Wyoming and Utah - Things to do

[Faust Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Faust]

July 20 - August 5, 2007, we will be driving from San Francisco to Yellowstone and then up to Washington to visit my cousin. So, I'm just curious what major sites would you stop to visit in Wyoming and Utah.

[susieq Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close susieq]

Don't know if it's out of your way, when we're in South Dakota in August, we plan on driving one day out to Devil's Tower, Wyoming.

Sue

[RESORT2ME Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close RESORT2ME]

July 20 - August 5, 2007, we will be driving from San Francisco to Yellowstone and then up to Washington to visit my cousin. So, I'm just curious what major sites would you stop to visit in Wyoming and Utah.

I like mountainous drives. Do you?
Sounds like you have time to cover a few miles. Will you be adventurous or stick to major routes?
Will you try camp sites?
Where have you been that you would not necessarilly wish to see again?

Idaho Falls over to drive up Grand Teton National Park and into South Gate of Yellowstone. Do the counter-clockwise loop in Yellowstone. After the geysers, head out West Gate for Hells Canyon, Columbia Gorge to Mt Hood then south to Crater Lake.

Where in Washington will you be visiting?

[Faust Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Faust]

I like mountainous drives. Do you?
Sounds like you have time to cover a few miles. Will you be adventurous or stick to major routes?
Will you try camp sites?
Where have you been that you would not necessarilly wish to see again?

Idaho Falls over to drive up Grand Teton National Park and into South Gate of Yellowstone. Do the counter-clockwise loop in Yellowstone. After the geysers, head out West Gate for Hells Canyon, Columbia Gorge to Mt Hood then south to Crater Lake.

Where in Washington will you be visiting?

I like mountainous drives. Do you?
I spent a lot of my time as a teenager in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains in Angels Camp, so yes I love mountainous drives.

Will you be adventurous or stick to major routes?
We won’t be going off road. We will be driving a convertible so there will be no four-wheel driving for us but the faster I get off major routes, the happier I am.

Will you try camp sites?
We are bringing a tent & sleeping bags so we will be camping more then staying in motels.

Where have you been that you would not necessarily wish to see again?
We have never been to Wyoming. We did go through Utah once coming back from Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. We were running out of time so we were moving fast…..did not see much.


Where in Washington will you be visiting?
Federal Way, WA, right above Tacoma, WA
We will call my cousin when we arrive in Washington. That way, if we are running out of time we will bypass and plan for another trip to Washington to visit him.

Since we will be going through Idaho and we have never been there, let’s add that state to our list.

[Faust Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Faust]

Don't know if it's out of your way, when we're in South Dakota in August, we plan on driving one day out to Devil's Tower, Wyoming.

Sue

I am looking to see if we can do Devil's Tower it looks pretty cool.
Thanks Sue.

[Faust Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Faust]

Since we’ve seen my cousin more than we’ve seen Montana, Utah and Wyoming, we decided to skip Washington and do that another time. This way it will give us more time in those states for us to see Yellowstone, Devil’s Tower, Wyoming and Little Big Horn in Montana and of course the Rocky Mountains. If anyone else has any suggestions for what to do in those three states, please don’t hesitate to post… I have 17 days to organize this whole thing.

[Steve Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve]

The Alpine Loop in Utah is worthy of consideration. It is gorgeous and you can include stops at Robert Redford's Sundance Resort as well as Timpanogos Cave National Monument. There are some great hikes...or you can simply enjoy the drive. Wonderful alpine scenery, lush aspen forests, natural springs, etc. For a long way you are driving under a solid canopy of trees. At other points you get dramatic vistas and sweeping views of the Wasatch Mountains.

Another scenic drive that is well worth taking is the Mirror Lake Scenic Highway. (You can make this a circuit by coming back to SLC or Park City via Evanston, Wyoming.) Mirror Lake is at 10,000 ft elevation and is simply beautiful. It is set in the midst of a pine forest with jagged peaks rising above it on all sides. As with the Alpine Loop, you can enjoy many hikes or just take in the sights from the car.

There are lots of other beautiful places in Utah, but these two scenic drives are my favorites.

Steve

[hudson Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close hudson]

Park City Event comes every year

Food and wine classic returns bigger than ever

Third annual "epicurean extravaganza" increases in size; organizer predicts more attendees


Organizers of the third annual Park City Food and Wine Classic are predicting big numbers this year.

They report they will purchase 200 cases of wine at 12 bottles a case from state liquor stores, and they are expecting 2,500 attendees. The event promoter also hopes to raise $20,000 for the Park City Jazz Foundation.


"It's definitely growing we're adding more events each year," says Doug Larson of Team Sage, the promoter of the Food and Wine Classic. "It's one of the most comprehensive wine events in Utah."


Featured events at the "Epicurean Extravaganza" include a 45-minute Viking Steel Chef Competition, where Stein Eriksen Lodge's chef Zane Holmquist will defend his two-year title, live music from the Blake Fisher Trio, Juim Guss Trio and Zach Nicholas, along with a golf tournament with vintners and a "Toast of Park City Grand Tasting" with samples of 500 wines.


Throughout the three-day and one-night event, he predicts 20,000 to 25,0000 food samples will be consumed and 60,000 wine samples will be poured, and somewhere along the way, participants will learn a thing or two about wine.
"There's a lot of confusion about wine and food and wine pairings," Larson said. "Ultimately, what it comes down to is what you like."


Knowing certain combinations, however, can be helpful. Larson gives the example of sweet ports and sugary desserts. While one might assume the pairing would be overkill, he says the two manage to complement each other well, almost canceling each other's sweetness.


Attendees will get the chance to learn about such hints at various educational seminars hosted by sommeliers. Spotted Frog Bookstore sommelier Zev Rovine will return from his trip to Italy in time to host a class on "Champagne and Caviar" as well as a "Wines of Piedmont Seminar," about Italy's best brut-styled sparkling wines, and the reds of Barolo and Barbaresco.


Cara Schwindt, Stein Eriksen's sommelier for eight years, will also host a seminar entitled "Unsung Grape Varieties."


When you have the right food pairing the food tastes better and the wine tastes better there's a synergy that happens between the two," Schwindt explained.
She adds that in part, the pairing depends on the weather. A good pairing will take into account whether a meal is served in summer or in winter, she says. For instance, in the summer dishes are generally prepared in a lighter fashion, and the wine chosen should accompany that change.


Schwindt, who no doubt has frequented several wine tasting events in her lifetime, says the Park City Food and Wine Classic is a good opportunity to taste-test wine options and "in a very beautiful setting."


And the taste choices are many, according to Larson.


"What makes this event stand out is its size," he said. "I don't think you'll see anywhere near the amount of wine and restaurants involved at other [wine events] in Utah."


Park City Food and Wine Classic
Who: Eriksen Lodge sommelier Cara Schwindt, Spotted Frog Bookstore and Wine Bar sommelier Zev Rovine, Chris Avery of Oyster Bay Wines, Gus Magan of Vine Lore, Sara Waring of Foster's Wine Estates, Diane Sheya of Ivy House Berbs; local restaurants will include 350 Main, Bankok Thai, chez Betty, Shabu, Squatters, Stein Eriksen Lodge, Whaso and more.


What: live entertainment wine tastings, a golf tournament with vintners, educational seminars and a Steel Chef competition for three days and one night. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Park City Jazz Foundation.


Where: throughout the Park City area.


When: Thursday, July 12 through Sunday, July 15.


Tickets: $25 to $90 depending on the event.


For details: visit www.parkcityfoodand wineclassic.com.

[hudson Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close hudson]

Chamber music festival in Park City and SLC

The Park City and Salt Lake City Music Festival, billed as Utah's oldest classical music festival, gets under way this week with a feast of chamber music featuring a lineup of performers from across the nation. Concerts are performed at three venues: Libby Gardner Hall on the University of Utah campus, 1375 E. Presidents Circle; St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 1505 W. White Pine Canyon Road, Park City; and Park City Community Church, 4501 N. Highway 224. Tickets are $20, $15 for students/seniors, available at the door. All concerts are at 8 p.m., unless otherwise indicated.

[RESORT2ME Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close RESORT2ME]

Glacier National Park rather than Devil's Tower

From Mammoth Hot Springs, it is 430 miles to Devil's Tower. There is not much to see along I-90. And then you have to come back.

Might I suggest you consider Glacier National Park... about that same distance and a whole lot to see compared to Devil's (ONE BIG ROCK).

[Faust Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Faust]

Might I suggest you consider Glacier National Park.

We did change our driving plans to Glacier National Park and then on to Washington.

How many hours from Yellowstone to the sun road, Glacier National Park?

[RESORT2ME Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close RESORT2ME]

According to MapQuest:

Mammoth, WY to Augusta, MT
Total Est. Time: 4 hours, 15 minutes Total Est. Distance: 253.93 miles

Augusta to Saint Mary, MT
Total Est. Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes Total Est. Distance: 126.99 miles

Total Est. Time: 6 hours, 45 minutes Total Est. Distance: 380.92 miles
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Mammoth, WY to Seeley Lake, MT
Total Est. Time: 4 hours, 49 minutes Total Est. Distance: 299.37 miles

Seeley Lake to West Glacier, MT
Total Est. Time: 2 hours, 10 minutes Total Est. Distance: 113.52 miles

Total Est. Time: 6 hours, 59 minutes Total Est. Distance: 412.88 miles.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

We went via Seeley Lk. The views north of there were pretty good. Before then, well I wasn’t too impressed.

We also went across the park from West Glacier then turned around at St Mary and did it again. One time thru wasn’t enough, but we had hurried along knowing we had the return trip to make.

By going in from Saint Mary, you can take extra time and you will already be on the west side for continuing to WA. You also will have the advantage of the sun lighting everything as you progress east to west.

[RESORT2ME Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close RESORT2ME]

Be prepared for temps at Glacier. We had overnight of 29 at Whitefish on September 2nd.

Weather was GREAT all along Trip West. Couldn't have had it better.

I was preparing an itinerary for you going to Glacier prior to Yellow, just to get you out of heat until on your way back from YNP. That was before you posted that you were going to Federal Way.

I suppose you still could go to FW first then GNP, then YNP and TNP on your way home.

We did the Snake River float ride. Pretty high priced for little water. The Grand Teton range may be appreciated just as well without being on the river.

[RESORT2ME Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close RESORT2ME]

Scenic Byways for you to study.

Scenic Byways
America's Byways®: National Scenic Byways Online


Nevada
Lamoille Canyon Road
Lamoille Canyon Road
The Ruby Mountains are Nevada's wettest, and therefore most verdant mountain range. Follow this winding road around the base of 11,249-foot Ruby Dome, up glacially-formed Lamoille Canyon.

Nevada Scenic Drives and Byways: Nevada - Angel Lake Road

Nevada Scenic Drives and Byways: Nevada - Extraterrestrial Highway

Idaho
Mesa Falls Scenic Byway
The Mesa Falls Scenic Byway offers travelers a scenic drive along the Falls River and past Upper and Lower Mesa Falls.

Sawtooth Scenic Byway
Starting at Shoshone Falls to the south, this byway rolls northward through the European-style ski resort of Sun Valley and carves its way through the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.

Teton Scenic Byway
This byway offers travelers beautiful views of the Snake River Valley, the western slope of the Tetons, and the Falls River.

Utah
Beaver Canyon Scenic Byway (U-153)
Several recreational facilities are available along this route. The Tushar Mountain Range provides year-round recreation, and Elk Mountain Ski and Summer Resort offers skiing in the winter and golf in the summer. Beaver Canyon is a fall color favorite.

Big Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Byway
Big Cottonwood Canyon takes visitors through the alpine scenery of the Wasatch-Cache National Forest where mountain slopes invite visitors to hike through the mining country of the old west.

Brian Head-Panguitch Lake Scenic Byway (U-143)
Climbing through Parowan Canyon to forested heights of 10,000 feet, the route travels past colorful vermillion cliffs, Brian Head Ski Resort, the town of Brian Head, and terminates in the quaint city of Panguitch

Cedar Breaks Scenic Byway (U-148) ROBERT DID THIS ONE
Although only 6 miles long, this route is filled with color, from the flowered meadows of the Dixie National Forest to the multi-colored rock amphitheatres of Cedar Breaks National Monument.

Eccles Canyon Scenic Byway (U-96)
The Eccles Canyon Scenic Byway makes its way over mountainous terrain nearly 10,000 feet above sea level. The views are spectacular and the history is rich, especially in the little lake town of Scofield.

The Energy Loop: Huntington/Eccles Canyons Scenic Byway
The Energy Loop: Huntington/Eccles Canyons Scenic Byway winds across the Manti-La Sal National Forest, rising up to 10,000 feet above sea level. Explore the rich history of industrial development as you view coal mining operations, historic mining towns, and coal-fired power plants. Nearby Sanpete Valley contains some of the best-preserved Mormon Pioneer settlements in existence.

Fishlake Scenic Byway (U-25)
Providing access to two of the most scenic fishing spots in Utah, this highway will take you through beautiful mountain meadows with a variety of vegetation and wildlife in the Fishlake National Forest.

Flaming Gorge-Uintas Scenic Byway
The byway meanders over the eastern flank of the Uinta Mountains and through the Ashley National Forest and Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. View wildlife in their native habitats and experience the "real West" as passed down through western folklore of early explorers, homesteaders, mountainmen, outlaws and cowboys.

Huntington Canyon Scenic Byway (U-31)
Traveling over the Wasatch Plateau between the towns of Fairview and Huntington, the Huntington Canyon Scenic Byway makes up half of the Energy Loop, a National Scenic Byway.

Little Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Byway
Beginning at the eastern border of the Salt Lake Valley where the Rocky Mountains meet the Great Basin floor, this magnificent byway explores the Wasatch-Cache National Forest and offers views of peaks which rise to nearly 12,000 feet.

Logan Canyon Scenic Byway
From Logan to Garden City, this byway parallels the Logan River though Logan Canyon, passing through dense forests, lush meadows, rugged rock formations and panoramic views. Each season brings a colorful show, especially in autumn.

Markaguant High Plateau Scenic Byway (U-14)
Climbing steeply through narrow Cedar Canyon and into the Dixie National Forest, the route is ablaze with color in the fall, the mountainsides covered with red maples and golden oaks.

Mirror Lake Scenic Byway - UT Section
Heading east from Kamas through the Wasatch-Cache National Forest, the Mirror Lake Highway is one of the most popular mountain routes in the state.

Nebo Loop Scenic Byway
From Nephi to Payson, this route has breathtaking views of the Wasatch Range and 11,877-foot Mt. Nebo, its tallest mountain. See flat bottomlands, high-alpine conifers, red rock formations, gray sandstone cliffs and salt flats all in the same day. Sights include Devil's Kitchen, Walker Flat and Mt. Nebo Wilderness.

Ogden River Scenic Byway
Visitors journeying up this narrow canyon enjoy alpine beauty, excellent recreational opportunities at sparkling Pineview Reservoir, before the byway climbs through the Wasatch-Cache National Forest to some of northern Utah's loveliest viewpoints

Scenic Byway 12 ROBERT DID THIS ONE
Scenic Byway 12 takes you to the heart of the American West. This exceptional 124-mile route negotiates an isolated landscape of canyons, plateaus, and valleys ranging from 4,000 to 9,000 feet above sea level. You'll encounter archaeological, cultural, historical, natural, recreational, and scenic qualities while driving this exhilarating byway.
Wyoming

Beartooth Highway (Wyoming, Montana)
ROBERT WANTS TO DO THIS ONE
Providing visitors access to Yellowstone Park's northeast entrance, the Beartooth Highway makes its way across the rugged Beartooth Mountain Range in Montana and Wyoming. The road is the highest elevation highway in the Northern Rockies and provides dramatic views, unlimited outdoor recreation opportunities, and unparalleled wildlife watching.

Bighorn Scenic Byway ROBERT DID THIS ONE
One of three byways that cross the Bighorn National Forest, this byway offers a variety of views: from Shell Canyon and the breathtaking Shell Falls, to the gorgeous mountain peaks and limestone outcroppings of the Big Horn Mountains.

Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway ROBERT DID THIS ONE
U.S. Highway 14-16-20, the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway, follows the North Fork of the Shoshone River through the Wapiti Valley to the East Entrance of Yellowstone. It is known for its abundant wildlife, astonishing rock formations, and recreation.

Cloud Peak Skyway
This byway includes US 16 between Ten Sleep and Buffalo, through the Big Horn National Forest. It is a popular route to Yellowstone National Park, the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore.

Medicine Wheel Passage
U.S. Highway 14A travels up to Medicine Mountain and the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark. Medicine Wheel Passage offers spectacular mountain views as well as a glimpse into Native American history.

Snowy Range Scenic Byway
Snowy Range Scenic Byway cuts through alpine landscape, following Hwy 130 between Centennial and Saratoga.

Wyoming Centennial Scenic Byway
Wyoming Centennial Scenic Byway follows U.S. 26-287 over Togwotee Pass between Dubois and Moran Junction.

Washington
Chinook Scenic Byway
Travel the glacier-fed White River from Enumclaw, over Chinook Pass, to the fertile valley of Naches. Spectacular views of Mount Rainier, dense forests, towering peaks, rocky ridges and river canyons dominate this journey. Pass by the unique basalt flows of the Columbia Plateau, lush sub-alpine meadows and waterfalls.

Mountain Loop Scenic Byway
The Mountain Loop Scenic Byway loops through the Mt. Baker- Snoqualmie National Forest and provides access to three wilderness areas and hundreds of miles of hiking trails.

Mount Baker Highway (Route 542) ROBERT DID THIS ONE
Mount Baker Highway is the only access to the magnificent Mount Baker. The byway offers a range of stunning sights and adventure for any visitor.

North Cascades Scenic Highway
The eastern edge of the North Cascades Highway begins in the remote high desert of the Methow Valley and rises gently as it approaches Washington Pass and the snow-capped peaks of the North Cascade Mountains.
Pacific Coast Scenic Byway - Washington ROBERT DID THIS ONE
Enjoy the complexity and richness of Washington's coastal communities as 360 miles of highway lead you through a unique region.

Sherman Pass Scenic Byway
The byway is 40 miles long and travels from Republic, WA to Kettle Falls, WA. It passes through Washington's highest maintained pass, Sherman Pass.

Spirit Lake Memorial Highway ROBERT DID THIS ONE
This byway takes travelers through land devastated by the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens into the very heart of Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.

Stevens Pass Greenway
Follow the thundering Skykomish River from pastoral Puget Sound through the towering peaks of the Cascade Mountains. At Stevens Pass the byway descends sharply to the fragrant pine forests and fruit orchards of the Wenatchee River Valley. Historic communities shaped by the rugged landscape share their stories and their hospitality.

White Pass Scenic Byway
You'll see rugged mountain scenery along SR-12 as it crosses White Pass between Mary's Corner and Naches.

[/B]Oregon[/B]
[/B]Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway[/B]

This Byway cuts a path through the mountains, lakes and forests of central Oregon. Volcanism and glaciation formed more than 150 lakes for which the region is well known. See outstanding examples of lava flows, alpine lakes and meadows. Cross paths taken by such historic figures as Kit Carson.

[/B]Hells Canyon Scenic Byway[/B]

Journey from river's edge to mountain-top and down to valley floor. Savor panoramic views of rugged basalt cliffs and fertile fields, rimmed by snow-tipped peaks. Tour foundries, galleries and museums. Touch the weathered track of the historic Oregon Trail. Watch the majestic Snake River tumble through North America's deepest canyon.

[/B]Historic Columbia River Highway[/B]

Travel to magnificent overlooks that provide views of the Columbia River and waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls. Springtime has magnificent wildflower displays, including many endemic plants. The Columbia River formed the last leg of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and was part of the early route of the Oregon Trail.

[/B]McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway[/B]

Experience dramatic views of the snowcapped High Cascade Peaks. The panorama of lava fields and six Cascade peaks is made more striking by the contrast between the black lava and white snow. The mountains are mirrored in crystal-clear lakes, and the Byway passes beautiful waterfalls, including Sahalie and Koosah Falls.

[/B]Mt. Hood Scenic Byway[/B]

On this Byway volcanoes once erupted and mammoth floods scoured deep gorges. Discover geologic wonders, waterfalls, temperate rain forests and wild rivers. Explore pastoral valleys with farm-fresh produce. Experience the formidable last leg of the Oregon Trail, the Barlow Road. Enjoy our bountiful wonderland that the pioneers called "paradise."

[/B]Outback Scenic Byway[/B]

"Outback" refers to land with a natural ruggedness. Though people come here seeking independence, they know each other's first names. Community is paramount. Jonathan Nicholas, publisher of the Oregonian, said it is "a star-spangled landscape of marsh and mountain, of reflection and rim rock, of seamless vistas and sage-scented dreams."

[/B]Pacific Coast Scenic Byway[/B] - Oregon (part of Pacific Coast Highway)

Starting in Astoria and traveling south to Brookings, the Byway provides views of amazing coastal scenery. The road winds by estuarine marshes, clings to seaside cliffs, passes through agricultural valleys and brushes against wind-sculpted dunes. Charming small towns, museums, state parks, overlooks, historic bridges and lighthouses ensure a delightful journey.

[/B]Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway[/B]

From rolling, oak-covered hills to towering coniferous forests, from roaring white water rapids to incised intercanyon lava flows, the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway invites you to experience 172 miles of diverse river and mountain landscapes. Drive alongside the Upper Rogue and North Umpqua Wild and Scenic Rivers that contain world-class fisheries.

[/B]Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway[/B]

Explore the wonder and beauty of a dramatic volcanic landscape from Oregon's Crater Lake National Park to California's Lassen Volcanic National Park. Encounter ancient natural forces that shaped exquisite mountain lakes. Amid spectacular scenery, you'll enjoy charming towns, abundant wildlife, world-class birding, and extraordinary recreational, historical and cultural opportunities.

[/B]West Cascades Scenic Byway[/B]

This Byway offers some of the best up-close views of thundering waterfalls, ancient forests, rushing whitewater and cool, placid lakes. The drive begins in the historic logging city of Estacada, immersing you in old growth forest. Continue and see snowcapped volcanic peaks and the breathtaking Wild and Scenic Clackamas River.

[Faust Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Faust]

Robert,

Thanks for all this good information. I went to the library and got a travel book (Fodor’s) for Montana and Wyoming… Now my job will be to look up all this information that you just sent…. Our plan is to drive as fast as possible to Salt Lake City, Utah, since we have already been there and back and then from Salt Lake, we’re going to take our time and start going as slow as possible for the remainder of the trip. The good part of all this is we will have 17 days to do this trip. Which should be plenty enough time I hope.