Getting an early start, we climb aboard the Harleys® and head north. Soon we join the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway; located along the northeastern edge of Yellowstone National Park. The Byway offers spectacular views and a unique history. It winds 46 spectacular miles from Cody, Wyoming to Cooke city, Montana. This famous highway is also popularly known as Sunlight Basin Road; the name comes from the 1940s when fur trappers noticed that the area filled with light, but was so remote that the only thing that could get into the valley throughout the year was sunlight. The paved road switchbacks along hairpin turns and leads you into a remote basin area. Keep an eye out for wildlife. This area boasts the largest herd of mountain goats in Wyoming.
 
The Chief Joseph Scenic Byway is named after the Native American chief of the Nez Perce tribe. Following the Battle of the Big Hole in Idaho in 1877, Chief Joseph fled east through Yellowstone. He and 1,000 members of his tribe ran from the U.S. Calvary, who was trying to force the tribe onto a reservation so that white ranchers could have their lands. While crossing Yellowstone, the Nez Perce briefly captured several tourists before going north up the Clarks Fork River. The Nez Perce were trying to flee to Canada (a 1,800 mile trek), but surrendered after the six-day Battle of the Bear Paw in northeastern Montana. The tribe was stopped only 30 miles from their destination, the Canadian border.

In his speech of surrender, Chief Joseph expressed dignity and defeat with his famous words, 'Hear me, my chiefs, I am tired; my heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever. The Nez Perce tribe was forced onto reservations in Oklahoma and Washington despite promises to allow them back on their lands. Yellowstone's Nez Perce Creek is named for this valiant attempt at freedom.

The Chief Joseph Scenic Byway offers unparalleled views of Wyoming as well as a unique history of the U.S. This famous road is also known for its fascinating geological features as well as its abundant wildlife around every hairpin turn.

All too soon we arrive at the northeast entrance to Yellowstone National Park, which is located at Cooke City. Entering the park and traveling south, we pass the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and arrive at Yellowstone’s Lower and Upper Falls.

The Lower Yellowstone Falls are near Canyon Village and is one of the most impressive waterfalls in North America. This waterfall drops 308 feet and is the most magnificent of Yellowstone's falls. It is easily accessible from many points along the north and south rims of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Uncle Tom's Trail provides a unique, up close view, of this grand display. Nice distant views can also be had from Artist's Points, or the overlooks on the north side of the Canyon.

The Upper Yellowstone Falls drops 109 feet and is best enjoyed by taking a short 1/8 mile hike. Upper Falls is a magnificent display at the head of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. It is often overlooked because of its proximity to its greater downstream sibling, Lower Falls. Sandwiched between Upper and Lower Falls is the graceful Crystal Falls.

After checking in to our Yellowstone lodging, you will have time to relax before heading off to the evening dinner and entertainment.