Wyoming’s landscape is dotted with plains, valleys, rivers and mountains, and that makes driving through this state a real treat. One of the most scenic drives is along the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway, and the road will take you to the most stunning overlook in the entire state – if you’re not afraid of heights.
Dead Indian Pass is one of Wyoming’s many mountain passes, but few have the scenery and the history that matches this Absaroka road.
Wikimedia Commons
As the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway climbs into the Absaroka Mountains, it reaches a height of over 8,000 feet along a winding high mountain pass.
Flickr / Tim Lumley
The pass’s morbid name comes from the flight of the Nez Perce Indians, who retreated to the Absaroka Mountains after being chased from their homes.
Google Local / Neil The Native Americans were surrounded and trapped, so they created a diversion before heading on a perilous trek down Dead Indian Gulch, towards the Clark’s Fork River. The gulch was a narrow and steep pass with a thousand foot vertical drop, and the trail was only a few feet wide.
From the top, you’ll be able to see miles and miles over mountains and down into the valley.
Flickr / Troy Smith
Dead Indian Creek and the Absaroka Range are visible in this scene from the overlook. If you ever begin to take Wyoming for granted, head up north.
Flickr / Troy Smith
Even in the spring when Winter has left her mark on the landscape, there’s hardly a better view anywhere in the world.
Flickr / Forest Service Northern Region
The Chief Joseph Highway is open year-round, but keep an eye on weather if you’re planning on heading up to the pass. Snowstorms can temporarily close it, or at least make the drive risky.
Flick / Jean Marie Preval
For another impressive view in Wyoming, hike to the top of Mt Washburn! This Easy Trail In Wyoming That Will Take You To The Top Of The World and it’s so worth the trip.
Wikimedia Commons
Flickr / Tim Lumley
Google Local / Neil
The Native Americans were surrounded and trapped, so they created a diversion before heading on a perilous trek down Dead Indian Gulch, towards the Clark’s Fork River. The gulch was a narrow and steep pass with a thousand foot vertical drop, and the trail was only a few feet wide.
Flickr / Troy Smith
Flickr / Forest Service Northern Region
Flick / Jean Marie Preval
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