Back to Big Sky

A scene to be painted: Big Sky, Montana, at sunset with the community out in full force.

The summer heat fades as we take those cool deep breaths, and say it’s October, friends. It was one hectic summer filled with all the best moments. Naturally, I find it best to change seasons with a good old-fashioned road trip! And this one is a doozy. We returned equipment in Billings, Montana, and then it was time to start a fresh road trip as fall rolls around in Big Sky Country. I have the pleasure of tagging along on the road trip of another awesome guide for Austin Adventures.

Meet Ree!

This is Rehannon, Ree for short. Ree also just finished her first year guiding Austin Adventures in the Canadian Rockies. This Calgary native is one of the many great guides that I met at the beginning of the season and now we have a chance to see Western America. “The biggest dork you’ll ever meet!” I personally disagree but her words, not mine.

We can't forget Willow

This is Ree’s sweet girl, Willow. Willow is one very happy, easy-going pup that wants sun and some Ree. An added bonus to being a cool dog: she’s a great model!

This is what we try to make happen every day we can. Eating some meals in the sun and soaking in as much of it as we can, while we can!

We were so excited to get this trip going so off we went to Big Sky, Montana. We spent the first few days getting our feet wet with the road trip flow. Thanks to a great stay at The Wilson Hotel by Marriott, we cruised around town on bikes and enjoyed the fall air.

From there, we made our way south and looked for a hike in the West Yellowstone area and found Targhee Creek in Idaho’s Targhee National Forest. It was a gorgeous trail and area, in that beautiful 60-degree weather with sunshine.

Our goal is to see as many sights as possible in the areas we get to. Albeit just inside the border, this was both of our first times exploring Idaho and the small taste we’ve gotten was plenty enticing to make a return. We decided to explore more of the area by heading east back into Montana and Wyoming for the biggest attraction - literally!

A setting sun over Hayden Valley, Yellowstone National Park.

At 2.2 MILLION acres, Yellowstone is our Nation’s crowned jewel and a place I was lucky to call home for a brief period. It’s always a pleasure to show my people some of my favorite places. In just a few days, we were able to catch so much action! We spent some time hiking by the Madison River, roaming the geyser basins, and working our way up, down, and around.

We sure spent a lot of time checking out those geothermal features. First, we hit Norris geyser basin - Yellowstone’s oldest and hottest basin. We didn’t get to see Steamboat go off (the world’s TALLEST geyser!) but we enjoyed a good stroll down Porcelain Basin.

The Norris Geyser Basin.

The embarrassment of riches continued, as we caught glimpses at wildlife all around us. We were able to stroll up on bison and elk, while stumbling upon sights of predators like a grizzly bear and her cub, a momma MOOSE and her calf at our campsite, bald eagles everywhere and we even got to watch a coyote catch some lunch!

Watching a hunt is a treat if you ever get the chance. In October, when the weather gets much cooler in the higher elevation, the crowd surrounding us with much smaller than the height of summer. There were actually more trees than people for a change. Taking full advantage of it, we stop every chance we can because these views are just incredible at every turn of the head.

Winding down in Yellowstone meant it was time to head south.

I think the most beautiful part if Big Sky Country is the ease of driving from one wild National Park, to another. So, from Yellowstone, it was onto the illustrious Teton Range. Since my time in Yellowstone, naturally, I’ve got a soft spot for Grand Teton National Park. After many visits to Jackson Hole, it was my first time here in October. Whereas Yellowstone’s coniferous trees don’t change in fall, we were able to witness a gorgeous showing of colors in a deciduous forest!

Arriving for fall in the Tetons was just in time to celebrate the holidays. We were able to find an awesome campsite in the Bridger-Teton National Forest to enjoy a festive meal for Canadian Thanksgiving. The spread was brought to us by exceptional weather, midday naps, and chef named Ree!

Just casually posted up in one gorgeous National Forest.

Where midday naps are welcomed and appreciated.

Chef Ree in action! Whipping up the Thanksgiving meal.

Who doesn't like ham for Thanksgiving?!

Boy, did we devour this yummy spread. Bravo Chef, bravo.

Dessert: Pumpkin Pie slices...the camera did not eat first.

The very next morning, we found our favorite part of the park at its center - the visitor center, that is. It was a place to learn so much about the geology of the Teton mountain range, being the youngest in the Rocky Mountain range. The fascinating creation of the mountains and regions is laid out in detail, with quite a few in the background, 13,000 feet high.

Just another morning to fall more in love with the Tetons. Having just ended the season, we haven’t gotten into much hiking but we enjoyed frequent and long stares at large, pointy rocks and soaked in more sun as it came. Both of our first times in Big Sky Country during fall and there is nothing here but the highest remarks, one being “the best place to spend Thanksgiving” - Rehannon. After some time in California in July, I felt it nice to feel some cooler weather coming our way and more is imminent. Which brings us to our next post. It’s back to elevation, and weather that surely went in every direction.

Off we go again!