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 ~ 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 ~ Day 11 ~ Arches National Park

Today we woke up and said "Hey! why don't we climb a mountain?" And that's just what we did.

We did the Delicate Arch Hiking Trail and OMG I thought my lungs would explode, my heart & lungs definitely worked overtime since we are not acclimated to high altitudes.

DISTANCE 3.2 miles RT uphill

ELEVATION GAIN 670 ft 

TIME 3.00

DIFFICULTY High Moderate

I always considered hiking Acadia Nationsl Park the most difficult we've done, this hike was much more difficult. It was a smooth surface most of the way up.

We did make friends with another chipmunk at the top

The views are amazing.

My Fitbit says we climbed the equivalent of 76 flights of stairs 💪

2016 National Parks Road Trip ~ Day 8~ Breckenridge Colorado

Miles Traveled:

Gas $

Our two days in Breckinridge flew by so quickly!  After checking into our HUGE Suite, we headed out to explore Main Street.  It is a beautiful town with flowers in bloom everywhere.  Main Street is lined with shops, restaurants,bars & delicious smelling bakeries.

The next morning we hiked up to an old abandoned mine.  

It made for an interesting way to exercise.  

Later we hiked along the Blue River that runs through town.  

We was a beautiful crisp fall day.

2016 National Parks Road Trip ~ Day 9 ~ Colorado National Monument

We spent today exploring Colorado National Monument and it was so huge! 

 We drove the entire Rim Rock Road around the whole Monument.  

There are multiple pull-offs along the way so you can get out & walk out to the edges for awesome views.

We witnessed two Rock climbers at the very top of this formation. Do you see these 2 crazy guys?

It was worth the trip!

2016 National Parks Road Trip ~ Day 4 ~ Amarillo

Miles Traveled: 1271

Gas $115.95

We loved passing all the farms as we drove through Amarillo !

Of course we had to visit The Big Texan Steak Ranch, it's huge.  No we didn't attempt that huge 72oz but I had the filet and Hubby had the T-bone, both were delicious!