We decided to drive the 80 mile long to the top of the Grey's River Road on our day off. Its headwaters start about 70 miles south of Jackson, by highway, on the Salt River Pass, then winds up and down the mountains joining the Grey's River. Then the river returns towards the highway and joins the Snake River. We managed to travel 12 miles before we finally were stopped by old snow drifts high on a mountain and we weren't near the top yet. So we had to turn around as we knew it would get worse if we went higher and the sheer drop offs weren't worth tempting fate to snow bust any additional snow drifts. The farthest drift shown in this picture is about as tall as the hood of the Jeep.



A quick stop to admire the view.



Forced to turn back we drove the highway to the base of the Grey's River and managed to travel 40 miles up river before we were again stopped by old snow drifts. This picture shows the remains of snow in a chute on a mountain.



I had a blast busting through several melting drifts and the surrounding mud, but the 1,000+ ft. drop off right next to the road made me decide not to tempt fate any more. I knew once again as we climbed higher on this mountain the snow would get deeper. It is a long way away from any kind of help.



Another beautiful view that makes the trip worth it.



Here is another snow chute where the melting water of the snow covered peaks is finding its way down an avalanche path creating a beautiful waterfall tumbling over several rock ledges.



Mother Nature wasn't ready to share this beautiful drive with us yet. In addition to the snow she sent a thunder storm to be sure we left her solitude. It was time to go home but it was a great day.

 

Great pics!

 

Thank you! I'm awed by the beauty around me every day. I never get tired of it. Sometime this Summer I intend to go back and run the entire road all the way through. There is some fantastic scenery locked up behind that snow.

 

I always love your pics Thanks for sharing!!

 

Absolutely fantastic scenery!!!