Miles of Wonder: A Journey Through Idaho, Yellowstone, and Beyond
Seventeen days. Over 3,500 miles. Countless memories.
This is the story of our unforgettable road trip through Idaho, Yellowstone National Park, and Grand Teton National Park, all the way down to Alvarado, Texas, and back home again. Along the way, Irene and I experienced the raw beauty of nature—wind-blasted lava fields, snow-draped mountains, steaming geysers, grizzlies up close, and one very unexpected cow elk in town.
We set out for adventure. What we found was far greater: wonder, reflection, and gratitude.
Beneath Ice and Ash: Idaho’s Wild Beginnings
Our journey kicked off in southern Idaho with a visit to the Shoshone Ice Caves, where the name didn’t disappoint—the chill was immediate and constant. From there, we ventured to the Craters of the Moon National Monument, a surreal expanse of hardened lava fields born from ancient volcanic eruptions.
As we explored the rugged landscape, wind gusts exceeding 40 mph swept across the terrain. One of our favorite photos shows Irene’s shadow, her hair lifted straight up by the force—a playful but powerful image of nature at work. These strange and dramatic surroundings made for an unforgettable start to our road trip.
Canyons, Courage, and the Power of Water
Continuing our Idaho leg, we headed to Twin Falls, where the Snake River Canyon delivered views worthy of its nickname, the “Grand Canyon of Idaho.” We stood on the Hansen Bridge, marveling at a gorge carved over 14,000 years ago by the catastrophic Bonneville Flood—one of the most powerful in Earth's history.
Nearby, we visited the launch site of Evel Knievel’s 1974 rocket-powered jump attempt. Standing there, we could imagine the daring spirit it took to try such a feat. Being in this place, surrounded by both the wonder of nature and a bit of American legend, made us feel connected to something larger than ourselves.
With Irene by my side, I couldn’t help but feel deeply grateful—for creation, for history, and for the quiet privilege of witnessing both.
Yellowstone Revealed: Geysers, Giants, and Unexpected Guests
After Idaho, we made our way into Montana and set up base in West Yellowstone—the perfect gateway to explore Yellowstone National Park.
Our first experiences in the park were nothing short of iconic. We watched Old Faithful erupt precisely on schedule, sending water skyward in a display of raw geothermal energy. The day unfolded with the same unpredictability that defines Yellowstone: snow, sunshine, and rain all made an appearance—sometimes within the same hour.
A bison lumbered across the road, unfazed by the line of cars. We gladly waited. Later, what we thought was a gray wolf turned out to be a coyote, but he was close—within 20 feet—and I hadn’t even zoomed in. It made for a thrilling moment, albeit a slightly reckless one in hindsight.
We explored the West Thumb Geyser Basin, nestled along the shoreline of Yellowstone Lake, and hiked the rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, with its dramatic cliffs and powerful waterfalls. The scale of it all left us both in awe.
Teton Majesty and a Bear Too Close
One of the highlights of the trip was our day spent in Grand Teton National Park. Towering 13,775 feet, the Grand Teton rises sharply without foothills, creating one of the most breathtaking skylines in North America.
Early in the day, a ranger casually mentioned a nearby grizzly, and not long after, we saw two black bears ourselves—our patience finally rewarded. We made scenic stops at Lake Lewis (still frozen), the Continental Divide, and the Lewis River Canyon, where the river cuts deep through rugged volcanic terrain. Along the way, we spotted elk, then two moose farther down the road. And at one point, we saw a single shoe frozen on the creek ice—one of those odd details that makes you wonder what the story was.
As we drove back into Yellowstone that evening, traffic came to a standstill. Curious, we asked a ranger what was going on. His reply: “Grizzly bear.” Sure enough, we soon spotted a mama bear and her cub, slowly making their way toward the road. I snapped a photo just 30 feet from where we stood—no zoom needed. You can even see the road in the frame.
Panic set in among some of the onlookers as rangers urged everyone back into their cars. I never reached for my bear spray, but I knew exactly where it was. We left safely, hearts racing.
Steam, Stone, and an Elk in Town
Our next route took us north through the park, beginning with a visit to Gibbon Falls, where the river drops 84 feet into a narrow canyon. From there, we explored the vivid colors and textures of the Artist Paint Pots—a geothermal scene straight out of a dreamscape.
We continued past the black volcanic wall of Obsidian Cliff and then on to Sheepeater Cliff, named after the Mountain Shoshone who once lived in the area. Both locations highlighted Yellowstone’s geological depth and cultural history.
Along the roadside, we admired Rustic Falls, a gentle cascade hidden in plain sight. Not long after, a lone bison casually walked alongside our vehicle—another “only in Yellowstone” moment. It was here that I finally corrected myself: these majestic animals are bison, not “buffalo,” a distinction I had gotten wrong for years.
We closed the day at Mammoth Hot Springs, where we climbed steaming terraces under a light snowfall. The nearby Albright Visitor Center, once bachelor officers’ quarters in the U.S. Army’s era of park administration, gave us a warm and informative close to the day.
But Yellowstone had one last surprise. As we prepared to leave, we spotted a cow elk calmly lounging on the lawn in the middle of town—completely at ease. No fences, no barriers—just a quiet reminder that we were the visitors here.
The Long Road Home—and One Final Storm
After 17 days and 3,557 miles, our journey came full circle. From Rosenberg to Idaho, through Montana, and back down to Texas, we experienced every terrain and every emotion.
We had multi-night stays in Burley, West Yellowstone, and Alvarado, plus overnight stops in Amarillo and Laramie. And yes, we were in Amarillo by morning—a nod to George Strait we couldn't resist.
The scenery was breathtaking: snow-capped mountains, wide open plains, pristine lakes, and narrow canyons. Temperatures ranged from a chilly 29°F to a sweltering 94°F. At our highest point—over 9,120 feet above sea level—we ran both the heater and the A/C on the same day. It was that kind of trip.
One decision proved pivotal: we chose to leave Yellowstone a day early. About an hour into the drive, ice started forming at the base of the windshield wipers. That was our warning. Just twelve hours later, the very road we had traveled was shut down by a full-blown snowstorm. We had slipped out just in time.
You can see the storm for yourself in the video below—a reel that shows exactly how bad it got.
Our last stop was a joyful one: the wedding of our nephew and his beautiful bride in Alvarado, Texas. The ceremony was breathtaking, and being surrounded by all of my brothers and their wives was the perfect way to end the trip—with family, love, and celebration.
So many memories. So much to be thankful for.
