From Anchorage to Ushuaia by Bike

We saw Salt Lake City in a snow storm. The city itself is nestled in between the big salt water lake and the mountains. All of Utah, but particularly Salt Lake City, had been settled by the Mormons in the second half of the 19th century.

After visiting the city, we headed back in the direction of Yellowstone National Park. On the way we stopped in Mendon, where, because we had changed our itinerary, Jean and John were waiting impatiently for us and had almost given up hope of ever seeing us. We had met them in Anchorage, Alaska, in the Bed & Breakfast we were staying. Five minutes into our first conversation, they had invited us to stay with them.

From there we went up the Logan Canyon, bordered by Bear Lake, and arrived at Grand Teton National Park. We found out there that we could only get to Yellowstone in a vehicle with snow tires or chains. Since our little Californian car was lacking in that department, we visited Grand Teton National Park while we waited for more favourable weather conditions.

Grand Teton National Park was spectacular, with its mountain ranges and abundant wild animals. We saw elk, deer, bison, moose and pronghorn antelope.

You could tell we really wanted to get into Yellowstone! We spent the night in the car, at  -5°C, but tuesday morning the park was still inaccessible without snow tires. We seriously considered whether it was worth it, but to be so close and to turn around was just not an option. So we rented a 4x4 for the day, equipped with all-terrain tires… and we made into Yellowstone! It was the first national park created in the United States. You can really see the earth at her most primal: the geysers (Old Faithful is the most famous geyser in the world), the pools of boiling water and boiling mud, and or course of the wildlife. There were bison who migrate to warmer climates in the winter, stags, doe, pronghorn antelopes, elk, and we even saw a coyote. No bears though, although the bear population in Yellowstone is actually pretty large.

After having rubbed elbows with winter, we’re now headed south towards warmer climes. Coming up next: Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Grand Canyon National Park...

Sara & Sébastien

Our road trip is separate from the Association Planète Durable et Solidaire, but don’t worry, we are still going to post our adventures on the website to keep you all updated.