Yellowstone National Park is one of those iconic places that most people put on their bucket list without actually knowing why. The fact that it is sitting on top of an active volcano just waiting to erupt and the chance to see wild bison herds is enough to get anybody excited. With such lofty expectations it seems destined to disappoint, however, I found myself simply amazed by Yellowstone National Park.
While driving the loop that surrounds Yellowstone Lake I was astonished by how vastly changing the landscape was. Upon entering the park my heart started to palpitate as I witnessed the wonders of my first geyser. As we passed Biscuit Basin and then Fairy Falls smoke emerged from the ground like there were invisible chimneys all around us. Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring lived up to their reputations. However, there was a hot spring at Biscuit Basin that we found to be brighter in color than Grand Prismatic. Whether that be because of an overcast day and excess fog or if it is actually more colorful is unknown.
The 1.8 mile walk around Norris Basin gave us what felt like a complete picture of Yellowstone. We saw Steamboat which consistently emotes streams of hot air. There were also bubbling pits of mud, neon blue pools and mysterious green cauldrons that invoked our imaginations and took us to a magical kingdom. The landscape was dry and sparse near the hydrothermal attractions, but off in the distance I could see dense forests and mountains. While driving through the park we passed crystal clear rivers and mountainsides. Sometimes we had to slow the vehicle as a moose or bison crossed the road.
We went to Artist Point to take in the wonder of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. A huge canyon made of yellow stone dropped down below us. A gorging river cascading into the deep ravine has been the point of inspiration for many an artist. This landscape is so starkly different from the smoking dry ground of Norris and the healthy forest along the river. From Artist point we circled down towards Lake Yellowstone. We passed what seemed like endless grassy fields and plateaus. This landscape reminded me of the Yellowstone documentaries I have seen. Enormous herds of bison were seen grazing out into the distance. I couldn’t help but think, this is Yellowstone, this is why I’m here.
I loved Teton National Park for the trekking opportunities. Yellowstone is more about the attractions. Most wonders must be experienced from a path as there are wild animals and unstable steam below the surface. Despite having to stay on designated paths, the geographical irregularity with each minute being equally as stunning yet different as the last, is why Yellowstone boasts such a hefty reputation.
We chose two hikes off of this list of day hikes. We did #7 Elephant Back Mountain and #20 Purple Mountain. Neither were very difficult but they did quench our thirst for an uphill ascent. We stayed at Grant Village which had a large campsite with room for a hammock, tent and a fire pit. It was right on the lake which made for a peaceful sunset.
There is no way my words can do Yellowstone justice. It is one of those places you know you have to eventually go to and I promise you won’t regret it. Here is a video to help you picture this natural wonder where my words failed to do it justice.
Chronicles of a Wandering Soul 