Adventures in Yellowstone National Park
After our hikes in the Wind River Range, then our adventures continued in Yellowstone National Park. There are an incredible amount of things to explore in Yellowstone. We enjoyed the park for a week and barely scratched the surface in the country’s first national park. From the extraordinary geologic features to the wildlife and the historic lodges … there is so much to see and do. Whenever I thought that I had seen it all, my mouth would be agape with something new and equally as awesome!
The Beartooth Highway
Much like other experiences on our adventure, I hadn’t heard much about the Beartooth Highway before we started our journey. If you are like me (first of all, thank you for being my people), then here’s a bit about this highly scenic road. The 68-mile Beartooth Highway weaves from Red Lodge, Montana into Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. The Beartooth Highway was built during the Great Depression as a means to bring tourism to the area as well as create a long approach into Yellowstone. The road offers amazing views of the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains along with lakes, glaciers and an elevation gain of 5,200 feet. The summit of the Beartooth Highway is at a whopping 10,947 feet! We enjoyed our drive along this scenic byway and stopped at several overlooks to enjoy the views!
(Click on any picture below to open the gallery and read the captions)
There was a woman approaching the goats (presumably to get a better picture) but she was too close AND she was carrying a small dog. I was mentally making a bet if the mom goat was going to charge (she didn't). Our pictures of the goats are zoomed ... we gave these wild animals the space they needed!!!!
Mammoth
Not to sound like Captain Obvious, but did you know that Mammoth Hot Spring is actually a MAMMOTH hot spring (okay, I didn’t know this – feel free to make fun of me)?! After I absorbed the fact that there is an appropriately named hot spring, then I had a greater appreciation of this area of the park! We enjoyed the views (and warmth) from the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces, rode our bikes to the Roosevelt Arch and watched the elk hang out by the Park Headquarters.
The elk were abundant in this area (we even saw some standing on the hot springs!). They were in rut and causing a ruckus in town (pushed a tourist to the ground, gored a NPS patrol car, and locked antlers in the square, just to name a few things) and we kept our distance from these wild guys. A ranger told us that the elk like to stay in this protected area of Yellowstone because baby elk are a favorite food of grizzly bears!
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
We spent two nights in this area of the park and it resembles a postcard in every direction. The Yellowstone River carved quite a grand canyon and left some waterfalls behind. A popular viewpoint of the Lower Falls is from Artist Point Overlook. We were there for sunrise and happened across a young couple’s wedding! The air temperature was 22 degrees that morning and the family was from Miami! It was a beautiful ceremony and the bride’s dress glistened in the morning sun!
In this area of the park, we also hiked to Seven Mile Hole, visited the Natural Bridge and walked around the Mud Volcano loop trail. This area really has it all! We were enamored with the Dragon’s Mouth as well as the mud pots and posted videos that can be accessed by clicking the links.
Old Faithful
Mark’s parents met us in Yellowstone to explore this area of the park. We watched Old Faithful erupt (access Mark’s video by clicking the link), saw countless bison, drove along the Firehole Lake Drive and watched geysers throughout this region. We were lucky enough to experience snow on our last full day in the park. It was gorgeous and added a new dimension to this beautiful area.
We had a wonderful week exploring this geologic wonder. I was amazed at the geysers, hot springs, mud pots and the variety of wildlife. A benefit of this park is that it is highly accessible. The roads and trails lead to the most famous features. I hope you enjoyed our pictures of this magical place and that it inspires you to explore this region as well.
Stay tuned to our tales and pictures from our next stop at Grand Teton National Park. Hope you are having a great day! 😘
6 thoughts on “Adventures in Yellowstone National Park”
What an amazing adventure!!
Thanks for posting Debbie your adventures are wonderful and I love the pictures!
Fun to join you!
I’m so jealous! It’s been 20+ years since I’ve been in the park, but thanks for bringing back the great memories. Love seeing what an awesome journey you’re having!
Great pic of bison with Old Faithful!
Beautiful photos!!
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