52 YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK Yellowstone is the largest super-volcano on Earth and has erupted many times over the recent geological past. It last blew 664,000 years ago, killing virtually all the animals in America and changing the climate on Earth for several years. Some say the next eruption is overdue. Its caldera measures 48 kilometres by 80 kilometres and contains hundreds of fumaroles, hot springs and geysers, Old Faithful being the best known. While we were there a woman strayed off the path to retrieve her dog, burned her feet and had to be airlifted to hospital. The geology of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, with its spectacular waterfalls and dramatic scenery, competes for wonderment with the more famous Grand Canyon of Arizona. We trekked to the summit of a windy Mount Washburn (3,115m) where, laid out below us, we could see the extent of the Yellowstone caldera. Off the beaten track in Yellowstone, the quiet forests are strewn with millions of fallen trees, burnt in the great fire of 1988. GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK While it was hot in Bitterroot, and warm in Glacier, it was bitterly cold in Teton National Park. The small town of Jackson sits in a valley under the snow-capped peaks. The ski resort of Teton Village is some 20 kilometres from the town of Jackson and is an expensive place to stay. However, it is the source of many Teton walks, including the arduous climb of Grand Teton (4,197m). From the village, a cable car takes you up to Rendezvous Point, where it is possible to undertake high-level walks. Pictured this page: The group from Bishopstown Hillwalking Club in Blodgett Canyon in the Bitterroot Mountains. Photo: Jim Ryan MOUNTAIN LOG COWBOY COUNTRY
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MzcyMDA=