Wild Wyoming
Our amazing time in Colorado was still on our minds as we went through Utah. I was excited to finally break new ground and explore Wyoming, a state I had yet to visit. There was also a bit of relief after a quick visit to Autozone, where my check engine light was diagnosed as a faulty thermometer, which didn’t need immediate attention. The hope of this being our last challenge didn’t last long, though. It would only be a matter of hours…
The Journey Continues
The Route
The mountains and landscapes of Colorado have always been unmatched, in my opinion. But if there were a runner-up, it would be Utah. The landscapes offered a continuous cinematic reel, from mountains that seemed to pierce the heavens to sprawling deserts where time seemed to stand still. Our course would be a straight shot once we reached Vernal, Utah. We would have to take US 191 until we reached the high deserts of Wyoming. From there, it was a long drive through the plains as we slowly began to see the majestic mountain range of the Tetons.
That was the original plan, but a late start and a quick look at the terrain on the map led us to make an overnight stop in Vernal, Utah. As we rolled into Utah, I noticed the route passed through several wilderness areas with high elevations. As much as I love those views, they wouldn’t be visible at night. Add in the potential for wildlife on the road, and I decided an early morning start would be a safer bet.
The next day, as we navigated Utah's winding roads, we witnessed the beauty and dangers of unbridled nature. The overturned truck was an eerie reminder of the latter, juxtaposed against the breathtaking backdrop of Flaming Gorge and its impressive bridge.
The Mountain Majesty
Grand Teton National Park
Crossing into Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park stood as a sentinel, a majestic testament to nature's grand design. Every glance out of the window offered a postcard-perfect view, with the Tetons as a constant, awe-inspiring backdrop. Right off the bat, there were unexpected discoveries, like an airport within the park. Before exploring further, we armed ourselves with information from the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center. Setting up camp at Gros Ventre felt like claiming a prize. Still, the ever-knowledgeable park rangers informed us about upcoming seasonal closures, limiting our camping and recreation options.
While I had been aware of the possibility of portions of parks closing, I did not expect them to begin so early in the season. Because of these closures, we would have to get creative when it came to finding showers and visiting the nearby neighbor, Yellowstone.
The Grand Teton National Park is typically most well-known for the mountain range it gets its name from but we quickly learned about its rich wildlife inside of it. From the comfort of our vehicle, we marveled at moose, antelope, bison, and even bears that seemed to punctuate the landscape. The wildlife was so plentiful that I even decided to cough up a couple hundred dollars to rent a telephoto lens from the local Wyoming Camera Outfitters store.
This might have been my best impromptu purchase because it led to great captures like bison and a grizzly bear! And as was beginning to become a theme for this trip, I lost an SD card with many of my images. Luckily, I had plenty of images to make up for the loss and a nearby park that would rival the views and variety of wildlife we discovered in the Grand Tetons..
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone has never been high up on my list of desired parks to visit. However, its unique significance and proximity to the Grand Tetons meant we had to visit.
Yellowstone is the national park or national parks. It was the first park established in the United States and one of the most visited parks in the system.The park is so close to the Grand Tetons that you pretty much have to visit one when you visit the other. However, we were surprised to learn Yellowstone was nearly five times as large with many of the areas and campground closed because of recent weather. Either way, we decided to take a quick visit to the lower portion of the park before we left Wyoming.
Yellowstone greeted us with its well-documented geothermal wonders and vast landscapes. The performance by Old Faithful, a mesmerizing natural geyser, was a communal experience, shared with scores of nature enthusiasts. Our continued quest for amenities led us to the brink of disappointment at the Old Faithful Inn. But, as had become a theme of our trip, disappointment soon turned to delight as we found ourselves showering in the luxurious guest shower room.
Originally, we went in planning to visit a few other sites throughout the park such as Prismatic Falls. But those plans would be dashed because of the overwhelming crowds which prevented us from even being able to find a parking spot. We found this to be a blessing in disguise on our trip back towards the Tetons as we were treated to a beautiful sunset, complete with a chance encounter with Grizzly Bear 610.
Without missing a beat, I hopped out of the car, grabbed my rented telephoto lens and snapped some photos from the road leading to some pretty great shots.
Diversions as Detours
In every journey, there's the path we chart and the one we take. These unexpected deviations, while initially appearing as setbacks, often evolve into some of our journey's most memorable episodes. It's within these unplanned moments that the true spirit of adventure emerges.
The inconsistent weather in Colorado caused us to change course many times. With each change, we found experiences we would not have had if we had stayed the course.
Our race against time to Old Faithful Inn in desperate need of a shower was met with news of an impending closure. Yet, in the face of potential disappointment, the generosity of the staff shone through, transforming a simple showering into a story we'd retell for years.
Our meticulous plans for Grand Teton underwent numerous revisions. Campsite closures, seasonal shutdowns – every curveball nature threw at us necessitated change. But each change brought forth hidden gems: lesser-known trails, breathtaking viewpoints, and local tales that weren’t in any guidebook.
These “diversions” became gateways to more prosperous, more authentic experiences.
This adaptability became our compass. While the allure of famous landmarks is undeniable, these unexpected detours enriched our narrative. For instance, the overwhelming crowds at Prismatic Falls nudged us towards a less-traveled path, culminating in an awe-inspiring encounter with Grizzly Bear 610. It's moments like these – unpredictable, awe-inspiring, and deeply personal – that become the cornerstone of a traveler's tales.
Sometimes, the detours, the unforeseen stops, and the spontaneous decisions lead to the most magical moments.
Be Like Water
Bruce Lee once said, "Be like water." Our journey across states, terrains, and experiences underlined this philosophy. Preparation, though essential, must be complemented by adaptability.
As we navigated from the Rockies to the Tetons, our detailed planning often met the unpredictable whims of nature and circumstance. Our ability to adapt transformed potential challenges into cherished memories. Our journey underscored the importance of a balanced approach to travel. While research and planning set the stage, adaptability and an open heart truly shape the narrative.
From the peaks of Colorado to the majesties of Wyoming, our journey was a testament to the unpredictability and unparalleled beauty of the great outdoors. The journey, with its myriad detours and surprises, is a poignant reminder: It's not just about the destination but every unexpected, beautiful, and challenging step along the way.
