You can drive to the top of the world? ... Pretty much!

~9,600 feet or so is where you find the top. This drive is for the thrill seekers for sure. Just find Sawtelle Drive across the street from Robins Roost and head towards the big mountain for about 35-45 minutes.

Watch for ATV’s and drive slow. The views are unbelievable and worth the drive.

View of henrys lake from the top of sawtelle

There are many places to take photographs of wildflowers and cotton candy clouds.

top of the peak!

Just turn onto Sawtell road across from robins roost grocery and head up up the mountain.

A traditional photo is a must for us.

We have been taking a “jump” photo for years. It’s a fun little tradition. HINT: tell the jumpers to bend their knees. The photographer will get best results by using “burst” mode if it’s possible. #SawtelleJump

FLOATING THE RIVER: BUFFALO FLOAT

We got to float a new spot of the river and want to share it with you! It is so easy, perfect for all ages, even little kayakers, and not too long. Right in Island Park, this float will leave you in awe!

FAMILY TIME, FLOATING THE BUFFALO SECTION OF THE RIVER IN ISLAND PARK

We usually float Big Springs but we got tired of having to walk and drag our boats so we tried this one, BUFFALO CAMP GROUND float. Let me say that it is amazing. This river is perfect for all ages who can kayak, tube, unicorn, whatever. It’s shallow but not like big springs’s spot, NO WALKING your boats here!

So here is how you do it!

You want to drop off a car to the Ponds Lodge parking log (near the bridge), then head to the Buffalo Camp Ground and go all the way to the end, Loop D, there is a parking lot for you so just find a spot and take your boats and get going.

The float is about 30-45 minutes and you end at the bridge. Just get out and you should be right there next to your pick up vehicle.

We loved this float and for the effort we had to make and then the float itself with no getting out and pulling the boat was our favorite float ever! Five stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️!

If you are looking to float the river and need to RENT a Kayak, we have some available on first come first serve to use. We also have RIVER EXPERIENCES available as well. Please check out the links below to book a kayak rental or river experience.

River Experience with us <— Click that link for a river experience with us.

Yellowstone and Covid-19

We just went into the park yesterday. We had so much fun and wanted to share some of the things about COVID-19 from the paper we received at the entrance. And it’ll help you too!

This is from the paper they gave us.

COVID - 19 Precautions 

“Yellowstone is modifying visitor services to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Some facilities and events will be closed or canceled. Please check locally, on the park website, and in the Park app for current information and continue to follow CDC guidelines. As circumstances continue to change and we modify our operations as necessary, we thank you for your patience and cooperation.

Come prepared. Visitor services are very limited.  Expect wait times at the park entrances. 

Wear face-coverings in high-visitation areas and inside visitor facilities.   A reduced number of visitors will be allowed in visitor centers at a given time. 

Maintain social distancing of six feet (2m), especially in high-visitations areas (in the boardwalks, in visitor facilities, on popular trails, while viewing wildlife, etc.).

Follow current local, state, and national health guidance:

Wash your hands with soap and Easter or use hand sanitizer. 

Avoid touching your face. 

Sneeze or cough into a tissue, or the inside of your elbow. 

If you are such, do not visit the park. Self isolate to avoid exposing others.”

Road status updates:

Hotline: 307-344-2117

Online: go.nps.gov/yellroads

Mobile alerts: text “82190” to 888777“

Grand Prismatic spring from the lookout

West Yellowstone gate opening June 1, 2020 at 10:00 am

It’s official! The Montana governor announced: Yellowstone opens Monday at 10:00 am!
“Yellowstone National Park announced it will open its Montana entrances on Monday, June 1 at 10 a.m. “ “The entire Grand Loop Road will be accessible for day use, excluding the segment between Canyon and Tower, which is closed for road construction (see attached map). On June 1, in line with the park’s three-phased reopening plan, visitors will be able to access Phase 1 services/facilities (including restrooms, self-service gas stations, trails/boardwalks, limited stores, entrance stations, medical clinics, approved tours) and a few services/facilities as outlined in Phase 2 (including takeout food service, boating, and fishing). The park will remain day-use only. Limited overnight accommodations will begin reopening later in June. Campgrounds, visitor centers, and other facilities are still closed until health conditions allow for reopening. The park has implemented significant mitigation efforts including: providing additional protective barriers where needed, encouraging the use of masks or facial coverings in high density areas, metering visitor access in certain locations, increasing cleaning frequency of facilities, adding signage on boardwalks and other public spaces, and messaging to visitors through a variety of methods. Substantial investments have been made in mitigation measures by the park’s business partners including Xanterra, Delaware North, Yellowstone Park Service Stations, Medcor, and Yellowstone Forever. To date, the park has also approved 126 commercial use authorizations (CUAs) for local businesses to operate inside the park after reviewing individual COVID-19 mitigation plans submitted by each company. Additional Information Visitors should come prepared and follow all CDC and local health guidance by practicing good hygiene and social distancing. Face coverings are recommended where social distancing is not possible. People who are sick should stay home and not visit the park. The CDC has provided specific guidance on visiting parks and recreational facilities. The National Park Service encourages visitors to #RecreateResponsibly. Photos and posters showing responsible recreation and mitigation measures are available on the park’s Flickr page. Previously-scheduled road construction projects will continue this summer. Normal annual bear management area closures are in effect. Winter conditions are still possible at this time of year. The park will provide details and updates for operations as they change on www.nps.gov/yell and on the park’s social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.”

The Little Chalet

We love hearing all the comments and reviews about our Little Chalet. We are so proud to share it with you too. From the custom hand made entry door, to the flares of happiness and comfort to a perfect forest view on brand new deck with a super cozy welcome gift, you will feel absolutely spoiled here. Check out the virtual tour here too.

Living room at the Little chalet

Moose Moose Moose Moose

We often catch an animal on this camera but tonight we were so blessed to catch this. What magical creatures. Enjoy these beauties.

Some of our favorite images from this summer.

Check out Charlie Lansche - C.M. Lansche Images online HERE for some amazing images of our magical area.

Osborne Sunrise. How many ranchers, fishermen, and passersby have crossed the Henry's Fork via the historic Osborne Bridge? It's a question that I ponder each time I walk through this gate. Island Park, Idaho. August 24, 2019.

Idaho Blockade. After a few minutes of sizing up one another, I yielded the river right-of-way to her. Wise choice, me thinks. Island Park, Idaho. August 26, 2019.

These mountain goats are just chilling here. This image also by Charlie Lansche - C.M Lansche Images