Again we are behind but this is Yellowstone. Yellowstone National Park is park number 33/64. This has been on our bucket list for some time. We had to miss it due to flooding but could visit on our way South.
to take a look at the well known Old Faithful Geyser. It was later in the day and many of the visitors centers had closed which meant a lot less people but as the predicted time of eruption neared, so did the crowds. However we got a good seat to wait! The kids were amazed! We were too - it was pretty spectacular to see nature in action!
We stayed in the park at Grant Village Campground. Originally we were going to stay at Bay Bridge Campground but that was completely closed due to flooding. Our spot was tight and it was a one way road in but we had to go the reverse direction to fit well into the spot. The trees were enormous which was great for playing and shade, smell and ambience. We loved seeing the animals in nature especially the elk right in our campground. However, the trees did not bode well for solar or starlink. This resulted in B taking the Starlink to the laundry parking lot to work and for the kids to do online classes.
One mistake we made at this park was not staying at multiple campgrounds, part because many spots were closed and part because we didn't realize how long it takes to get to places. It's a huge park with lots of people. We did a lot of short day drives and on B's days off we did bigger excursions.
One day we took a short drive from Grant Village to West Thumb Geyser Basin. We did a short trail here to see several colorful geysers of varied sizes.
Another day we took a drive toward Lamar Valley. It was a trek from our campground. We couldn't go all the way there because the road had not yet been repaired due to the flood damage. However the area was very green, the wild life were out and the water was flowing.
We did a hike to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. It was a quick and easy paved trail that the kids had fun exploring. It was probably about 2 miles or less round trip and there was so much to see! We loved playing find the rainbow game because there were so many different colors in the rock of the canyon and the waterfall at the end was massive!
Although not recommended, due to risk hypothermia, one day we took a dip in Yellowstone Lake. All of the other swimming areas were damaged because of the flood and it was very warm out. There were a few other people swimming with us and we had fun splashing around and getting some open water swim exercise. However, when we left the lake, the kids walked through some more stagnant water and each found a leach on their legs. Note to self, stay out of stagnant water.
The next day we opted to get up early and tour the hot spots of Yellowstone in hopes we could beat the crowds. The crowds of Yellowstone were not the best - it really took away from the scenery. Finding parking, waiting in lines, parking lots closed, lots of traffic and more trash. However, the waits were worth it for a one and done - we will go back but are not in a rush. Our first stop was the Grand Prismatic. WOW! The colors and the steam and the size was just amazing. The kids had so many questions and we all learned so much!
We also took a trip to Upper Geyser Basin and got to see Mustard Spring. It was really fun to see this erupt more than once along our hike.
After a day of crowds, we did a hike off of the beaten path to Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek and Little Firehole Loop Trail. We lost the trail for a bit, did a huge climb, saw and ate lunch next to a huge water fall and at the top, we looked over the Yellowstone Valley with lightening in the distance over the mountains. It was a beautiful view.
We had wanted to go to Mammoth Hot Springs but that entire area of the North part of the park was still closed. Maybe next time and in the off season!
“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.” ~ John Muir
Great Pics... just an amazing national park!
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