Wild Wanderlust: Exploring Yellowstone and the Tetons


Exploring Yellowstone and the Tetons

by Naimul Karim (originally posted on naimul.net)

Yellowstone and Grand Teton - in Montana and Wyoming, 2018

Indulging in the Splendor of Nature is My Greatest Joy. As John Muir eloquently expresses, “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The wind will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like leaves of Autumn.” Hiking through our magnificent parks year-round is an essential pursuit for us. This summer, we aimed to revisit the wonders of Yellowstone and embark on the exploration of Grand Teton. 

    So, we loaded up our car and set off towards the two national parks, eager for some hiking adventures. Luck was on our side as the weather turned out to be stunning, and we encountered no construction delays on the highways. What more could we have asked for? 

    Opting for the northern route to Yellowstone National Park via Dickinson, ND, we made a deliberate choice to explore Theodore Roosevelt National Park along the way. The drive to Dickinson was pleasantly uneventful, save for a spontaneous detour to the "Muddy Boots Sports Bar" in Forada, MN. Our impromptu visit was motivated by the need to show solidarity with Germany as they faced Sweden in a crucial qualification match for the World Soccer Cup. It turned out to be a worthwhile diversion as Germany secured a dramatic victory with a last-minute goal, keeping their World Cup hopes alive! 

    Ten years ago, we ventured through Dickinson and Theodore Roosevelt National Park on a memorable journey. It was a significant milestone as we accompanied our youngest, Ilias, to Stanford for his freshman year. Opting for a more adventurous route, we turned the college move-in into a three-week family road trip. Our itinerary included stops at Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park, and Seattle before winding down the Pacific coast via Highway 101 to Palo Alto. Dickinson served as our first stop then as well. However, today, the town presents a starkly different landscape, bustling with new constructions - a testament to the oil boom in North Dakota, it seems. 

    Nestled in western North Dakota, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is where the vast expanse of the Great Plains converges with the rugged beauty of the Badlands. This diverse habitat is home to a rich array of wildlife including bison, elk, prairie dogs, and majestic wild horses (be sure to peruse the breathtaking imagery capturing the essence of the Dakotas). We were pleasantly surprised by the sheer size of this magnificent park and perhaps underestimated the time required for the Scenic Loop Drive. Nonetheless, this excursion afforded us a comprehensive glimpse of the park's extensive network of hiking trails, which meander along the banks of the picturesque Little Missouri River. Notable highlights include the vibrant Painted Canyon in the South Unit and the historic Maltese Cross Cabin, once inhabited by President Roosevelt himself.

    Click here to see Photos in Lr of TheDakotas


Next, we made our way to Bozeman, MT, where the journey proved to be largely uneventful, save for the curious coincidence of staying in the very same hotel where Naim had attended a conference several years prior a bittersweet realization indeed.

From Bozeman, the distance to Gardenia is but a mere stone's throw away, with Gardenia perched right on the cusp of Yellowstone National Park, beckoning us to its majestic wonders.

Yellowstone National Park is a place that defies simple description. Firstly, it holds the esteemed title of being the birthplace of the U.S. National Park System a testament to its unparalleled natural splendor. Secondly, it encompasses a vast expanse of interconnected public wildlands known as the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, a haven for an array of native mammal and bird species that have thrived for centuries. As noted by National Geographic, Yellowstone boasts over 10,000 geothermal features, including geysers that outnumber those found elsewhere in the world combined.

Unsurprisingly, this natural wonder draws in crowds from across the globe. Like many others, we initially found ourselves swept up in the typical tourist experience driving from one iconic location to the next, following the throngs of visitors along well-trodden trails, and capturing countless photographs before hopping back into the car to repeat the process. As we journeyed, we had a memorable encounter with a grizzly bear. Our luck doubled in two significant ways. Firstly, spotting a grizzly in the wild is a rare occurrence. Secondly, we remained safely inside our car, mindful of the potential danger posed by these majestic yet formidable creatures.

While I can't deny the breathtaking beauty of these places, visiting them truly is an integral part of the American experience. Each corner of the park boasts its unique topographical charm, offering something special for every visitor. It's worth taking your time to explore and discover the area that resonates most with you. For me, that place was Lamar Valley. Nestled amidst its glacial meadows, this valley is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. During our visit, we were fortunate to encounter numerous bison and even had a thrilling but distant encounter with a grizzly bear. 

Click here to see Photos in Lr of YellowstoneNationalPark


Grand Teton National Park, situated south of Yellowstone, showcases the majestic Teton Range as its central feature. This impressive range boasts eight peaks exceeding 12,000 feet (3,658 m), with the Grand Teton towering at 13,770 feet (4,198 m). Along the base of the range, seven moraine lakes enhance the scenic landscape, while the backcountry boasts over 100 alpine lakes.

    During our five-day stay, we dedicated our time solely to embarking on lengthy day hikes. Throughout our visit, we tackled three memorable trails: Taggart & Bradley Lakes, Cascade Canyon and the Hidden Falls, and Lupine Meadows Trail. Each hike offered its own unique charm, with some leading us to glacier lakes nestled as high as 9,000 feet. While the third hike proved to be challenging, the trail itself and the breathtaking vistas along the way more than compensated for the effort. Our visit in early July coincided with an abundance of wildflowers, adorning the meadows with vibrant hues.

Throughout our Cascade Canyon hike, we found ourselves repeatedly crossing paths with a black bear, adding an exhilarating touch to our adventure. Grand Teton National Park truly captivated us with its picturesque hikes, enchanting water streams, flower-filled meadows, cascading waterfalls, and unparalleled views of the iconic mountains.

In one of the hikes, we became rather familiar with a brown bear.  It must have taken a liking to us because we encountered it five times during a one-day hike.  Brown bears are not as dangerous as grizzlies, and we were equipped with bear spray.  But they are still wild and dangerous animals. At our third encounter, while Christine was resting on top of a big boulder, and I was absorbed trying to take the perfect picture of an idyllic mountain creek, I was suddenly awakened by a commotion – by Christine’s frantic calls and a soothing command from a park ranger. The bear was approaching the trail! The park ranger told us that this was a young juvenile bear simply minding its business and foraging.  We would be safe if we gave it enough space and allowed it to use the trail if it wanted to.  Even for bears, it is easier to go along a trail than in the underbrush.  If approached, he advised, we should move quickly but calmly at a right angle to its path, rather than directly away from it.  It is understood that nobody in his right mind would approach it.  Therefore, we would have two lines of retreat (one to the right and one to the left – which may also mean uphill and downhill; or more approachable and less approachable; or more wooded and less wooded, etc).  So, we should be aware of the alternatives. That was good advice.  Then shortly afterwards, on the fifth and the last encounter, the bear decided to go uphill by using the trail at a spot between Christine and me.  I had to move away at a right angle, leaving the trail and downhill into the woods.  Then I went parallel to the trail for a while and then back to the trail to join Christine.  Whew!

On the remaining two days, we leisurely explored the charming streets of Jackson, taking in the laid-back atmosphere of this quaint town. Our time in Grand Teton National Park solidified its place as one of our favorite destinations among the National Parks.

Overall, it was a trip filled with beauty and relaxation. Grand Teton has left an indelible mark on us, and without a doubt, we eagerly anticipate our return. 

Click here to see Photos in Lr of GrandTetonNationalPark             


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