Chief Joseph Scenic Byway and Into Yellowstone - June 2017


One thing I've learned from our traveling across country, if and when you see a road marked "Scenic Byway," you try to arrange your path to go on it.  We had driven on the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway during the night on the way into Cody.  Driving it during the day made me reflect A LOT MORE on what I had driven at night! 

Here's what it looks like on your phone when using Google Maps - definitely not taking your hands off the steering wheel!  Lots of switchbacks and steep hills - wow!!! 

The Byway takes you north from Cody and connects to the Northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park.   There are lots of turnouts and overlooks to stop and view the amazing terrain.  We stopped at the Sunlight Bridge overlooking Dead Indian Gorge and the Sunlight Creek.




Besides the sharp turns and tight switchbacks, as you head north the area is an open grazing area.  We saw many cattle precariously close to the road.  A good reason to take it slow and enjoy the views including this amazing view of Pilot Peak just before heading west to Yellowstone.


Back on the Beartooth Highway heading west to Yellowstone, we passed the Crazy Creek Falls.  The spring melt was on and the amount of water and the sound of it gushing was intense.  Susan, Mary, and Tabitha took a look at it going under the bridge but I couldn't convince anyone to head up the hill to see the falls but this was something that old Dad had to see - and it was worth it!  Amazing!




Our next stop was Yellowstone National Park!  We found a place to picnic along Soda Butte Creek (lots of jokes about that!).  And we also saw our first wildlife in the park!





Each curve and landscape brought more oohs and aahs as we headed further into Yellowstone.  Bison were everywhere!  The sunny day made for amazing views.  We found the actual Soda Butte!





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