Alcova, Wyoming.

With the Fourth of July less than a week in our rearview mirror, I created a panoramic view of Wyoming’s Independence Rock. On a chilly day in October, we stopped at the rest area near Alcova on our way to visit friends in Wyoming. In the distance, a large rock outcropping stands as a historical landmark and a prominent feature along the Oregon, Mormon, and California emigrant trails during the mid-19th century. Rising above the prairie, the outcropping provided a well-known reference point for travelers on the long and arduous journey westward.

The name “Independence Rock” originated from a group of fur trappers who camped and celebrated Independence Day near the rock on July 4, 1824. Thousands of emigrants subsequently camped at the foot of the rock, carving their names and messages into the granite, essentially turning Independence Rock into a giant message board for those traveling the Oregon Trail.

Today, Independence Rock is part of the Independence Rock State Historic Site, managed by the Wyoming Division of State Parks and Historic Sites. The site features a footpath that circles the base of the rock, interpretive exhibits detailing the history of the trails, visible wagon wheel ruts, and the numerous emigrant inscriptions etched into the rock. Visitors can hike on the rock, although touching or stepping on the inscriptions should be avoided as they are fragile. I featured a more detailed set of images from an earlier visit to the historic site here.

About the photo: I selected two pictures of parts of the outcropping from my Samsung S23U to create a panorama. I could have used the camera’s panoramic mode to generate an image wide enough to capture the entire rock while we were at the site. Still, I prefer to let Adobe Lightroom Classic stitch two separate photos together as I’ve found stitching provides a better chance of a distortion-free panorama.

I then sent the image to Luminar Neo for minor tweaks in the Develop module to reduce clipping of the highlights and blacks. I also tweaked the Enhanced AI tool to redistribute light between the foreground and sky. For a close-up pixel-peep in 2K HD on my Flickr site, click on the image.

I encourage fellow bloggers to create their own Cellpic Sunday posts. I never have a specific topic for this feature, and the only rules are that the photo must be captured with a cell phone, iPad, or another mobile device… If you have an image from a drone or even a dashcam, that’s also acceptable. The second rule is to link your challenge response to this post or leave a comment here with a link to your post in the comment. Oh, you don’t have to post it on a Sunday.

John Steiner

Green River, Wyoming.

The Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge in Wyoming shelters a 26,400-acre ecosystem along 36 miles (58 km) of the Green River. Established in 1965 to replace wildlife habitat lost due to dam construction, the area boasts a rich history inhabited by the Shoshone people and later crossed by pioneers on the Oregon and Mormon Trails. The refuge provides a crucial water source for plants and animals in this arid region.

The name is derived from a Shoshone word that means River of the Prairie Hen. The prairie hen is more commonly known as the prairie chicken, however, on our journey through the park, we didn’t see any prairie chickens.

My friend, Fred and I traveled a short distance from his home in Green River to Seedskadee in western Sweetwater County, Wyoming. Our hopes for photographic wildlife capture and autumn landscapes were fulfilled. Despite not finding prairie chickens, our park adventure wasn’t without wildlife encounters. At one point, a small herd of pronghorn antelope darted across the road in front of our moving vehicle. We slowed down considerably to give them ample space to cross. Luckily, from the passenger seat, I managed to snap a photo through the windshield.

In researching for this article, I found a few facts about pronghorns that I didn’t know. For example, despite their common name, pronghorns aren’t actually true antelopes. They are the sole surviving member of the Antilocapridae family and surprisingly their closest living relatives are giraffes and okapis!

Pronghorns are the fastest land mammal in North America, reaching speeds of up to 55 mph (88.5 km/h). They can outrun predators in their open grassland habitat, however, they still can get caught. While wolves, cougars, bears, and even eagles might occasionally hunt them, coyotes are the most frequent predators.

Their speed isn’t their only defense. Pronghorns have exceptional vision, with eyes as large as some elephant species. This sharp eyesight allows them to spot threats from miles away, helping them avoid encounters with predators.

Standing before a lone tree, I framed the shot, not even noticing the bird sitting in the tree. Suddenly, a movement caught my eye in the viewfinder. Reacting quickly with the camera still in bracketing mode, I clicked the shutter. Luckily, the three exposures captured the bird in different wing positions for me to choose from. Normally I would have used the bracketed shots to create a high dynamic range (HDR) image, however, merging them into HDR wouldn’t work due to the bird’s motion and changing wing shape. So, I opted for the image with the most impressive wingspread. Luminar Neo helped me save the shot. Neo’s Supersharp tool tackled the bird’s motion blur, and I lowered the exposure from the original +1 EVO setting. Finally, Enhanced AI restored the definition in the sky that had been washed out by overexposure.

The landscape defined autumn in a vibrant tapestry as we neared the banks of the Green River. Clouds were definitely rolling in and the blue sky was waning. Eventually, my images would be captured under a cloudy sky. Though it appears from this gallery that we were the only people around, we passed a few vehicles parked by the river, their occupants fishing or capturing the beauty of the wildlife in the refuge.

As we approached the river, our journey was interrupted by a curious sight. A long wooden fence stretched from the water’s edge towards the nearby hills. Its purpose defined a mystery to us. There were no signs of a corral nearby, so it likely functioned as a simple boundary marker, perhaps demarcating a previous rancher’s property line.

Driving away from the riverbank, our journey continued along a road that hugged the base of a towering ridge. Its unusual form was a testament to the relentless forces of nature. Millennia of erosion, sculpted by the powerful river and scouring winds, had stripped away the softer rock, exposing the harder layers beneath.

While exploring the ridge, I came to a point where I wanted a closer look at the curve. However, I noticed the ground near the edge might be unstable. Prioritizing safety, I used the curvature to my advantage, kept a good distance back, and used my zoom lens to capture the fascinating curve and its interesting detail. Although the photos might make it seem like I was right at the edge, rest assured I was on solid ground throughout.

From the lone tree standing sentinel in the desert to the vibrant autumn colors framing the Green River, Seedskadee was drawn to capture the refuge’s beauty. I captured many more images than I shared in the post. You can find them in 2KHD via my Flickr album here.

The mysterious fence by the riverbank sparked our curiosity, prompting us to ponder its history and role in the larger landscape. The towering ridge, sculpted by time and the elements, served as a powerful reminder of the Earth’s ever-changing story.

Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge is more than just a refuge; it’s a reminder of the importance of conservation and of the awe-inspiring power of nature. I owe a debt of gratitude to Fred for introducing me to this national reserve. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, photographer, or simply someone who appreciates the outdoors, Seedskadee is a place that will leave a lasting impression. Best of all, there is no fee to enter the refuge.

John Steiner

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Green River, Wyoming.

In October 2023 we headed out west on a short autumn junket to visit friends in Green River Wyoming. Fred Mast and his wife Ellen are gracious hosts and with Fred’s expert guidance, we can always expect to find beautiful places to photograph. Fred selected a perfect place for a Sunday drive in mid-October. Outside Green River is a road known to locals as Wild Horse Loop Drive. The 24-mile (38 km) self-guided tour winds through stunning high-desert landscapes and offers the chance to see wild horses in their natural habitat. On the day of our drive, we were not to be disappointed in seeing small groups of the descendants of mustangs brought to the region by Spanish explorers in the 16th century.

The scenic drive ascends to a high plateau and offers panoramic vistas of the vast desert below. Along the way, informational placards detail the surrounding landscape, this image featuring the prominent Pilot Butte. Though a dedicated road leads directly to the butte, it requires a suitable vehicle for the rugged terrain. Given our vehicle’s limitations, we opted to enjoy the beautiful view of the butte from the scenic highway itself.

Not far from the Pilot Butte placard, we spotted our first wild mustangs! The trio, seemingly a family with a young colt, grazed peacefully in the distance. The opening photo provides a closer view as captured through my Nikon D500 and Tamron lens at 250mm.

Standing at this vantage point, we can see the ridge carving a line between the parched lowlands and the desert highlands. Even in mid-October, the mountains wear their winter covering of snow, a stark contrast to the desert’s sun-baked palette.

At one point, a road with a steep dropoff leads to the town of Rock Springs. We chose not to take this route as the scenic drive provided a much less precipitous descent to the highway that led us to the city and our late lunch. After our meal, we headed back to Green River, a 20-minute drive on I-80 and a tunnel through a rock ridge separating the two small communities.

The views on the scenic highway are spectacular, especially where the roadway winds toward the edge of the high desert plateau. The journey’s many viewpoints provide lots of opportunities to stop and enjoy the natural desert beauty. At each stop, we hoped we might encounter a larger herd of wild mustangs.

Near the end of the drive, we spotted a larger herd. They were spread across a larger area than I could encompass in a single shot. Fred was driving and he elected to turn off the scenic drive to an unimproved road to get us a bit closer to the herd. I stepped out of the vehicle to capture a few shots. This image, captured at 110 mm with my Tamron lens allowed me to keep my distance to avoid scaring off the mustangs. Interestingly, the mustangs appeared completely unfazed by our presence and another vehicle that had followed suit. Their indifference provided a unique opportunity for observation and photography.

If you’re on I-80 and seeking a wildlife encounter, the Wild Horse Loop is a welcome scenic byway. Accessible from Rock Springs or Green River, this scenic detour offers a chance to witness wild mustangs in their natural habitat before rejoining the highway at the opposite city. Though the drive is paved, certain sections require caution due to loose gravel and potential wildlife encounters. Ensure your vehicle is suitable for such conditions before embarking on the adventure.

The scenic drive offers numerous pullouts and opportunities to soak in the scenery and unique wildlife at your own pace. Consider packing water, snacks, and comfortable shoes for exploring the area further.

My Flickr gallery also includes several extra images captured on our scenic drive. You can see all of the images above as well as the extras in 2K HD here.

John Steiner

Red Lodge, Montana.

In December 2022, I shared photos from the North Shore of Lake Superior between Duluth and Grand Marais, Minnesota. I called that highway an All-American Road, a designation from the U.S. Forest Service. From their website, “All-American Roads provide motorists an exceptional traveling experience that makes the byway a primary reason for the trip.” Today’s Travel Tuesday post features another All-American Road that was designated in June 2000.

The description of today’s featured highway states, “From the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, Beartooth Scenic Byway All American Road weaves through Custer and Shoshone National Forests. The spectacular Alpine highway runs almost 69 miles to Red Lodge, Montana.” My opening photo features a view of one of the highest points along the Beartooth Highway, but we entered the highway at a much lower elevation at Yellowstone Park and ended our journey at Red Lodge, Montana.

The journey started for us at Gardner Montana and we entered the north entrance of the park just south of Gardner. Once inside the park, we followed the highway toward the Mammoth Hot Springs. To pick up the Beartooth Highway, there is a turnoff from U.S. 89 called the Grand Loop Road. Take that highway to the south and east of the main highway in the park.

After plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife in the park, you’ll eventually come to the junction at the Grand Loop Road and U.S. 212, the Beartooth Highway that starts here. Just before you arrive at the junction, there is a public gas station. Be sure you leave Gardner with plenty of fuel to travel to Red Lodge, however, if you aren’t traveling between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The station was closed for the season on October 5, the day of our journey. The gas station, though, is just west of the 212 highway junction, so be ready to turn.

I have many photos of bison that I didn’t share, and there are parking areas where you can stop, but keep your distance. These large animals appear to be quite gentle until they get upset. Then you want to be in your vehicle and somewhere else.

Once on the Beartooth Highway, you’ll notice the elevation changes relatively quickly as you transit from forest to high alpine climates. The views from the highway pulloffs are well worth the journey.

Though the highway is closed all winter long, there are plenty of snowmobile trails that remain open. There are even a few businesses that cater to the winter travelers, but during the pandemic, most of these places closed for the season. Be sure to plan your trail route ahead of time and confirm the places you want to visit will be open when you arrive after the highways are closed.

Once you transition to U.S. 212, you’ll spend an hour or so (depending upon photo stops) to travel the 30 miles (48 km) journey to Silver Gate, then only 5 minutes later, you’ll arrive at Cooke City.

You’re not quite half-way to Red Lodge from Cooke City, and in fact, the road meanders southerly back into Wyoming for the next several miles of spectacular scenery.

When U.S. 212 meanders through Wyoming and toward the Montana border, you will find the trees starting to become scarcer as you near the elevations that mark the tree line.

As you start the climb in earnest, you’ll travel a section of steep switchbacks eventually reaching Beartooth Pass where there is a parking and viewing area. Beartooth Pass is the highest point on the highway at an elevation of 10,947 ft (3,337 m) above sea level.

From Beartooth Pass, however, you are still some 31 miles (50 km) from the town of Red Lodge. Though you will be generally downhill to Red Lodge, you will still be doing some of those steep zigzags on the way down.

Be sure to do appropriate planning for your trip. There are lodges and hotels along the way, but they fill up fast during the season. I’m posting this in January even though the highway is closed in winter so you have time to do your homework and get reservations confirmed while there are still openings. If you travel before or after that Memorial-Labor Day window, you’ll have better luck in finding hotels at the last minute. We stayed in Red Lodge on October 5 and had no trouble finding a hotel. However, a turn of early season bad weather could have just as easily closed the highway for the season before we arrived.

Another thing to keep in mind is that there are fees to enter Yellowstone on the west end of the highway, and during the summer travel season, this highway is well-traveled. Be sure to check to see if you need a reservation to enter the park on the day you expect to arrive. The Recreation.gov site will provide a reservation slot for one of the most popular national parks in the country.

The Beartooth Highway is one of the most scenic highways we’ve traveled over the last few years. At Red Lodge, it was time for an oil change. We stopped at a local shop and learned that the owner of the shop had just purchased one of the restaurants just off U.S. 212. We’d noticed the place was closed on our way by. It was being remodeled by the new owner. He was anxious to get the work done in the next couple of weeks as he needed the road open for hauling building materials and he had only a couple of weeks before the road closed for the season. He had an ambitious schedule as he wanted the place open to take advantage of the winter snowmobile travelers. We wished him luck a successful opening and continued on our journey.

I have posted all of these images in 2K HD on my Flickr site. Click on a single image to pixel peep, or you can visit the entire album and scroll through the pics from here.

John Steiner

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area.

Starting at Vernal Utah, we drove northerly on US Highway 191 and then onto Utah Highway 44 turning off 191 to go by Red Canyon and then along the west side of the gorge, some 70 miles (112 km) or so. Most of the views in this gallery are from this drive, however, I’d also recommend staying on 191 toward Dutch John and then into Wyoming. Then backtrack to highway 44 to finish your journey on the byway. You’ll get to cross over the dam and reservoir near Dutch John and can take a look at the eastern side of the gorge from Wyoming. Admittedly, the view of the gorge is from quite a distance, but the terrain there is entirely different than on the west side where there are views of the Ashley National Forest. That side trip will add maybe 40 minutes or so to your trip unless you spend extra time at the visitor center.

At a way stop just north of the Wyoming border, you will find this view of a grassy plain and a large enough parking area to turn around to head back to the west and continue on the scenic byway. There is a large visitor center at the dam which we didn’t get to see as it was Sunday in Utah, and the facility was closed for the day.

Along the byway, you’ll find some beautiful country, but the number of pull-offs is lacking. It’s not completely the fault of the highway designers. There are some narrow roadways with little space to provide pull-offs from the highway. Passengers can enjoy the views, but be nice to your driver and let him or her take a turn as passenger. So backtrack a little and give the driver a break.

I don’t mean to imply that the road is one of those high, winding mountain roads that are difficult for some drivers and passengers. The road is plenty wide and far enough from cliff edges, there just isn’t much room for pull-offs to enjoy the views. One of the most interesting features of the highway is the state’s inclusion of signage that describes the geographic history of the region.

There are several interpretive sites and four nature trails to explore along the way. Technically, the scenic drive ends at Manila, but take that “T” to the right toward Wyoming and State Highway 530 which goes all the way to Green River and Interstate 80. The highway parallels the gorge and the Green River for several miles. From there, you can head west to Salt Lake City or east to Medicine Bow, Wyoming.

OK, I’m not usually one to feature what are not views of the natural environments on my posts. I found, however, the scenic viewpoint directing us to a higher elevation to contain this large plant where some kind of mining operation is going on. Compare the size of those large vehicles with the cars in the parking lot.

Specific details about the scenic drive and a small map can be found here or more information on the highway is available here. I have many more images on my Flickr site where you can pixel-peep at the entire collection here.

John Steiner

The Flaming Gorge National Recreational Area is known for its outdoor activities. The reservoir is on the Green River in Utah a few miles from the Wyoming border. Fishing, boating, camping, and backpacking are all major attractions. For me, however, the Red Canyon with its colorful rock walls is a photographer’s dream.

Regular readers know of my penchant for creating panoramic views via Lightroom’s toolbox. You’ll find a few of them here and in my Flickr album. The majority of the images in this post were captured at the Red Canyon not too far from the Red Canyon (Flaming Gorge) Visitor Center.

For those who like to Google search information, note that there is another Red Canyon Visitor Center in Utah, near Bryce Canyon in the Dixie National Forest. The Red Canyon Visitor Center at Flaming Gorge is on the southern rim of the Red Canyon on the Green River. The view from the top of the 1631-foot (497 m) cliffs provides a commanding view of the Green River.

The national recreation area stretches into the southwest corner of Wyoming on the dam’s east side (downriver) side. We approached the area from Vernal Utah and at a Y in the road, you can head toward the reservoir’s western side and views shown above.

Or, veer to the east and stop at the visitor center at the dam. Continue on that road and in a few moments, you’ll be in Wyoming. In an upcoming post, stay tuned and follow us as we travel the scenic byway from Wyoming, through Manila and Dutch John, Utah, small communities near the reservoir, and then through the Uintas Mountains on our way to Green River, Wyoming.

There are over forty campgrounds and hundreds of group and individual campsites to choose from. There are even river camps for those who would like to travel the river for more than a single day. To view any of these images in 2K HD, click on it. Or click here to visit the album on my Flickr gallery where you will find a few extra images captured that day.

John Steiner

Alcova, Wyoming.

On our way home from Colorado in the summer of 2021, we were exploring southern Wyoming. After staying in Rawlins for the night, we headed north on US 287 with the goal of stopping at Independence Rock on our way to Casper, Wyoming, and then home. Taking a right on Wyoming highway 220, after traveling around 20 miles (32 km), about halfway to Alcova, we could see the large outcropping of rock that became an overnight stop for thousands of travelers on the wagon trains out of Fort Laramie in the mid-1800s.

The photo above is best viewed on my Flickr site where it is more easily read. You can get there by clicking on the image. Then hit the Back arrow on your browser to get back here. The rock outcropping is some 1,900 feet (580 m) long by 850 feet (260 m) wide. Travelers carved their names and messages into the granite to mark their passage on the journey.

From the rest stop, there is a path with interpretive signs that eventually circles the giant outcropping. According to the website here, the history of those who passed by leaving their names and dates is easy to view. I admit that we did not take that walk. Also, hiking on the rock is allowed, but please avoid walking across the historic markings left by travelers more than a century and a half ago.

The Oregon Trail was about 2170 miles (3492 km) from the Missouri River at Independence Missouri to the Willamette Valley in Oregon. You can find a map of the Oregon Trail here.

In 1849, J. Goldsborough Bruff led a party of 16 wagons and 64 men along the Oregon Trail to California. He wrote a journal of the trip. His July 26, 1849, entry made note of his stop at Independence Rock:

“reached Independence Rock . . . at a distance looks like a huge whale. It is being painted & marked every way, all over, with names, dates, initials, &c – so that it was with difficulty I could find a place to inscribe it.”

https://www.nps.gov/places/000/independence-rock-state-historic-site.htm

To view the images in 2K HD on my Flickr site, you’ll find the album of photos here.

John Steiner

Fort Laramie, Wyoming.

On the way to California or Oregon in the mid-19th century, you might look forward to arriving at Fort Laramie in east-central Wyoming. Travelers on the Mormon, Oregon, and California trails were welcomed by the traders who were ready to help the travelers replenish their supplies on the journey west.

The trading post opened as Fort William in 1834, and Lakota Sioux traded pelts and buffalo robes for manufactured goods. For 56 years, miners, soldiers, emigrants, ranchers, homesteaders, and Native Americans all provided a business at this flourishing trading post. Renamed Fort John, the importance of the location along the North Platte was its blessing and its curse.

As competition heated up in the form of nearby trading posts built in the area, the post was sold to the U.S. Army in 1849. Renamed Fort Laramie by the Army, new buildings were hastily constructed to serve the needs of a military garrison.

The fort soon grew to become a principal military outpost on the Northern Plains and a hub for transportation and communication, as well. As its location is a prime gateway into the Rocky Mountains, those emigrant trails, stage lines, telegraph systems, and the Pony Express used Fort Laramie as a waypoint.

The Visitor Center is housed in what was the fort’s Commissary Storehouse. Original buildings, restored or reconstructed buildings, and locations of buildings no longer standing are identified throughout the site on plaque markers.

As a military center, the fort became the location for signatories of significant and controversial treaties with the many nearby tribes. The Fort Laramie Treaty of 1851 (also known as the Horse Creek Treaty) was signed at the fort, for example.

The historic site is open year-round, dawn to dusk, every day. The museum and visitor center are open daily except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Hours of opening for the center are longer in the summer, and admission to the site is free.

Old Bedlam is literally the oldest standing military building in Wyoming. Originally it was officers quarters, but is now remembered as the post’s headquarters. At one point, the building was all but fallen in upon itself. Like most of the buildings in the fort, it fell into disrepair. In the 1960’s a renovation of the building brought a museum-like quality to the reconstruction.

Several of the rooms were restored with actual items of the period. Visitors cannot enter the rooms, but instead can look at the contents through plexiglass blocking the entrances.

The restoration of Old Bedlam started in 1939, but little was done by 1940 when a large crowd attended ceremonies where officials spoke from the platform of the newly rejuvenated porch.

The renovation of Old Bedlam was substantially completed in June, 1964. The major physical reconstruction took about four years, though prep work took the prior three years to complete.

There is plenty more to see of the grounds of Fort Laramie. If you are so inclined, you can get a 2K HD closeup of these images by the click through link on the photograph. Alternatively, you can visit my Flickr album here to view the entire gallery.

Note: If all goes well, we’ll be on a cruise ship when this journey is published on September 13, 2022. I have found Internet connections to be less than stellar on cruise ships, so I didn’t even buy an Internet access package for the week. It’s been a long time since I’ve “unplugged” for a week. My only connection times will be when in port, three stops, and lots of sea days. My responses to your comments will be a bit tardy.

John Steiner

Fort Laramie, Wyoming.

On our way into the Fort Laramie National Historic Site, we came across this sizeable three-span bridge over the North Platte River. Our first view of the bridge was from the north side, with little space to park. We would soon discover a small parking area with some informational plaques that told the story of the bridge. One of the plaques reads in part, “Erected 1875. This bridge was a vital link between Cheyenne, Fort Laramie, and the military outposts, Indian agencies, and gold fields of the Black Hills Dakota region.“

Consisting of two 125-foot (38 m) spans and one 150-foot (46 m) span, the bridge is constructed of wrought iron and native pine. The 12-foot (4 m) roadway carried the typical daily traffic across the North Platte River when the bridge was finally completed in 1876.

The bridge was replaced by a concrete and steel bridge (just visible to the right in the image above) in 1958, and a complete restoration of the original structure provided pedestrian use for the historic bridge in 1969.

The bridge has a total length of 400 feet (122 m) and covers a much larger area than the summer width of the North Platte. No doubt it is as long as it needed to be to handle the widened river during the spring snowmelt.

At some point in the history of the bridge, two large boat-shaped planter boxes sit astride the bridge. There were no markers or other indications of their purpose.

The small parking area features access to a small park and a trailhead that, as you can see from the drone shot, accesses the trail that parallels the southern side of the North Platte.

Wayside markers provide information as you walk along the 1.6-mile (2.6 km) hiking trail. It’s an easy walk on relatively level ground. The trail is a lasso loop that goes from the parking lot at the bridge to the confluence of the Laramie and North Platte Rivers and back. The view along the river is shaded by cottonwood and willow trees that grow along the river banks.

For a closer look at any of the images or check out the metadata click on any photo. You can also view and scroll through all of the images on my Flickr site in 2K HD by clicking here.

John Steiner

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.

In Yellowstone Park, there’s a different Golden Gate Bridge from that famous bridge in San Francisco. This bridge spans Golden Gate Canyon along Highway 89 actually began as a wooden plank viaduct, which was truly an engineering marvel when it was originally constructed by the U.S. Corps of Engineers in 1885, The bridge was reconstructed four times, the last build completed in 1977.

The bridges were designed to span the canyon as the highway traversed the park. After earthquake damage, the third iteration of the bridge was replaced by a concrete deck on girders supported by concrete piers.

A great blog post featuring the history of the viaduct can be found here. Probably the most interesting note in this story is the construction and premature demise of a tunnel that never got to see public use.

A placard near the pull-off where the opening photo was taken features a short history of the bridge and its predecessors. Click on either of the images above to view them close-up in a gallery on my Flickr site.

John Steiner