This is part twelve of a travel series to Yellowstone and the Grand Teton National Parks. If you'd like to start at the beginning, go HERE!
Well, after four days in Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, it was now time to begin our 1,243 mile trip home. But the fun doesn't end with the destination on road trips, because we still had a lot of sight-seeing to do on the return trip.
To get home, we had to drive back through Yellowstone National Park and onto the "Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway. This byway is the gateway to the east entrance of Yellowstone and is a beautiful 27 mile drive through the Wapiti Valley. And the most special part of this byway is going through "Wyomings Longest Tunnel" and visiting the Buffalo Bill Dam and Reservoir.
Here is a photo of the outside of the tunnel. You can read all about this engineering marvel in the photo beneath it.
We actually stopped at the Buffalo Bill Dam twice: once when we first arrived in the area and then again on our way back, hence the reason I have two different outfits on. The first time we stopped the Visitor Center was closed, so we made it a point to hit in on the return trip.
The history and construction of this dam is absolutely amazing! The Visitor Center, which is free, tells you all about it, and you can also read the next two photos for more information.
In addition to all the knowledge you receive about the dam and reservoir, you are also treated to the most amazing views! The mammoth granite walls rising up from the turquoise blue water is breath-taking!
There are also objects outside the Visitor Center like this old "Ball Plug" and others.
It was pretty crowded inside the Visitor Center so I didn't take any photos of the interior. They have a movie which plays on a loop that shows the whole history and construction of the dam, then there are viewing windows to allow you to get a "safer" look and a gift shop.
The parking lot is a little bit of a hike from the Visitor Center, so a golf cart shuttle picks you up and drops you off.
The bridge over the dam was so scary! I was so afraid I would drop my camera over the edge taking photos. Even hubby was nervous and only walked a short way out.
The next three photos were taken from the bridge, as bravely as I could!
The Buffalo Bill Dam and Reservoir is a must-see-stop if you're coming from the east into Yellowstone! Don't miss it.
Have A Great Day! Amy
Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs HERE!
For more information on our trip out west, please check out these posts:
YELLOWSTONE:
Fountain Paint Pot, Lake Hotel and Cabins, and Hayden Valley
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
The Yellowstone Caldera, Tower Fall, Calcite Springs, & the Roosevelt Arch
The Golden Gate of Yellowstone, Mud Volcanos and the Fishing Bridge
Nearby Western Towns Not To Be Missed:
The Grand Tetons:
What a fantastic trip. The Buffalo Bill Dam sounds like such a hidden gem on your journey back. I love how you describe the scenery along the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway—those granite walls rising from the turquoise water must have been jaw-dropping in person. It’s amazing to think about the history and engineering behind the dam, and it’s great that the Visitor Center gives such a thorough look at it all.
ReplyDeleteThe bridge over the dam sounds terrifying! I totally get why you’d be nervous with your camera over the edge. But the views you captured are incredible. It’s like the trip home had its own adventure, with this amazing stop as a highlight. Thanks for sharing all the details about the dam, and I’ll definitely be adding it to my must-see list if I ever make it out that way.
Thank you so much. It really is jaw-dropping and photos are never the same as actually being there.
DeleteOh that is so neat! Having owned his own hydroelectric dam for years my husband always detours to check out dams. I feel like we seek them out wherever we go. I'll definitely have to add this to our list of things to see and do!
ReplyDeleteOh, he would definitely enjoy this!
DeleteBeautiful scenery and the dam and tunnel look incredible!
ReplyDeleteIt sure was!
DeleteI love all the posts that you are sharing. Thanks for stopping in at Time To Travel Thursdays, I hope that you have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteAww, that's nice. Thanks so much!
DeleteSo interesting! I did not know about the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway! When we visited Yellowstone we stopped in Cody, WY, for a night ( sa wour first rodeo there!) but missed this drive. On the way back to CO we left the Grand Tetons south exit. and then drove east through the "Snowy Range" area toward Laramie and then south toi CO. Next time we visit Yellowstone I'll be sure to look up this byway drive---thnaks for the info!
ReplyDeleteOh, there are so many beautiful scenic drives on the way to Yellowstone. We'd love to do the Beartooth Hwy but that would be so out of our way.
DeleteIncredible pictures! So beautiful and well worth a second stop!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ellie. It sure was.
DeleteThe color of that water is breathtaking! And that bridge would have taken my breath away, too! Thanks for sharing another great post!
ReplyDeleteYes, it is amazing. Thanks so much.
DeleteI had never heard of the Buffalo Bill Dam.. nice photos. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't either before this trip. It was quite fascinating. Thanks so much.
DeleteWhat an interesting spot! #GMALinky
ReplyDeleteIt was definitely interesting.
DeleteThis looks like a great place to visit! It’s beautiful!
ReplyDeleteIt sure is! Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteWe loved Yellowstone, but haven't made it to the Tetons yet. One of our kids says it's their favorite...
ReplyDeleteYes, I've heard lots of people say that the Tetons were their favorite too.
DeleteTwo great parks and that dam even looks amazing! Great pics!
ReplyDeleteThey sure are! Thanks so much!
DeleteAmy, what a wonderful trip! I always love the photos you include in your posts, along with the details. It looks so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAww, thanks so much. It was a beautiful, wonderful trip.
DeleteBeautiful photographs. We always head south from our NJ home to Florida. One of these days maybe we will turn toward the West and see some of these terrific scenes.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Oh, so many of the entrances to Yellowstone are so beautiful. I feel the same. I want to take the Beartooth Highway but that would be so out of our way.
DeleteThis was one of the places we used to visit while WY residents. So much history to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteOh that's awesome you got to experience it. Yes, the history is fascinating.
DeleteI am afraid of heights.......
ReplyDeleteJust looking at several of the images, my head was feeling light headed :)
Oh, it was terrible in person. I couldn't even enjoy myself. ha ha.
Delete