Day 18: Palisades to Yellowstone

46 miles
2027 feet of elevation gain

So today we made it into Wyoming. We started out with a bit of a climb and a head wind, and combined with our tiredness made for a slow ride, but about 25 miles in, when Grandma and Mom showed up, the wind disappeared and we had a beautiful ride into West Yellowstone. We actually ended up driving from there, which is why we had such a short ride. We decided riding our bikes in Yellowstone was not a good idea. It’s not the bison or bears we were nervous about, but the tourists. Nobody watches the roads in Yellowstone, they watch the landscape for animals, and are liable to slam on their breaks at the slightest movement. It just isn’t safe. Don’t worry, we are going to do a ride tomorrow in Wyoming to make up for it. I told everyone we’re riding to Wyoming so we can’t just stop 3 miles shy of the border; we have to do something in Wyoming.

The plan was to go back to Yellowstone on our return trip to see stuff, but being the week before 4th of July it was just a madhouse. I don’t think it would be enjoyable to return, no matter how much I’d like to see the sulfur pools. That’ll have to be another trip. We did stop to see the Yellowstone Grand Canyon, which was spectacular, so that was good. Now we’re planning our alternate trip back.