Big Horn Mountains, WY, Thermopolis, and Flaming Gorge, UT

Wednesday and Thursday, June 13-14, 2012

Into the mountains over Powder River Pass at 9665 feet in the Big Horn Mountains, Wyoming. So many of the roads through the mountains have gates that close off the roads when the passes are snowed in. We were wondering what those who live in the pass do when they get snowed in..guess they wait for spring.

Reminder: When you are up above the snow line and decide to take a hike to the top of the peak, change from sandals to hiking shoes and wind breakers. Brrr!  The road follows along the path of the Tensleep Creek.

We spent the afternoon in Thermopolis. The suspension bridge over the nearby river was a challenge in the wind. After taking a walk around the area, we tried the very relaxing natural hot spring mineral bath.

Our campground for the night was along the edge of Boyen Reservoir in Boysen State Park. We experienced our first wind storm -- no rain, just heavy wind that kept us awake for several hours. The family camped next to us were tent camping. We were amazed their tents were still standing in the morning. Brave souls.

Our destination on Thursday was Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. We took the scenic road down the Western side of the gorge. The mountains were beautiful--red cliffs, layer upon layer of hilltops with snow capped mountains in the distance.



Pending showers.

We did discover the "rules" concerning those snow/rock slide gates that are positioned before and after some of the passes. If you live between the gates, you can come out of the blocked road area, but you can't re-enter until the gates go up. If you do go into an area where the road has been closed, you can get up to a $10,000 fine and possible jail time (according to a local).

Dry camped at the Red Canyon Campsite near the information center. Karen was right. The views from the cliffs were spectacular. The only other camper was the host family. Many of the campgrounds have volunteer hosts who monitor the campgrounds in exchange for a free site. Some stay the entire season or for a few weeks.

Sunny skies.