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From: Los Altos, CA To: Old Faithful Inn, WY |
| Driving Distance: 1109.6 miles Time: 21hours, 42 minutes |
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Changed the oil, kicked the tires and headed for Wyoming. Had lunch at Reno and stopped for the night at Elko having driven 540 miles. Next day drove the same amount of miles and reached Jackson Hole, Wyoming. A small very quaint town that caters to all outdoor and indoor activities and a ten minute drive to the park's entrance. The landscape past Salt Lake City was mesmerizing, compelling stops at many of the road vistas.
We started the morning by taking a scenic raft trip on the Snake River. It was pretty cold when we first started and became very appreciative we had to wear life jackets (that is until the warmth of the sun made it comfortable, then it was another story). In addition to the spectacular views of the Teton's we saw moose, eagles and deer.
Grand Teton National Park consists of 485 square miles, seven mountains, nine sizable lakes and the Snake River that cuts through the valley floor. The centerpiece of course is the Grand Teton which towers 13770 feet as is seen below.
Then on to Yellowstone destination Old Faithful. It was just awesome to witness the skyward eruption of hundreds of gallons of steaming water every few minutes. Norris and the West Thumb Geyser Basins held for us the same fascination.
Few of Yellowstone's geothermal features are as beautiful as Mammoth Hot Springs or the Grand Prismatic Spring. Mineral-laden hot water from deep beneath finds its way to the surface and builds tiers of cascading terraced stone. Thousands of gallons of well water deposit up to two tons of limestone daily.
Named for nearby volcanic pinnacles, Tower Falls tumbles 132 feet for a dramatic view of the falls and the surrounding area. Absolutely awesome!
On our return trip we were treated to these fantastic views once again. It sure made the drive back very enjoyable.