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Mountain States

Fall 2020

By Carlos Gomez

June 14^th, 2021

Go East.

This fall, in lieu of a regular vacation, I embarked on a 3,100 mile road trip through Idaho, Wyoming, Montana and Utah. I have come to learn that this region is referred to collectively as "the Mountain States" and not the midwest. I remain largely unconvinced of this fact, however.

Whatever you call it, this cluster of natural beauty is very much worth the drive from California. Fall colors were on display everywhere, the weather is mild, and you have your pick of stunning National Parks.

I started the trip with Yellowstone as my only must see, but felt increasingly more ambitious as I worked my way south — visiting the Grand Tetons, Zion and Bryce Canyon as well.

🥔

The first day of driving took me from the Bay Area to Southeastern Idaho.

12 hours and 800 miles lands you in Pocatello, home of Idaho State University. The Airbnb I stayed at was very on brand, featuring a family of four potato stuffed animals and a stash of Idaho Spud candy bars, which claim to be "the candy bar that makes Idaho famous."

Teton Valley

Yurt Life

Home base for Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons was this yurt. A yurt is a circular tent-like dwelling that originated in Central Asia thousands of years ago.

I did not fully understand that that I was booking a stay in a yurt at the time. I thought it was just a quirky guest house. I do not at all regret that I booked a yurt. Rather, I was delighted I did. This is the single coolest structure I have ever stayed in while traveling. It's been months and I still think about it often.

I arrived late the first night, exhausted from a long day driving not having realized just quite how expansive Yellowstone was. It was past 10PM, I skipped a proper dinner hoping to turn in, reset and get an early start the next day.

When I opened the fridge, I found an ice cold Spindrift, a beer, and a bottle of whiskey in the freezer. Next to it was a postcard of the Grand Tetons, foreshadowing what would be my favorite destination of the entire trip.

No television, and limited internet.

Enough to catch part of the VP debate though. 🇺🇸.

Back to the yurt itself though. It was the perfect balance of modern construction and thoughtful design, while being still keeping you close and connected to nature and the surrounding environment.

One last highlight: the wood stove. I cannot overstate how cozy and relaxing it is to settle in with a book and a glass of whiskey, under a blanket, next to the warmth of a crackling fire. And the most essential part here: providing the materials and clear instructions so some nerd from the city knows how to safely start one. 💯.

🚘

One last thing about Idaho. Many streets have no name — just something like W 9000 S.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone is much bigger than you think it is. If you take one lesson away from this, let it be that. It's beautiful and expansive, but you'll likely underestimate how long it takes to get around.

You'll also learn quickly what a bison are and that they are not afraid of humans or cars. At all.

Keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats clinging to the cliffs as you make your way through the park.

Visiting during fall is gorgeous, with the foliage color shift being unlike what you'd encounter in Northern California. Temperatures are mild and the wildlife are active. Alas, I did not see any bears, but you can't win 'em all.

Yellowstone was also an excuse for me to pick up a Sigma 100-400mm superzoom. I did manage a handful of decent wildlife shots with it, but I definitely need to hone on my quick swap skills from the more versatile 24-70 I keep on the camera at most times.

🚸

Bison might as well be from Boston. They think of traffic laws more as suggestions.

Jackson, WY

In between Victor, Idaho and the Grand Tetons is Jackson, Wyoming. In many ways, it's a seasonal resort town similar to the communities in and around Lake Tahoe, and everything is bear themed which I wholeheartedly endorse.

Everywhere sells bear spray and no you can't return it.

You can get great bagels at Pearl Street Bagels and okay coffee at Jackson Hole Roasters. The downtown area is easy to wander and the Town Square is extremely Instagram friendly. Ain't no shame in the 'gram.

Specific to the COVID situation, the social distancing signage in Jackson was exceptionally on brand. Bisons pumping hand sanitizer, moose painted on parklets, and masked up foxes.

I wish I had had more time to spend here, but it's the gateway to the Teton range and that's the real prize.

⛰.

Grand Teton National Park

Peaks and Valleys

The Teton Range and Grand Teton National Park are impressive, imposing, and other adjectives that start with "im-".

Most likely a function of not doing enough research, I regret not having enough time to spend here and not being more strategic about time of day for photography.

As I made my way around the park, I found myself constantly in awe as I observed the range from different angles. Reflected off the water of Jenny Lake, along the winding roads, and the shallow edges allowing one last look at the sun as it sets in the west.

I managed to squeeze in one hike in the late afternoon of my last day in Wyoming, but that wasn't enough.

I'll need to return soon to fully appreciate it.

tbd.

Heading South

Salt Lake City

A two hour layover in the land of Mitt Romney on my way down to Zion and Bryce Canyon parks.

Hatch

It was Halloween, so this gas station in threw a sheet on the dinosaur to make him spooky. 🦖.

Bryce Canyon National Park

🐶

"Eh. I've seen grander..."

Zion National Park

5:30AM. Early bird gets the something something. Let's gooooo.

Because of the precarious shuttle situation during COVID, I had an extra long trek to get to start of the Angels Landing trailhead. Overall, it was worth it because I avoiding baking in the sun too much though it was unavoidable in the afternoon. The views were a bit hazy but still lovely and it wasn't uncomfortably crowded.