We're Off Part 2.... AZ-WY-MT-SD-AZ

[Bob902]

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[AzScorpion]

We went to Devils Tower yesterday. It was finally a nice day out after the last 3-4 having rain at some point during the day. Wouldn't you know it it's pouring out right now when they said today was going to be nice too. I've never seen so much rain since I left MA. I guess AZ isn't so bad after all.

As we got within a couple miles it was still a little foggy but it burned off really fast. Bob @Bob902 you were right to get there early because about 15-20 after we got there (9:15 am) the whole upper lot was full and everyone had to park way down below and walk up.

I missed the park sign going in so I took it as we left. That's why it's clear skies and sunny in this picture. lol

This is your first view at the main gate.

This is standing right in front of the visitors center 15 minutes later .

 

[AzScorpion]

There's a few plaques telling you about the history of Devils Tower as you walk up to the main trail heads. We did the Red Beds trail first. I figured it was longer and at 2.8 miles so Annie couldn't say no later after doing the easy 1.3 mile one. lol

You can't grasp the size of how large DT is but this really puts it into perspective.

 

[AzScorpion]

You get some really nice views of DT walking around the Red Beds trail. Every angle the colors and the texture of the tower changes. There's a lot of great views off into the distance too.

 

[AzScorpion]

I'm standing way down in a valley below the tree line and DT still towers over the trees.

I couldn't figure out why it was called Red Beds trail until we came to this section at the base. There's sections like this all over the area which almost looks like a mini Sedona.

Annie liked this purple plant . Andy @canyonslicker how do you use the phone to identify plants?

 

[Synfulz]

We went to Devils Tower yesterday. It was finally a nice day out after the last 3-4 having rain at some point during the day. Wouldn't you know it it's pouring out right now when they said today was going to be nice too. I've never seen so much rain since I left MA. I guess AZ isn't so bad after all.

As we got within a couple miles it was still a little foggy but it burned off really fast. Bob @Bob902 you were right to get there early because about 15-20 after we got there (9:15 am) the whole upper lot was full and everyone had to park way down below and walk up.

I missed the park sign going in so I took it as we left. That's why it's clear skies and sunny in this picture. lol

This is your first view at the main gate.

This is standing right in front of the visitors center 15 minutes later .

But did you make a Devils Tower out of your mashed taters at dinner? ??

 

[AzScorpion]

Walking up the backside you get some really different views of DT and the area.

I thought this was a pretty cool looking formation.

I wouldn't want to be below this balancing rock if/when it falls.

Coming to the end of the Red Beds trail this side of DT has a really cool slope to it.

 

[AzScorpion]

After lunch we walked around the Tower trail. It's an easy 1.3 mile walk around the base of the tower and has a ton of info all the way around. If I was to do this again I'd have done this one first. It was super crowded after lunch because it's an easy walking trail and the Red Beds trail (while not difficult) is a little harder and way less crowded.

 

[AzScorpion]

 

[AzScorpion]

 

[AzScorpion]

After leaving DT we headed back and I saw the signs for Spearfish Canyon. We drove it last year and Annie wanted to take it again. It's a really nice slow drive (35mph) down through Spearfish Canyon with some nice views and a couple waterfalls. We only stopped at Bridal Falls this time and the water was to high to walk across the creek to get up under the falls like I did last year.

I'm not sure what's living up there. Probably the relative of Scotts @Scottopia that was living in that hut back in Grand Tetons.

 

[AzScorpion]

At the end there's a restaurant called Cheyenne Crossing. I heard they had good food there and the reviews were really good. We wanted to stop there last year but it was closed and luckily it was open because we were starving by now.

I got the Indian Taco. It's a huge piece of Indian bread with everything clayed over it like an open faced sandwich. The waitress said this is their specialty and almost everyone there was eating it and now I can see why. OMG this was good!

It didn't stand a chance.

After we split a piece of carrot cake. No pic as it was gone as soon as it hit the table. lol Needless to say I was a little uncomfortable the rest of the drive home. I always overeat on vacation. ?

 

[AzScorpion]

Oh yeah, we spotted this weird looking thing at the gas station. Anyone know what this is?

Funny because we've seen these around at several places in SD.?

 

[AzScorpion]

But did you make a Devils Tower out of your mashed taters at dinner? ??

Almost. See post #657. ?

 

[NeilP]

Oh yeah, we spotted this weird looking thing at the gas station. Anyone know what this is?

Funny because we've seen these around at several places in SD.?

I've seen that same old relic many times. I think it may be the last on in existence here in town.

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