From Theodor Roosevelt National Park South
To Miles City
Montana:
Total distance: 138 miles
An amazing full moon woke me up. It must be about 2 am and the bright light was
once again coming into the car I lay
there watching it for a good while before falling asleep again.
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Medora Scenic Overlook |
Then the morning arrived sunny and bright. I packed up camp and then headed back on the road through the park to the exit.
I stopped at the Medora Scenic Overlook before making my way down into the town.
Medora - Packing House Ruins |
I found a charming little breakfast stop in Medora where I picked up a coffee
to go. After circling around the town I stopped
in the Meat Packing Historical Ruins Park and enjoyed the history
of the ruins
Medora - Little Missouri under the bridge view |
and also a short walk down to the Little Missouri River’s edge.
Red dirt Road to the Petrified Forest Trail |
From there it was only a short drive along the interstate to the red dirt road
to the Petrified Forest Trail. The well
maintained road leads to a nice parking lot and from there it is a 1.5 mile
walk to the Petrified Forest location and then 1.5 back out again.
on the hiking trail to the Petrified Forest |
There are two sites to choose from, I choose the north
site simply because on the map it looked like the bigger one. It was a very lovely hike though meadows and
down into a valley to get there.
I enjoyed the scenery and taking photos.
I
was glad that I planned ahead and took lots of water with me as the air is hot
and dry. I was surprised to pass others on the way in as I was returning to the
car with no water bottles in sight
Leaving the Petrified Forest site; I drove on I-94 west toward Glendive and crossed
the border into Montana at the town of Beach.
Makoshika State Park Scenic Drive |
Natural Arch Bridge |
and took a hike on the Cap
Rock Trail. Aside from the general
splendor of the scenery the natural arch bridge was a highlight.
The steep steps cut into the rock were and
interesting change of pace from other trails I have been on.
Valley Look Trail |
Then
I explored the Valley loop trail. This
driving trail was literally only 1 car wide and just dirt, or mud with no guard
rails. Sometimes there was only a thin
strip of grass between me and the drop off into the valley below. But the views, on my, they were awesome.
perfect sunset to end a perfect day |
After leaving the park I followed the Yellow stone River which I occasionally
glimpsed in the distance to Miles City.
I spent some time at the local McDonald's to do some catching up. And then settled in for the night after
watching the sun set a perfect red globe in the west.
Renate Dundys Marrello
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Today's route map - I took the blue route |
Your feedback and comments are welcome!