Day 32 & 33 - Yellowstone Part 3 – Grizzly and Wolf Center, drive out of the park

After three and half days in the park, we explored outside the park. We went to the Grizzly and Wolf Center, a non-profit group that cares for bears, wolves and raptures that can’t be returned to the wild. It has an exhibit about bears and wolves today and yesteryear, how they have been impacted by

humans and their natural life cycle. They also have 9 bears and 2 wolves on exhibit, the exhibit guides were very informative and provided lectures on the bears and wolves. They also had a variety of raptures that have been injured and cannot be released. Sad to see them caged due to unfortunate human contact.

Next, we went to the IMAX theater that showed a documentary on Yellowstone including the indigenous people and how they lived in the park areas, early exploration and development of the park. While it touched on the geysers and thermal aspects today, we would have liked to see more information about the volcanic aspects of its rich history. Of course, the theater exited via the gift shop which required a purchase or two.

Our next stop was Cody Wyoming, we had a choice, drive 160 miles from the West entrance, through the park, out the East entrance and to Cody or 350 miles starting north to I-80 east and then South to Cody. We chose to go through the park. Having driven the roads, except from Fishing Bridge to the East entrance, on Tuesday, we know the rig could handle the roads, twisty turns and ongoing construction. Our main concern, the climb from 6,400’ elevation at the campground up to 8,530

elevation to cross the Sylvan Pass by the East entrance. We were sure glad we took the park route, we got a very early start, no traffic backups and had a beautiful drive. The evidence of the 1988 fire was all around us as we went around the east side of Yellowstone Lake and climbed up to Sylvan Pass. We stopped at Sylvan Lake to have breakfast and took a break, what a magical place. Once we crested the pass, we had 8 miles of 8% grade to get back down to 6,400’ elevation and make our way to Cody. The views of the mountains on each side as we made our way down were specular. If you ever get a chance, take this drive, truly unbelievable.

Pictures: Grizzley bears, drive along narrow roads, Sylvan Lake.