The thirty or so kilometers of ascent to the summit of Beartooth pass was as expected. It rose above the tree line and the windchill on the top remained me of the altitude. I camped out at the Top of the World store, run by Libby and her husband, a wonderful couple who were so welcoming. It was so remote that even power had to be generated locally. Most people stopped here for a souvenir. This pass was very popular among motor bikers and almost everyone stopped here, excellent camaraderie. I enjoyed my stay here. Thank you Libby. 

The downhill ride was thoroughly enjoyable and lead directly into the Yellowstone National park, into the Tamar valley where Bisons were found in herds. I stopped at four different campsites in Yellowstone, the ride between each offered the fullest experience of this magical place. 

Thanks to the extremophile bacteria, the hot springs had vibrant colours, cyanoblue, green and brown. The hissing sound of the springs was quite mesmerizing and the sulfur smell was quite yummy, perhaps because of my experience in chemistry labs!

After Yellowstone it was Grand Teton whose geology was interesting. All three types of rocks make up the eye catchy towering peaks and with the lake below it was one of the picturesque place I have seen. 

Route: Red Lodge – Park side campground (33km) – Top of the world 23 (45) – Slough creek 24 (90) – Mammoth (43km) – Madison campground (63) Grant village (61) – Colter bay campground (65) – Jenny lake day trip, return (62)