Introduction with Resources & Contacts

Mountain States

MOUNTAIN STATES- Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Wyoming Perched atop the Continental Divide and sloping down east and west toward the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans, the mountain states are dominated by the Rocky Mountains. Additionally, high plateau covers the western regions, while towards the east, begin the Great Plains. Idaho incorporates all of the beauty and excitement of high mountains. Still sparsely settled, the pioneer spirit is alive among those living in town or country. There are white water and snow-capped peaks for the adventurous, abundant wildlife for the photographer and hunter, and peace and quiet in most corners. If your family wants a taste of the old Wild West but doesn't really want to rough it, try taking U.S. Highway 30 between Yellowstone and Boise, following the route through the Snake River Plain. We do recommend, however, that you don't take this trip in winter. But if you ARE looking for adventure, this is a super spot for a wild water ride, skiing, backpacking, trekking and horse packing. You might like to incorporate this adventure with a thorough visit to neighboring Yellowstone National Park. And that Yellowstone Park trip takes you to Wyoming, a remarkable and striking state to please both the cowboy and the mountain man in everyone. Cheyenne sits in the flat cattle country that slopes down to the Missouri River, while Jackson Hole sits high in the Rocky Mountains. Probably one of the best-known views of the Rockies is the Maroon Bells in Grand Teton National Park. Make it a point to visit Jackson Hole! If Wyoming wasn't extreme enough for you head north for Montana. Big Sky Country deserves its name. Like Wyoming, there are plains, mountains, and long stretches of empty road. But Montana is being discovered; golfers and skiers, canoers and horse packers are all finding this rugged state just to their liking. Chances are you won't hit heavy traffic, but you will surely hear the coyotes, and maybe a few ghosts left over from the Little Bighorn. Whenever you go to Montana, be prepared for the cold. Summer days get very warm, but the evening temperature can dip quickly at this elevation and latitude. Idaho Travel Council Hall of Mirrors, 2nd Floor 700 West State Street Boise, Idaho 83720 (208) 334-2470 (800) 842-5858 State Parks & Recreation PO Box 83720 Boise, ID 83720-0065 (208) 334-4199 Idaho Fish & Game 600 South Walnut Street P.O. Box 25 Boise, Idaho 83707 (208) 334-3700 Montana Promotion Division 1424 Ninth Avenue Helena, Montana 59620 (406) 444-2654 (800) 548-3390 Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks 1420 East Sixth Avenue Helena, Montana 59620 (406) 444-2535 U.S. Forest Service Federal Building P.O. Box 7669 Missoula, Montana 59807 (406) 329-3750 (800) 280-CAMP Utah State Travel Council 300 North State Street Salt Lake City, Utah 84114 (801) 538-1030 National Forests 324 - 25th Street Ogden, Utah 84401 (801) 625-5182 (800) 280-CAMP Wyoming State Travel Commission I-25 and College Drive Cheyenne, Wyoming 82002 (307) 777-7777 (800) 225-5996 Wyoming State Museums & Historic Sites Barrett Building 2301 Central Cheyenne, Wyoming 82002 (307) 777-7014 Department of Fish & Game 5400 Bishop Boulevard Cheyenne, Wyoming 82002 (307) 777-4600 Wyoming Recreation Commission Herschler Building, 2 West 122 West 25th Street Cheyenne, Wyoming 82002 (307) 777-7695

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