In this edition of “CLN on the Road” we will be taking on on the journey through Yellowstone National Park. Arguably, one of the most beautiful national parks in the country. And definitely one of the largest at a whopping 2.2 million acres, Yellowstone has something for everyone, and today we are taking you through the eastern half of the park then on up to Montana and back down to Wyoming. We hope you enjoy this segment of CLN on the Road.
First Stop – Cody, Wyoming
Cody is so much more than just a gateway for Yellowstone National Park, this town prides itself on being the “Rodeo Capital of the World”, in honor of William Frederick Cody – the charismatic American showman known by local folk as Buffalo Bill. Come summer, Cody is home to the Cody Stampede and the Cody Nite Rodeo, which runs every day from June-August. It’s also home to the Old Trail Town – an awesome collection of artifacts such as the grave of mountain man John Johnson, the original cabins used by Wild West outlaws Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, a saloon frequented by the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang, and the home of Curley – the Crow Indian scout who famously survived the Battle of the Little Big Horn.
Yellowstone National Park
There are few things more beautiful than the day’s drive through Yellowstone National Park. We have to warn you though, you might be excited about seeing some buffalo when you start, but you will be sick of the buffalo by the time you leave. It is pretty common for traffic to come to a standstill to let some buffalo cross the road. Fortunately for us, it allowed for some pretty great photos. Yellowstone is home to the well-known geyser, Old Faithful and so many more natural wonders of the world. If you find yourself in this part of the country, Yellowstone is a must-see.
Beartooth Mountains
Ah, the Beartooth Mountains. We took this road trip in late July, so the summer storms were well in effect and since we were going up and over these mountains on the same day, it made for some crazy views. You know you will start getting close once you pass through Cooke City, which was a neat place all on its own. Your drive to the top of the range is a beautiful one, speckled with small lakes and bits of snow. This drive is not for the faint of heart and God bless you if you’re the type to get car sick. But the views from the top are beyond worth it. (Don’t mind my finger in the top left.)
Red Lodge, Montana
Once you descend the crazy switchbacks headed down from the summit of the Beartooth’s, you will find yourself in a quaint little town called Red Lodge. Red Lodge prides itself on its western culture and its access to the Beartooth Highway and Yellowstone National Park. So whichever way you end there, make sure you stop and say hello!
Billings, Montana
We wanted to mention Billings in this article because it does deserve some recognition, but we also wished we had more time to explore. Billings is in settled in the bluffs of southern Montana. When we were trying to find these to do and that is what led us to the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, which is just south of town.
Last Stop – Sheridan, Wyoming
Our last big stop on this road trip was Sheridan, Wyoming, a true cowboy town. This is the kind of town that you could feel at home in no matter where you’re from. We don’t recommend going on a Sunday if you only have a day to explain, because the only thing you’ll be able to experience is the small bar scene. Everything closes early on Sunday so make sure to go during the week or a Friday/Saturday. Overall it was a phenomenal road trip, one that we can’t wait to go back on. We hope you enjoyed this installment of CLN on the Road. Have somewhere you’d like to see us? Leave a comment or shoot us an email!
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