Riding north from Salmon we enter into western Montana as we cross the Continental Divide at Chief Joseph Pass, elevation 7,264 feet. We pass the Anaconda Mountain Range, where elevations vary from 5,100 feet to10,795 feet. Sparkling streams, fed by perpetual snow banks above the timberline, tumble down steep canyons from high mountain meadows. On Rainbow Mountain, Pintler Peaks, and at other points along the Continental Divide you can view the Mission Mountains to the northwest and the mountains marking the Idaho-Montana Boundary to the southwest.
Proceeding in an easterly direction we enter the rolling foothills of the Montana countryside. Riding on two lane country roads you will see the splendor of the vast open Montana range lands. As we continue our ride, we pass through the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest where quaint little communities dot the landscape and gas stops are at a premium. Mountain peaks above 11,000 feet in elevation may be seen in the distance as we wind our way along the isolated country roads.
Riding south toward Gardiner, Montana we pass through Paradise Valley which some say is one of the most scenic drives in the United States. Fantastic Rocky Mountain scenery, wildlife and birds can be seen all along the Yellowstone River as it meanders along the highway.
Following a ride of about 260 miles, we arrive at Gardiner, Montana. This is our destination for the second day of the ride
Founded in 1880, Gardiner became a center of activity for visitors to the region, serving as the only year round entrance to Yellowstone. Gardiner has survived a rough and tumble existence of gold rushes, the railroad, and even destructive fires. A tough little frontier town, it fed and sheltered miners, entertained the early soldiers who operated Yellowstone Park, and learned to host the pioneer visitor. Gardiner has matured, tempered, and grown to meet the needs of today's visitors. It is a good place to spend some rich time in history, in the heart of some of the west's finest country.
Gardiner is located in Southwest Montana, at the North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park, with the Yellowstone River running right through the middle of town. Elk regularly roam around town, and Pronghorn can often be spotted in the hills and meadows near town. Listen carefully and you are apt to hear Coyotes in the foothills in the evening. Black Bear and Grizzly Bear inhabit Yellowstone and the surrounding area. In the winter, Bald Eagles and Osprey abound on the Yellowstone River, while Bighorn Sheep come down to graze within view. The more cautious Moose may be seen on occasion in the canyon above town, alongside the ever present Deer and Bison.
The Roosevelt Arch is the most famous structure in Gardiner. This Yellowstone Entrance, Gateway or Arch was dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt on 24 April 1903.