Traveling to Yellowstone?
Yellowstone is one Gigantic park, so it is impossible to see in an entire year, let alone in one week. But, here is a dynamic list of favorites put together by employees of the park that will promise an unforgettable experience.
Yellowstone at Night
Something that is rarely talked-about is experiencing Yellowstone at night. This is so unfortunate because it was by far one of the most memorable things about the park... On a clear night ten minutes will not go by without the sight of a shooting star. About once every three hours one will be seen that lasts longer than ten seconds. Also, there are moon-less nights that the stars were so bright that you can walk through a field without a flashlight. And when the moon rises it is bright enough to hike on a trail in the woods without the aid of a flashlight. However, there are a few obvious dangers to this including spooking a bear or buffalo that may be sleeping near the trail.
Another unforgettable experience is watching Old Faithful erupting by moonlight. Many tourists have a difficult time wrapping their mind around the concept that the geyser will erupt despite the lack of a massive crowd. But it will, even though there is no admission, no security, no fences, no lights, no cameras… just you, the moon and the geyser.
Cody Night Rodeo
This one is not in Yellowstone, but they pride themselves as the "Rodeo Capital of the World," so this is a definite must-see. For relatively cheap admission, the whole family can enjoy barrel racing, jr. steer riding, bull riding, and so much more!
Canyon
The most spectacular sight to behold in Yellowstone is the lower falls of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone at sunset. The water rushing over the falls turns a greenish tent, and the canyon walls become a vibrant rainbow of reds and yellows. The best way to see the canyon is to park in Uncle Tom’s Parking Lot on the south rim, then walk to the overlook to view the Upper Falls. Next, hike along the South Rim Trail to Artist Point. This mile-long stretch of trail is right on the rim of the canyon, and some points can be scary for even the bravest of hearts.
Old Faithful
A trip to Yellowstone would not be complete without stopping to see Old Faithful. When you first arrive, find the visitor's center and ask when the next eruption will be. While you are there, be sure to explore the vast network of trails through the geyser basin to view the many other hot springs, hot pools, and geysers.
Mammoth Hot Springs
The hub of Yellowstone National Park is Mammoth Hot Springs. It is home to the Post Office and Court House, and it is also the residence of the park's highest officials that remain in the park year-around. In addition, it contains many historic buildings with very dynamic architecture.
Wildlife are in abundance in Mammoth as the beautiful lawns are a safe-haven for female elk with their new calves. Mammoth also offers a plethora of trails and even a popular swimming hole where the water from the Hot Springs enters the chilly Gardiner River.
Mt. Washburn
On a clear day, Gardner, MT (60 mi north), Grand Teton National Park (60 mi south), and Idaho (40 mi easy) can all be seen from the look-out on Mt. Washburn. The hike up is slightly strenuous, and not manageable by a few weary travelers, but the trail is wide enough for a car and the views on the way up are worth the slight pain and frustration of the journey.
Photo Courtesy Lauren Raymond
Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole, WY, is the nearest town south of Yellowstone, with a population a little over 8000. If you are traveling through Jackson Hole, make your first stop at the visitor center. It is the best place to kick off the vacation, and the workers there love the region and have great advice to offer. There is so much to see and do in and around Jackson that many travelers spend their entire vacation in and around the area that they never make it into YNP.
Avalanche Peak
For those looking for a physical challenge, take a visit to the summit of Avalanche Peak. No matter what kind of shape you are in, Avalanche has the ability to wear down each and every person that has the audacity to take it on. The 4.2 miles round-trip may sound easy, but keep in mind that the trail head’s elevation is 8,486 feet and the summit is 10,568 feet above sea-level. The trail is easiest after mid-July because many parts of the trail are covered by deep snow the first half of summer. But if you are looking for an adventure, bring along a durable trash bag with you!