Still Our Favorite

There are eight highways in America designated as “All-American Highways”. On this trip, we have driven two. The first was the Selkirk Loop, shared by the US and Canada. We truly enjoyed our trekking on the Selkirk.

The second All-American Highway traveled on this trip was Beartooth Parkway. Those of you who have followed our Blog on previous trips will recall our fascination with this 68-mile stretch of road. It is our favorite highway in all of North America. It begins near the Northeast entrance of Yellowstone and ends in the quaint town of Red Lodge, MT. The parkway is VERY curvy, relatively narrow, and traverses an altitude climb of 6,000 feet—from nearly 6,000 feet to almost 12,000 feet. At this elevation, it is above the tree line, but the scenery is breathtaking. This drive is not for the faint of heart (FYI, the total length of the vehicle plus camper is a maximum of 40 feet)!

Come travel with us over the Parkway once again!

NOTE: We have included several panorama photographs in the posting. Panorama photographs are, by nature, relatively large so they could be slow to load.

This scene is at the beginning of the Beartooth Parkway, a short distance from the Northeast entrance of Yellowstone. Note the high, sharp peak in the upper right corner. Known as “Pilot’s Peak”, a navigational guide for aircraft.
As we begin to traverse the early part of our climb, we stopped to admire this magnificent view. The numerous times we have been on the Parkway, this is the first time we have been able to “catch” the wildflowers at their peak.
Sunrise at Island Lake campground, administered by the US Forestry, where we spent two nights.
Island Lake, about 50 feet from our campsite. It is one of our favorite (if not our favorite) US Forest Service locations. The area provides some great hiking trails.
A view of one of the dozens of small lakes along the Parkway. This view was taken from a boondock site where we have camped and hiked around…hard to beat!
This panorama of a small portion of the Parkway (probably about halfway up).
Here we “zoomed in” on a portion of the previous panorama. Enlarging the upper center above the lake, one can see our hidden boondock site.
Very near the top of the Parkway, one encounters this ski lift (upper left). Skiing from this location creates quite a thrilling (and probably dangerous) run. This location is actually used for some Olympic training.
This view is lovingly known as “Top-of-the-World”, at about 12,000 ft.

Posted in 2023 - West Again (We love it there)!
18 comments
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  • Raymond SandersGorgeous drive!  Love the panoramic views.ReplyCancel

  • maoYou have some wonderful pictures.  I love the sunrise and the wispy clouds in “The Top of the World” photo. With all this hot weather here (and everywhere) and global warming. It is comforting to see snow.ReplyCancel

    • HaroldAlways the meticulous observer, MAO. Thanks for your comments.ReplyCancel

  • DianaHard to believe you are on the same planet as Jefferson…. I LOVE it here, BUT…. oh my breathtaking scenery there is awesome. Have not seen such places in 40 years! Thank you! DianaReplyCancel

    • HaroldDiana, we are MOST pleased to bring you the scenery and glad you enjoy it.ReplyCancel

  • Peggy and Cled PainterLoved being at the top of the world with you.  Beautiful wildflowers and sunrise too.ReplyCancel

    • HaroldPeggy and Cled, thanks for traveling with us and we enjoy your observations and comments.ReplyCancel

  • Sandra SpencerAmazingly awesome! Can’t think of any other ways to describe it!ReplyCancel

    • HaroldThanks, Sandra. See you in a few days.ReplyCancel

  • PeterNice views and panoramas!  ReplyCancel

  • The BurksWildflowers, mountains, lakes, sunrises – a perfect trip & a sweet boondock site is icing on the cake. ReplyCancel

    • HaroldSusan and Adam, Thanks for joining us. You also must have seen great views, etc. on your Alaska trip. We presume you enjoyed your trip!ReplyCancel

  • Sherry MaskThese pictures are stunning 😍 ReplyCancel

    • HaroldThanks, Sherry, glad you enjoy them. We had fun presenting them to you.ReplyCancel

  • MaryWhat beautiful scenery. Can imagine why you love it so. Have fun….miss youReplyCancel

    • HaroldThanks, Mary. Yes, it is a wonderful place…and we look forward to getting home.ReplyCancel