Here’s a little recap of this year’s migration heading south. Chasing warmth, solitude, and travelling on a few new roads along the way. As the cool September air started settling over Alberta, it was time to head south once again. The open road, wide skies, and the promise of new places ahead made it an easy decision.
September 15-16: Waterton Lake National Park, Alberta, Canada
I kicked things off at Waterton Lakes National Park which is a stunningly beautiful place. It is located in southern Alberta, Canada near the US border. It is known for its breathtaking mountain scenery, clear lakes and wildlife.
The park is part of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, which is a UNESCO world Heritage site.
There are two scenic drives both with there own outstanding scenery. First I drove the Red Rock Parkway which ended at Red Rock Canyon. Here I took a hike along the canyon walkway and got some great pictures. Along the drive back I spotted a black bear and her two cubs!
The second scenic drive was along Akamina Parkway to Cameron Lake. Another fabulous spot to end up at – a blue lake surrounded by mountains and pine trees. Lots of people were out canoeing but I just took a hike around the area.
The forest had been ravaged by a massive forest fire in 2017 making it look a bit eerie. The white pine are just starting to slowly grow back among the blackened trees still standing on the hillsides. Nature is so resilient.
I stayed at Waterton Townsite Campground as there is no dispersed camping in national parks. $36 got me a powered site with great cell coverage. It was a small luxury on a trip that would soon trade amenities for wide-open wilderness. Dinner at Waterton Lake Lodge Resort, the surrounding mountains and lakeside views made it a perfect last Canadian stop.
September 17-18: Glacier National Park, Montana
Crossing into the U.S., I drove through Glacier National Park which is the counterpart to Waterton and located in northwestern Montana. Together they form Waterton-Glacier International Peace park.
I drove the Going-to-the-Sun Road. This is known as one of the most scenic drives in the world. It crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. It is only open from late June to early October, depending on snow.
Seasonally I just made it in time, however I picked the wrong time of day. I drove through around noon so all the viewing spot were jam packed. I was unable to stop at some of the most scenic view spots which was disappointing. I was still able to enjoy the stunning scenery as I drove the 2 hours along this narrow windy mountainous road.
As there is no dispersed camping in the park I found a spot on a hilltop in the Lewis & Clark National Forest. This area was just south of the park border. The nights were cool but not too cold and the forest road led to an incredible dispersed site with barely another soul around.
September 19-20: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Not every night’s glamorous and that’s part of the adventure. On September 19th, I settled into a parking lot at Three Forks. It did the job for a quick overnight, offering a place to rest before hitting to the scenic routes in Yellowstone National Park.
Yellowstone National Park is the oldest park in the United States. It is a massive iconic wilderness mostly in Wyoming but also extends to Montana and Idaho. I explored the park visiting Old Faithful geyser and saw her erupt. Then toured around Yellowstone Lake, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley. All stunning spots and wonderful to experience.
I didn’t plan well so there were no camping spots available in the park. If you plan to visit this park even in the off season book a campsite. Even the dispersed camping spots outside the park were full. I will definitely come back to this park and plan better next time.
I spent the night parked at a quiet roadside pullout along Grassy Lake Road, just south of Yellowstone. A favorite kind of camp spot with no frills, no fees, just the quietness of the pine trees and the crispness of the mountain air.
September 21: Bridger-Teton National Park, Wyoming
I drove deeper into Wyoming, through Bridger-Teton National Forest and National Park. I stopped at the various roadside view stops to take pictures of the beautiful open areas, lakes and the Teton mountain range. I didn’t see any wildlife but the area is known for viewing moose, bear, elk and bald eagles.
BLM land here means endless room to roam. Waking up to mist over the hills and the rising sun made this stop a memorable one.
September 22-25: White Mountain BLM, Near Green River, Wyoming
I decided to stop and regroup for few nights at White Mountain BLM near Green River, Wyoming. The cell signal was decent enough to work, and the space here was incredible. Wide open desert landscapes, distant buttes, and plenty of room to stretch out. It’s the kind of place where sunsets last forever.
September 26: Ashley National Forest BLM
As I continued heading south, I rolled into Ashley Forest Campground BLM. The cell coverage was okay, but the black flies weren’t shy — a small price for such a quiet, off-the-beaten-path spot. Still, it made for a good final camp before heading south into Utah.
Looking Ahead
This stretch of road reminded me why I love van life in the fall — fewer crowds, cooler nights, and landscapes painted in early autumn colors. The route ahead promises even more solitude and open skies as I head deeper into the American Southwest.