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Western Parks from Montana to Utah
Chicago
Our journey started in Chicago where we caught the Amtrak train to East Glacier, Montana. We were only in Chicago overnight so this was as close as Roo got to the big city. He was quite disappointed.
Amtrak
While train trips can be really cool, Amtrak was awful. Over 7 hours late and the conductor was a complete dick. We felt really abused and were glad to get off the train in Glacier. If you want to do a train trip try Canada or Europe.
Glacier National Park
Our first stop. Glacier NP is huge and mountainous. Lots of glaciers and glacial lakes. Gorgeous scenery everywhere.
Glacier - Swiftcurrent Lake
One of the many beautiful lakes is Swiftcurrent Lake with the Many Glacier Hotel on the eastern shore. Amazing views of the mountains.
Glacier - Swiftcurrent Lake
We did a boat ride around Swiftcurrent Lake. The mountains scenery is amazing and goes on forever.
Glacier - Swiftcurrent Lake
Glacier - Red Jammer Buses
The Red Jammer buses are used only in Glacier NP and have been in use since the 1930s. The name is because the drivers had to jam the gears to get up the steep hills. We took a Red Jammer on Going-to-the-Sun Road, the main touring road through the park, covering 50 miles.
Glacier - Going-to-the-Sun Road
At some places the road is built out over the edge of the mountainside, so there are arches supporting the road. These were built decades ago and are still solid.
Glacier - Going-to-the-Sun Road
There is no describing the views on this drive. This is one of Roo's favorite pics.
Glacier - Going-to-the-Sun Road
One of the stops is on the Continental Divide. Another place where the views are extraordinary.
Glacier - Going-to-the-Sun Road
The thing about Glacier NP is that the awesome just goes on and on.
Glacier - Going-to-the-Sun Road
IN addition to the scenic views we saw lots of wildlife on the drive. And with the open roof of the Red Jammer bus you can stand up in your seat and get a great shot.
Glacier - Going-to-the-Sun Road
And waterfalls are everywhere, too.
Glacier - Going-to-the-Sun Road
Glacier - Going-to-the-Sun Road
The Red Jammer going through a tunnel.
Glacier - Going-to-the-Sun Road
This is scenic Saint Mary Lake, another stop on the road. After a while you almost get weary of how awesome the scenery is everywhere you look.
Glacier - Going-to-the-Sun Road
Another view from the edge of Saint Mary Lake.
Whitefish, Montana
Just on the west side of the park is Whitefish, with a ski area that has great views in summertime, too. The ski lift takes you to the top with great views all the way up.
Glacier
After lots of things to do everyone needed a nap.
Yellowstone
One of the crown jewels of the National Parks, Yellowstone is truly unique. Located in the caldera of a dormant volcano, there are steam vents and mud pots and other volcanic activity throughout the park.
Yellowstone
At each park Roo got his Park Passport stamped.
Grand Teton National Park
Next stop, Grand Teton NP in Wyoming.
Grand Teton National Park
A great view from the visitor center.
Idaho
We made a quick side trip to the National Oregon/California Trail Center in Montpelier, Idaho with exhibits showing how early pioneers traveled westward through this area. They even have a live re-enactment of a wagon train adventure. Roo really wanted to drive the wagon.
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