next day Hilary and I went down to Yellowstone with my roommate Ben and his girlfriend Sarah. We tromped around in the woods for a little while and then went to the Boiling River. It was a big weekend with two hot springs in two days, not too shabby.
Yellowstone in December
The same day as the Christmas Stroll Hil and I took a trip to Yellowstone with the Boiling River as our destination. On the way in the park we saw antelope and a whole mess of bighorn sheep climbing this hillside.
The sun came through the clouds intermittently to make for a fine day for Yellowstone in December. All these pictures were taken with a Sigma 30mm f/1.4 prime lens.
Norris and Upper Geyser Basins
These are the last of the pictures of Yellowstone from last weekend. After Norris we went to Upper Geyser Basin. It was the first time I’d seen it in the snow. Certainly way less tourists trying to see Old Faithful than in the summertime. The giant parking lot was almost completely empty.
Yellowstone Continued.
I enjoyed the cold weather because it brought out the contrast between the temperatures inside the Earth and on its surface. Seeing the exact same things in the summer is a totally different experience.
Yellowstone to Norris Geyser Basin
Saturday in Yellowstone they had closed all but the northernmost road from Mammoth to Tower due to the snow. I really wanted to check out some geothermal stuff farther south, but the prognosis for road openings Sunday looked grim.
We headed towards Upper Mammoth Terrace with the plan of going for a walk around there (this area is open year-round) and hoping that the road south would be opened up by the time we were done. (This was about 11 am)
We arrived at the parking area to see the familiar sight from Saturday of the ranger’s Jeep parked in front of the barricade across the road with a half dozen or so tourist cars parked nearby. Hilary’s plan was to go over and talk to the ranger about when they might open the road.
No sooner did I turn the engine off and get out did we hear someone in an excited tone say something about “saddling up” and see the waiting people file into their cars as the ranger proceeded to open the gates.
We headed through the gate and south on a newly plowed and sanded road through pine forests covered in a fresh blanket of snow.
It was one of those moments where everything works out and you can’t help but think the universe made it happen just for you.
October Snow in Yellowstone
It has been snowing in Bozeman for the last 3 days. Hilary and I took a trip down to Yellowstone for the weekend. The landscape made it seem like winter had arrived, although I’m hoping for a little more fall before it really sets it.
Mas Highline
What can I say, it was a long hike in a beautiful place so there were a lot of pictures taken.
On the Highline Trail
I think we were fairly lucky with the weather. The parking lot at Logan Pass was quite windy and a little cold but once you got out of the wind tunnel it was quite pleasant.
Glacier: Sun Road to Highline Trail
I’m finally back in Bozeman, ready for school to start tomorrow.
We snuck up to Glacier for the final outing of the summer. I was in Glacier last Labor Day Weekend so it was interesting to compare the snowpack from the two years.
Saturday we had some excellent weather and did the Highline Trail from Logan Pass to The Loop, it is about 12 miles (almost all downhill though) with a mandatory 0.6 mile uphill side trail to overlook the Many Glacier area.
Here are some pictures from the drive up the western portion of the Going to the Sun Road and the start of the hike.
Rocky Mountain National Park
After a bit of driving we came to Rocky Mountain National Park. I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but the road going through the park is quite amazing. Also, the park has more alpine area than any other national park. We took a short walk at the top with epic views in every direction. It was cold in the middle of August and during the winter it must be an incredibly hostile environment.
