Roosevelt National Park and the American Bison

Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt Jr., our 26th president, was a pioneering conservationist, establishing five national parks, 150 national forests, 51 bird reserves, and 18 national monuments. His efforts led to the protection of over 230 million acres of public land to preserve America’s beauty. He signed the Antiquities Act, empowering presidents to safeguard our natural treasures. Interesting family fact, my grandfather, Frank Milton Conklin, accompanied Teddy Roosevelt and the Roughriders during the Spanish-American War in Cuba.

Grasslands National Park; Chief Sitting Bull sought sanctuary here after the Battle of Little Bighorn

After the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876, Chief Sitting Bull and 4,000 Lakota Sioux sought sanctuary in Canada. They camped at five waterways (including the Frenchman River) in what is now Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan. The legendary Will James later homesteaded here in 1911 at the famous 76 Ranch, one of the oldest and largest ranches in Canada, to learn the cowboy way of life. He would become the popular author and illustrator of 25 books on the west. Grasslands National Park represents the northernmost range of the Prairie Dog and is now again home to the native bison.

 

One of the largest dark sky preserves in Canada

Cyprus Hills Interprovincial Park is among the largest dark sky preserves in Canada. Located near the southern border of Alberta and Saskatchewan, the park is comprised of two units, one in Alberta and one in Saskatchewan. The eastern unit has a large telescope used for public star gazing. The nearby town of Maple Creek, with its old western flavor, is a great place to grab a coffee or dinner. 

Less frequented Siyeh Pass in Glacier National Park, Montana

This is a great hike on a much less frequented trail in Glacier National Park. The Siyeh Pass trail passes through alpine meadows and higher up through the famous glacially carved Preston Park as the trail ascends up to the pass at elevation 8,800 ft-msl. There are great vista views of Matahpi Peak and Mount Siyeh. I also added photos of nearby St. Mary and Baring Falls we caught on another day.
 

Along the 49th Parallel at Waterton Lakes National Park

In 1932, an agreement between Canada and the U.S. led to the joining of Glacier National Park and Waterton Lakes National Park as Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. The U.S. and Canada compromised in 1846 and agreed to the 49th parallel as the international border. The two parks are separated by a 40-foot zone that is kept cleared, with no wall (yet) between the two nations. I have never seen such a perfect lake reflection as the one I captured in the first photo.
 

Along the Great Divide - Yoho and Banff National Parks

 

Emerald lakes and glaciers abound in adjoining Yoho and Banff National Parks. Located along the great divide of the Rockies, both parks offer outstanding hiking opportunities. The emerald, green lakes and rivers are unique and breathtaking. 

The 2024 Jasper wildfire was one of the most destructive in Canadian history.

It is sobering to see in person the magnitude of wildfire damage covering 96,000 acres, so I felt the need to lead with a fire damage photo. The 2024 fire forced the evacuation of 25,000 people, and 360 structures were lost. The devasting impacts of the fast-moving fire are still evident everywhere in town, from the burned down buildings and homes, to the rows of make-shift housing still in place for displaced residents. It is good to see the positive as well. The town is booming, tourists are back, and the forest is starting to recover.

Moving beyond the fire damaged areas, the high mountain terrain offers spectacular opportunity to see a very unique landscape. Jasper National Park is truly a wonder to see.