Parks Parks and Parks: Day 7 - Scotts Bluff, Fort Laramie, and Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway

As the title shows, this was a busy day! Since we arrived at Scott's Bluff National Monument after the visitor center and scenic drive were closed, we returned the next day to check them out. As always, we watched the informational video. This one was really neat, because it was made with no budget by local college students as a school project. They did a great job! The scenic drive was beautiful, and we were glad that we went back for it.

We then headed over to Fort Laramie, another stop along the historic Oregon Trail. Four trails, the Oregon Trail, California Trail, Pony Express, and Mormon Pioneer Trail, actually converge at Fort Laramie, so it was a history gold mine (and points gold mine - for the contest of course). The fort is composed of 22 remaining structures, and we were even able to walk through some of them. One of our favorite parts was the bar, where we got ice cold sarsaparilla sodas.

Not too far from Fort Laramie was the Oregon Trail Ruts National Historic Landmark. Here, we saw actual ruts left by wagon wheels from those traveling the Oregon Trail - really neat! We had a long drive from here to our motel in Dinosaur, Utah, but along the way we were greeted by the Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway. This was a pleasant surprise, as this was one of the most beautiful drives we have ever taken, and it was completely unplanned! It was a gorgeous drive, and the sunset only made it better.