Togwotee Pass with Pinnacle Buttes in the Rain - Great Divide Northbound - Bikepacking Day 32

Day 32 (July 1): Big mountain ranges in all directions and a thunderstorm that shows us how small we are! We climb over Lava Mountain and Togwotee Pass into Bridger-Teton National Forest, just before Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. We get to spend the whole day in the remote high-mountain county and love the beautiful, calm environment. The route runs through forests of Lodgepole pines- we are amazed how tall and thin they are! Yellow, lilac, red, blue flowers line the side of the road and stand in contrast to the dark green lodgepole pines. Water is abundant - we are still grateful for that after New Mexico and the Great Divide Basin. Creeks and rivers invite us to slow down and take it all in: As we sit by Warm Springs Creek and enjoy the soft babbling of the creek and bird's song, a pair of pronghorn jumps right towards us. What a special moment- we are so grateful to be here! The climb is gradual and slowly reveals more spectacular views of the massive mountain ranges that surround us: Absaroka, Gros Ventre, and finally the Pinnacle Buttes! It’s humbling and beautiful. Then, the dark clouds that have closed in on us from two directions finally start the action: downpour and what a thunder! No lightning yet, but we know it’s a matter of time. We pedal harder and get a break from the rain after a while. Nature looks even greener now! Fred spots our second beaver on the trip! We make it off the muddy dirt road just before the next big downpour starts - we are totally soaked but happy - and roll a few miles of pavement to our shelter for the night, Togwotee Lodge. We want to avoid the crowds in Teton NP Valley and don’t regret our choice - friendly people, great views, plant-based burgers! . Strava GPS:   / strava   . . #marionandfred #gdmbr #bikepacking #biketouring #girlsbiker #girlswhoride #t1d #t1dwarrior #opencycle #cycling #activecouple #bikecampings