2016 National Parks Road Trip ~ Glacier National Park

The drive into Glacier National Park was beautiful, with beautiful fall colors.  

Going-to-the-Sun road was picturesque.

We stayed 3 nights in a small cabin at Lake McDonald Lodge.

 It had to full beds & a bath with shower.  It was very comfortable for the two of us but I think it would be crowded with 3 or more.

The first day we arrived we enjoyed a beautiful sunset over Lake McDonald.

 It was late so we spent the evening exploring the historic Lodge.

Day 2 began with an absolutely devine sunrise of pink & purple.  

We drove to Apgar Campground for another view of Lake McDonald.

 I liked the rustic feel if the cabins here over the more modern cabins of Lk McDonald Lodge and loved the shops.

We drove through to the Camas entrance road and hiked the oxbow trail along a pretty duck pond.

 Dinner was a tasty huckleberry elk goat cheese burger, YUM!

Tuesday we drove Going-to-the-Sun road around Heaven's Peak.

We hiked the St. Mary Falls trail, it was an interesting hike with streams,creeks, cascades & a wonderful view of the falls.

After our hike we drove to Many glacier, the hotel was closed but the view of Many Glacier and Sherburne Lake was jaw dropping.

2016 National Parks Road Trip ~ Hilton Garden Inn Missoula

We spent one night at this lovely Hilton Garden Hotel on our way to Glacier National Park.  Check In was quick and both of the employees behind the registration desk were very courteous.

We had a room on the 6th floor and it had a nice view of the mountains.

  The room included a microwave and fridge and the largest selection of cable channels I have seen.

The made to order breakfast was delicious.  I would stay here again.

2016 National Parks Road Trip ~ Yellowstone ~ Day 2

Our second day in Yellowstone we explored the North and Eastern areas.  

We loved all the animals.

Bison

Elk

Bighorn Sheep

The Swan

 

There were numerous waterfalls, Rapids, Lakes & Rivers

Yellowstone River

Lake Yellowstone

2016 National Parks Road Trip ~ Yellowstone ~ Day 1

All day rain was predicted during our 2 Days in Yellowstone so we didn't get the opportunity to explore the hiking trails we had planned.  

Our first day was spent exploring the Southern and Western areas.  The geysers took the most time.  Each one more unique than the next.  We started with Old Faithful

Then we walked 8 miles exploring more geysers throughout the day

Each geyser was more impressive than the one before.

 

2016 National Parks Road trip - Grand Teton National Park Day 2

We woke up extra early to catch the sunrise over an area known for Moose to roam & we weren't disappointed !

Hearing the mating calls of the elk was like angels singing.

We hiked around different trails and drove throughout the Teton, thoroughly enjoying our day.  

The Fall Colors of Grand Teton are mesmerizing.

2016 National Parks Road trip - Grand Teton National Park Day 1

We spent two nights in a cabin at Colter Bay Marina.  Checkin wasn't until 4:00 pm so we explored the southern portion. We took our time, pulling over to look at wildlife or just to appreciate the beauty.

My favorite spot was at the top of this cliff.

Our cabin was a place to sleep with a bathroom, there were no cooking facilities so we improvised by bringing our own coffeemaker & hot plate.

Deer & Antelope were everywhere.

Our cabin was near Jackson Lake which privided a great spot for watching sunsets.

After dark we drove to a clearing to admire the stars.

Candlewood Suites Idaho Falls review

We requested early checkin and we're happy when they were able to grant our request.  

The location was near the green river trail which worked out well for our needs.

The room was spacious & clean.

The kitchen was equipped with full size fridge, 2 burner stove, microwave & dishwasher.

The Con::the bed was the most uncomfortable we have experienced!  It bounces like a trampoline, the mattress is thin and the pillows are like similar to what you get in doctors exam rooms or hospitals. We would NOT stay here again. 

2016 National Parks Road trip -Country Inn & Suites ~ Bountiful UT

We enjoyed two comfortable nights at this #countryinn.  We stayed in a jacuzzi suite.  It included king bed & separate living area with fireplace.

There was a small fridge & microwave tucked away in the bedroom which was inconvenient .

Our stay was quiet despite the hotel being sandwiched between two very busy highways!

2016 National Parks Road Trip ~ Day 12 ~ Antelope Island State Park

The Great Salt Lake has been on my bucket list since I was a child and my Daddy spoke about how he visited through the army and there was so much salt he floated.

The water was too cold for swimming but we rolled up our pants & waded in the cold water.  It felt really good but there is a strong smell from the salt & algae.  The only sea life I saw was a few brine shrimp.

The view is just stunning.  The water looked like a sheet of glass.

We later stopped for a bison burger at the only cafe on the island.

Finally we drove around the island to meet some of the local residents.  One of the guys in the island was eager to meet us.

Some preferred to hang out with their own gangs.

These two antelope enjoyed playing in traffic while the Buck watched over them.