Author: Jyothi

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National Parks

Yellowstone National Park

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Yellowstone National Park (U.S. National Park Service) is the first national park in the U.S. and is renowned for its unique hydrothermal and geothermal wonders. Most parts of Yellowstone National Park is in the state Wyoming, but it also spreads to neighboring states Montana and Idaho. The park is a volcanic hot spot and offers tremendous geothermal geysers and hot springs. Waiting and watching the famous Old Faithful gushing geyser to erupt has become a park tradition now. The Park also features a diverse landscape with dramatic canyons, alpine rivers, lush forests, waterfalls, the Yellowstone Lake, and wildlife including bison, elks, antelopes, bears, wolves, and foxes.

Captured during our delightful two-day Yellowstone adventure in late August 2012, these photos transport you to their picturesque beauty.

Quick Facts and Tips

  • Best Time to Visit: April to October
    • Less crowd and cooler weather: April to May and September to October
    • Busiest months and warm weather: June to August
  • Airports
    • Closest, but expensive: Yellowstone Airport, Jackson Hole Airport, and Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. These airports give you good access to Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Glacier National Parks
      • Yellowstone Airport is a small airport but is only 10 minutes from the park’s west entrance
      • Jackson Hole Airport which is about an hour and half drive to Yellowstone’s south entrance
      • Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport: About an hour and a half from Yellowstone’s north entrance. There are more frequent flights from West-Coast cities of US and more Expensive and fewer flights from East-Coast cities of US
    • Good Deals: Salt Lake City International Airport, 6 hour drive to Yellowstone National Park South entrance. This airport is convenient to visit both Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks
  • Clothing
    • Summer is warm and hot, so pack lightweight casual short-sleeved t-shirts, shorts, tank tops, capri, hats, sunscreen, rain gears and comfortable walking shoes. Bring warm jackets for cooler mornings and nights, even in the summer temperatures can drop to below freezing overnight
    • Spring and fall are cooler, so pack long sleeved t-shirts, comfortable jeans, fleece jacket, warm jacket, gloves, rain gears and comfortable walking shoes
  • How many days: At least two full days
  • Accommodation is limited inside the park. Book your accommodation in advance during peak season
  • What to Expect
    • Tremendous geothermal geysers, Hot springs, Gushing geysers, Lush forests, Waterfalls, The Yellowstone Lake, Dramatic Canyons, Alpine rivers, Wildlife including bison, elk, fox, antelope, bears, wolves
  • Be sure to check the Park official website for the current trail conditions and road closures before heading out
  • It could be required to make a reservation before visiting National Park this summer. Check with Park.
  • Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle or from $20 to $30 per person/ motorcycle. The pass is good for both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and good for seven days
  • Start early in the morning during busiest seasons (summer and fall) for best lighting, more elbow room, and most wildlife
  • Take caution and follow the posted signs while driving through the park for pullovers to take photos or to view wildlife
  • Keep some extra time for stopping for photos, sights, unexpected wildlife encounters, erupting geysers, detours and for unplanned delays
  • Be aware of wildlife on the road or near the road. Viewing wildlife from inside the car is the the best and safest way
  • Weather changes rapidly, so carry rain gear and extra clothing
  • During summer the parking lot fills up very quickly and it is recommended to follow the park rangers instructions to use overflow parking lots if necessary
  • Stay on boardwalks and marked trails in thermal areas. Use only open and designated trails and roads
  • Avoid going close to hot springs, steam vents, cracks in thermal areas. These hydrothermal water can severely burn people
  • Take food and water so you can spend the day touring by covering as many as attraction vista points
  • Weak/no cell phone signals, highly recommend to have maps downloaded or printed
  • There is a lot to capture, so keep your camera ready. Make sure that camera is fully charged and also keep backup battery and memory cards
  • Places to Visit
    • Old Faithful, Morning Glory Pool, Grand Prismatic Geyser, Norris Geyser Basin, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Yellowstone Lake, West Thumb Geyser Basin, Mammoth Hot Spring, Tower Fall
  • Best things to do
  • Popular Hikes
  • Nearby Attraction: Grand Teton National Park – National Park Service, Wyoming, just 70 miles away
Categories
Gallery

Painted Sunset

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Every sunset brings a new dawn!

Location: West Glacier, outside Glacier National Park (U.S. National Park Service), Montana, USA.

Time and Date: Around 6:30 pm on August 28th, 2012.

Categories
National Parks

Mammoth Hot Spring and the North

Canary Spring, Mammoth Hot Springs
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Visit Mammoth Hot Springs, one of the outstanding thermal features of Yellowstone National Park (U.S. National Park Service). The Mammoth Hot Springs area is unique and is located very close to the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park away from other attractions of the park. The Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces are the large complex of vibrant travertine deposited from the hot mineral springs. Take a stroll on the boardwalk above the steaming hydrothermal features and embrace the beauty of a series of travertine terraces and the thermal pools. Drive the 1 mile loop road around the Upper Terraces to view the Main Terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, the Fort Yellowstone and the Gardner River, and the hydrothermal features like Orange Spring Mound.

These photos are from our two day trip to Yellowstone National park in the late August 2012.

Canary Spring, Mammoth Hot Springs
Mammoth Terrance Trail
Orange Mound Spring
Mammoth Hot Springs
travertine Terrace, Mammoth Hot Spring
Mammoth Hot Springs
Mammoth Hot Springs
Mammoth Terraces Trail
Liberty Cap, a dormant hot spring cone
Tower Fall
Roosevelt Arch, North Entrance
Grand Loop Road
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Best Things To Do

  • Upper Terrace Loop Drive: Drive Upper Terrace Loop Dr around the large complex of vibrant travertine deposited from the hot mineral springs. It is a short, less than a two mile drive from the entrance of the loop road to the first parking pullouts along the road. The Orange Spring Mound, the Bath Lake area, and the White Elephant Back Terrace are the highlights of the Upper Terrace Loop Drive.
  • Mammoth Hot Springs Trail: Take a stroll on the boardwalk above the steaming hydrothermal features and embrace the beauty of a series of travertine terraces and the thermal pools. The boardwalk leads to a variety of thermal features along the top of the main Mammoth Terrace, Canary Spring, and the main overlook at the top of the terrace.s

Other Nearby Attractions

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Gallery

Sheep in the Field

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Too shy for a photo shoot!

Location: West Glacier, near Glacier National Park (U.S. National Park Service), Montana, USA.

Time and Date: Around 2 pm on August 28th, 2012.

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General

Hawk’s Nest, New York

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Hawk’s Nest highway is a scenic drive you do not want to miss in the fall and summer seasons. It is a next door destination for the tri-state residents. It is a winding road with picturesque overlooks along the Delaware River. Hawk’s nest is named after the birds of prey that nest in the area. This is an excellent place for all kinds of activities like camping, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, tubing etc.

These photos were taken in early October 2017.

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Quick Facts and Tips

  • Hawk’s Nest is stunning year-round. Witness the blossoming trees; enjoy lush greenery in summer; Experience the vibrant foliage in fall and Embrace the serene, snow-covered landscape in winter.
  • There are multiple scenic overlooks between Port Jervis, New York above the Delaware River and Pond Eddy on New York State Route 97. Take your time to drive along the winding roads and savor the breathtaking vistas.
  • Consider visiting during sunrise or sunset for magical lighting.
  • There are several picnic spots along the route. Pack a lunch, find a cozy spot, and enjoy a meal with a view.
  • Take extra caution while parking at the overlooks.
  • Bring your camera and capture the panoramic views from Hawk’s Nest; it is postcard-worthy.
  • Extend your visit by exploring Port Jervis and the Delaware Water Gap, where you can enjoy some fun water activities
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Gallery

Haystacks

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A large open field with hay straws stored in rectangular bales after harvest.

Location: Somewhere on MT-141, between Glacier National Park (U.S. National Park Service), Montana and Grand Teton National Park – National Park Service, Wyoming, USA.

Time and Date: Around 3 pm on August 30th, 2012.

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National Parks

Canyon Village and Grand Canyon

Yellowstone river carves out the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
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Enjoy the stunning views of a 20 mile long and a mile wide Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone in the Canyon Village area, Yellowstone National Park (U.S. National Park Service). The force of the Yellowstone river carves out the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and creates the waterfalls. The canyon is a classic V-shaped valley and the vast multi colored canyon walls are a result of hydrothermal alteration. You can hike many popular trails of the park here. Drive North Rim Drive and visit Inspiration Point. The overlook offers stunning views of varied colored massive canyons, the gushing Yellowstone river. There are limited parking spots.

These photos are from our two day trip to Yellowstone National Park (U.S. National Park Service) in late August 2012.

Hayden Valley
Hayden Valley
Yellowstone River
Winding Yellowstone River, Hayden Valley
Yellowstone river carves out the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Top of the Lower Falls
Yellowstone River in the midst of the Canyons
Bison spotted on Grand Loop Road
Wildlife in Hayden Valley
Wild Fox
Wildlife in Hayden Valley
Bison spotted on Grand Loop Road
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Best Things To Do

  • Brink of the Lower Falls Trail: Though the trail is short 0.8 mile out and back, it has steep drop-offs, many steep down switchbacks, and definitely more challenging on the way back. The trail offers spectacular views of the top of Lower Falls, Yellowstone river, and the vast multi colored canyon walls. The trail has many benches to sit back to catch your breath.
  • Uncle Tom’s Trail: The hike is a short, 0.6 mile round trip with 328 steep steps down. Be aware the uphill return may be challenging. The hike starts from the south rim of the top of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and ends near the base of the 308-foot-high Lower Falls.
  • Watch wildlife in Hayden Valley. Hayden Valley is a large sub alpine valley straddling between Yellowstone Lake and Yellowstone Falls. It’s a great place to view wildlife along the Grand Loop Road. Be aware of wildlife on the road or near the road. Viewing wildlife from inside the car is the best and safest way. Grizzly bears may be seen in the spring and early summer. Bison, Elks, Coyotes, and Foxes are often seen in the spring all the way through the fall.

Other Nearby Attractions

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Gallery

Irrigation Wheels

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Irrigation wheels spraying water!

Location: Somewhere on ID-87, between Glacier National Park (U.S. National Park Service), Montana and Grand Teton National Park – National Park Service, Wyoming, USA.

Time and Date: Around 4 pm on August 30th, 2012.

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National Parks

West Thumb Geyser Basin and South

Lake Shore Geyser
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Explore the West Thumb Geyser basin in Yellowstone National Park (U.S. National Park Service). This offers paint pots, colorful small geysers, vivid hot springs, and dormant geysers on the shore of the scenic Yellowstone lake. Take a stroll through the geyser basin and enjoy the pleasant view of Yellowstone Lake. Try to visit in the afternoon for better views and a cool breeze.

These photos are from our two day trip to Yellowstone National Park (U.S. National Park Service) in late August 2012.

Lake Shore Geyser
Abyss Pool, West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail
Black Pool
Thumb Paint Pots
Painted Pots
Seismograph Pool
Yellowstone Lake
Dragon’s Mouth Geyser
Dragon’s Mouth Geyser
Mud Volcano
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Best Things To Do

  • Mud Volcano Trail: This 0.7 mile boardwalk loop is about 26 miles north of West Thumb Geyser Basin. This short and easy trail features turbulent pools of hot, muddy water, strange odors, and a bizarre landscape. The main attraction is the Dragon’s Mouth Hot Spring. As the name suggests, a large amount of steam rises out from the mouth of the cave, like smoke blowing from the mouth of a dragon. It makes a booming, gurgling, and growling kind of an animal sound as the gases and steam are released from the deep cave.

Other Nearby Attractions

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Gallery

Mushrooms in the Woods

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Mushrooms in the woods

Location: Rainy Lake Trail, North Cascades National Park – U.S. National Park Service, Washington, USA.

Time and Date: Afternoon of August 30th, 2013.

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Land of Flowers

Sunflower Fields

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Sussex County Sunflower Fields are a collection of over 1.5 million flowers that are tall and expansive. The winding three-mile maze culminates in a stunning sea of yellow. Sussex County Sunflower Maze is the largest sunflower farm on the East Coast in New Jersey.

These photos are from our visit to Sunflower Maze in Sussex County, New Jersey in the first week of September, 2018.

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Quick Facts and Tips

  • Best time to visit: August to late September.
  • Bloom highly depends on mother nature, be sure to check for updates, special events and additional tips on Sussex County Sunflower Maze.
  • The address is 101  County Road 645, Sandyston, New Jersey, USA.
  • The maze opens daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, usually from mid-August to mid-September, depending on the growth and bloom of the sunflowers.
  • There is an admission fee.
  • Parking assistance is provided on busy weekends.
  • Take a relaxed stroll while respecting the flowers, other visitors, and the environment.
  • Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for a pleasant experience while exploring the fields.
  • The open fields can be sunny, don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
  • Ensure your camera is fully charged for the picturesque views at Holland Ridge Farms, perfect for creating lasting memories
  • Next door getaway for tri-state residents
Categories
National Parks

Norris Geyser Basin

Scummy Pool, Porcelain Basin Trail
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Norris Geyser Basin is one of the largest thermal areas in Yellowstone National Park (U.S. National Park Service). It is the most powerful, oldest, and hottest thermal basin. It is a totally different experience when you stroll through this thermal area because of the smell, sound, and color. The Norris Geyser Basin is the home for the Steamboat Geyser, the world’s tallest active geyser. The total 2.9 mile boardwalk loop is mostly flat and good for all skill levels.

These photos are from our two day trip to Yellowstone National Park (U.S. National Park Service) in late August 2012.

Near West Entrance
Near West Entrance
Gibbon River, West Entrance
Near West Entrance
Near West Entrance
Near West Entrance
Lone Elk at the West Entrance
Beryl Spring , Gibbon Geyser Basin
Norris Geyser Trail
Norris Geyser Basin
Blue Geyser and Colloidal Pool, Porcelain Basin Trail,
Ledge Geyser and Pools, Porcelain Basin Trail
Scummy Pool, Porcelain Basin Trail
Cistern Spring, Porcelain Basin Trail
Crackling Lake, Porcelain Basin Trail
Ebony Geyser, Porcelain Basin Trail
Whirling Geyser, Porcelain Basin Trail
Whirling Geyser
Whirling Geyser, Norris Geyser Basin
Emerald Spring, Back Basin Trail
Steamboat Geyser, Back Basin Trail
Steamboat Geyser, Back Basin Trail
Veteran Geyser, Back Basin Trail
Minute Geyser, Back Basin Trail
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Best Things To Do

  • Porcelain Basin Trail: This less than a mile loop boardwalk takes you to various hot springs with different colors, distinct odors, and divergent sounds. Porcelain Basin is a barren area, but its rainbow colored pungent odored hot springs and hissing steams are amazing. Try to visit early in the morning to have the best lighting and more elbow room. The peekaboo between the morning sunlight and stream make the hike truly magical. Stay on boardwalks and marked trails in thermal areas. Use only open and designated trails and avoid going too close to hot springs, steam vents, and cracks in thermal area
  • Back Basin Trail: This is a 2 mile loop boardwalk in Norris Geyser Basin that takes you to numerous hot springs and geysers. Unlike the Porcelain Basin, the Back Basin is heavily wooded area. This trail features the world’s largest active geyser Steamboat Geyser and you have to be very lucky to see Steamboat at full strength. The deep blue color Emerald spring is very close to Norris Geyser Basin Museum as well
  • Norris museum: Visit Norris museum to witness exhibits of the origins of the geothermal features found at the Norris Geyser Basin

Other Nearby Attractions