By Tracy Loe
Editor’s Note: Shane Doyle is a board member of The Archaeological Conservancy.
A rock face at Legend Rock in Wyoming. Photo by Tracy Loe
Step into the ancient landscapes of Montana and Wyoming and picture yourself tracing the same riverbanks, exploring the same vast wilderness, and standing at sites inhabited for thousands of years. This driving tour isn’t about strenuous hikes or rushing from place to place; it embraces the spirit of adventure and connects travelers with the land’s rich, layered history.
But a word of caution for those who prefer the comfort of staying close to home: this expansive journey isn’t for the faint of heart. With long stretches of road that wind through remote, awe-inspiring environments, this route calls for a willingness to explore areas where the closest town can feel a world away.
Best taken in the summer as some routes are closed much of the rest of the year, this seven-day loop will take you from Bozeman, Montana, to the edge of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, covering more than 700 miles yet only providing a glimpse of the vast archaeological record that shapes this region’s past. For those with a bit more time, extending your trip to 10 days will allow you to explore at your own pace. And if you’re an RV enthusiast, renting an RV in Bozeman gives you the freedom to camp the entire route.
This recommended route goes through the nation’s first Crow Agency, Fort Parker, then to some of the nation’s most impressive petroglyph sites at Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site and Legend Rock Petroglyph Site, and culminates in the breathtaking landscapes of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks with deep Native American connections that challenge myths about the region’s pre-European past. A word of advice: Careful planning is essential. Check ahead for hours of operation and road conditions and be sure to book lodging or camping in advance. For access to Yellowstone and Grand Teton, an America the Beautiful National Park Pass is your best bet, or you can buy individual passes online. To explore Wyoming State Parks, visit wyoparks.wyo.gov for fees, camping, and permit details.
The Teton, Teepee, and Middle Teton glaciers visible on these peaks have lost 25 percent of their total surface area in 40 years. Photo by Tracy Loe / TAC
TRIP AT A GLANCE
Day 1: Flight to Bozeman, MT, stay overnight. Rent an RV.
Day 2: Visit Fort Parker, Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site, and stay overnight.
Day 3: Visit Legend Rock, then drive to Moran, Wyo., to stay overnight.
Day 4: Grand Teton National Park, 42-mile loop, travel north on John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Highway into Yellowstone, stay overnight at Fishing Bridge RV Park.
Days 5-6: Explore and camp at Yellowstone National Park.
Day 7: Depart from Bozeman International Airport or check out Beartooth Pass by driving the Beartooth Highway to Red Lodge before departing.
This is an excerpt of ‘From Petroglyphs to Parks on Timeless Trails,’ in American Archaeology, Summer 2025, Vol. 29, and No. 2. Subscribe to read the full text.
