Norris Geyser Basin is one of the largest thermal areas in Yellowstone National Park. 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 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
The Midway Geyser Basin at Yellowstone National Park may be small compared to the other thermal area in the park, but the effect is bigger because of the the most photographed, powerful thermal hot spring, the Grand Prismatic spring. The spectacular Grand Prismatic spring is the largest hot spring in the United States, and the third largest in the world. Its rainbow colored waters are what really make it so special. The cerulean hue in the center of the pool is pretty astonishing and the bright red, yellow and orange surrounding the edges make it even more spectacular. Expect a crowd and try to visit around 10 am during the cooler months to avoid fog in the morning.
These photos are from our two day trip to Yellowstone National park in late August 2012.
View of Lower Geyser Basin from Grand Loop Road
Lone Bison
Lower Geyser Basin from Grand Loop Road
Grand Loop Road from West Entrance
View of Lower Geyser Basin from Grand Loop Road
Steam from the Midway Geyser Basin
Runoff from Excelsior Geyser to Firehole River at Midway Geyser Basin
Runoff from Excelsior Geyser to Firehole River at Midway Geyser Basin
Hot springs steaming, Midway Geyser Basin
Runoff from Excelsior Geyser to Firehole River at Midway Geyser Basin
Grand Prismatic Spring, Midway Geyser Basin
Steam above Grand Prismatic Spring
Excelsior Geyser In The Midway Geyser Basin
Hot springs steaming, Midway Geyser Basin
Grand Prismatic Spring, Midway Geyser Basin,
Steam above Grand Prismatic Spring
Midway Geyser, Yellowstone National Park
Steam above Grand Prismatic Spring, Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park
Upper Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park is home to hundreds of hydrothermal wonders including Castle, Grand, Daisy, Riverside, Beehive, and the famous Old Faithful. The Old Faithful is the most prominent attraction of the park. Waiting and watching the Old Faithful geyser to erupt is a tradition of the park. As the name suggests, you can trust Old Faithful to erupt for 5 mins approximately every 90 mins. Other than this stunning Old Faithful Geyser, there are many attractive geysers, pools, and hot springs at walking distance. You can boardwalk to the beautiful flower shaped Morning Glory Pool from the Old Faithful Visitor Center. The large hydrothermal Biscuit Basin is just 2 miles north of Old Faithful.
These photos are from our two day trip to Yellowstone National park in late August 2012.
Old Faithful Geyser
Castle Geyser
Beehive Geyser
Old Faithful Geyser
Old Faithful Geyser
Old Faithful Geyser
Old Faithful Visitor Center
Old Faithful Area
Biscuit Basin Trail
Firehole River
Black Diamond and Opal Pool
Sapphire Pool, Biscuit Basin
Cliff Geyser
Heart Spring
Heart Spring
Biscuit Basin Trail
Depression Geyser
Biscuit Basin Trail
Kepler Cascade
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Best Things To Do
The Old Faithful Geyser: Follow the tradition, wait and watch the famous Old Faithful geyser to erupt. The Old Faithful erupts at regular intervals approximately 20 times a day thus leading to its name. This cone geyser erupts approximately every 45-90 minutes and lasts for 3-5 minutes. You can check for the next eruption at the park website or on twitter @GeyserNPS or on the posted prediction sign at the Old Faithful Visitor Center. You can sit and watch the eruption from rows of benches in the stadium area. You can also watch the eruption along the boardwalk that circles around the geyser to the Upper Geyser Basin. Try to visit early in the morning or in the evening
Old Faithful to the Morning Glory Pool : Embrace the beauty of the deep and colorful the Morning Glory Pool. The flower shaped pool has aqua-green color in the center surrounded by mustard yellow. There are two paths from Old Faithful Visitor center that lead to the Morning Glory Pool. One is a paved trail mostly for bikers and the other is a boardwalk for hikers. The 2.8 mile flat boardwalk loop path offers many hot springs and geysers along the way. Carry enough water and also be alert for wildlife
UGB-Biscuit Basin Trail to Morning Glory Pool: This 2 mile round trip trail begins just across the Grand loop road from Biscuit Basin parking area. The trail follows an old dirt path and features many hot springs, geysers, and pools along the way to the Morning Glory Pool. There is a bathroom close to the pool and benches are scattered along the trails
Biscuit Basin Trail: A short 0.7 mile loop boardwalk takes you to the large hydrothermal area with many geysers, mud pots, colorful hot springs, and wildlife. Start the trail by crossing the wooden bridge over the Firehole river
Grand Canyon National Park is in Arizona and is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. The most spectacular gorge, the Grand Canyon, is nearly a mile deep and carved out by the Colorado River. The Grand Canyon can be experienced from all four destinations – the North Rim, the South Rim, Grand Canyon West, and Grand Canyon East. The South Rim and the Desert View scenic drives are open all year but the North Rim will be closed during winter. Grand Canyon West has the famous attraction, the Grand Canyon Skywalk, and is open year around.
These photos are from our visit to Grand Canyon National Park during the last week of September 2014.
Watch Tower at Desert View Point, Desert View Drive
Desert View Point, Desert View Drive
Desert View Point, Desert View Drive
Navajo Point, Desert View Drive
Lipan Point, Desert View Drive
Lipan Point
Moran Point, Desert View Drive
Grand View Point, Desert View Drive
Grandview Point, Desert View Drive
Grandview Point, Desert View Drive
Yaki Point, Yaki Point Road
Yaki Point, Yaki Point Road
Mather Point, Grand Canyon Village
Mather Point, Grand Canyon Village
Yavapai Point, Grand Canyon Village
Yavapai Point, Grand Canyon Village
Trailview Overlook, Hermit Road
Trailview Overlook, Hermit Road
Maricopa Point, Hermit Road
Powell Point, Hermit Road,
Powell Point, Hermit Road
Hopi Point, Hermit Road
Hermit Road
Mohave Point, Hermit Road
The Abyss, Hermit Road
Pima Point, Hermit Road
Hermit’s Rest, Hermit Road
Hermits Road
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Quick Facts and Tips
Best time to visit: March to November
Cool weather and less crowd: March to May and September to November
Peak Season: June to August
Fly into
Phoenix or Las Vegas: Good deals and major international airports
Grand Canyon South Rim is just over a 3.5 mile drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport
Grand Canyon West Rim is a 2 hour drive from Las Vegas McCarran International Airport
Grand Canyon North Rim is a 4 and 1/2 hour drive from Las Vegas McCarran International Airport and you can plan to visit Zion, Bryce Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Glen Canyon National Recreation area since these attractions are close by
Flagstaff Airport: Closest, but small commercial airport and limited flights, just a 92-minute scenic drive via three distinct routes to Grand Canyon National Park South Rim
Clothing
Comfortable pants, hiking shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, capri, sweatshirts, hats, sunglasses, sunscreens, comfortable walking/hiking shoes, and rain gears. It will be cooler in Spring and Fall, so dress in layers
How many days: At least two full days
For the current trail conditions and road closures, check the Park Website
Avoid and do not go close to the canyon edges
The summer thunderstorms can be dangerous. Avoid tall/lone trees and poles, rocky outcrops, canyon edges, railings, and bodies of water. Also, leave open areas as early as you could when you hear thunder and see lightning
Try to be there early in the morning for best lighting, more elbow room, and to cover more attractions of the park
Parking is limited during the summer months
Take food and water so you can spend the day touring
Weak/no cell phone signals in some areas of the park, 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
Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle or from $20 to $30 per person/motorcycle, good for seven days
What to expect
Immense canyons, layered bands of red and black rocks, Colorado River
South Rim: South Rim is open year around. The Park offers free shuttle services to Hermit Road from March to November as no private vehicles are allowed on Hermit’s Road. Shuttle bus services will be suspended on Hermit Road during summer thunderstorms or any other inclement weather. The South Rim is the best choice for first time visitors not just because it offers a number of beautiful viewpoints, but also offers great visitor services, a wide variety of accommodations, and food. On the other hand, there is always a crowd
Best things to do at South Rim
Grand Canyon Village: Visit Grand Canyon Village which features sweeping views to the east and west Canyons. Also spend some time at the Yavapai Geology Museum
Hermit Road: Enjoy the park free shuttle ride to Hermit Road. The Hermit Road is a very scenic road with 9 amazing viewpoints. Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles from March to November. You can drive to Hermit Road only during the winter months of December, January, and February
Desert View Drive: Drive the park’s scenic Desert View Drive and enjoy the stunning wide views of the canyon and Colorado River at every lookouts
North Rim: North Rim is open from mid May to mid October and is closed for the winter (early Nov to Mid May). The park’s north entrance is located 30 miles south of Jacob Lake, AZ on Highway 67 and the North Rim of the park starts here. North Rim is less crowded, but has a limited variety of food choices and accommodations when compared to South Rim. There are several buses, helicopters, and guided tours from Las Vegas to North Rim run by private companies
Best things to do at North Rim
Bright Angel Point Trail: Drive to North Rim Visitor Center and start the Bright Angel Point Trail hike for the classic and most popular viewpoint of the North Rim. This paved short and steep 0.9 mile round-trip hike provides dramatic views of Roaring Springs and Bright Angel Canyons
Point Imperial: Drive to Point Imperial lookout and embrace the beauty of the painted Desert and the eastern end of the Grand Canyon. This attraction is almost a 20 minute drive (11 miles) from North Rim Visitor center. Point Imperial is the highest point in the North Rim. A very short stroll from the parking lot leads to magnificent views of the narrow canyon walls of layered red and black rocks
Cape Royal: Drive the winding scenic drive to the southernmost viewpoint on the North Rim, the Cape Royal. Cape Royal provides the widest panorama across the canyon. There are several lookouts and hikes along the drive. Stop at the Roosevelt Point lookout where the highway makes a big 180° bend(half way between Bright Angel Point and Cape Royal) while going to Cape Royal
West Rim: West Rim is open year around. No private vehicles are permitted past the Grand Canyon West Entrance. You can park your vehicle at the Grand Canyon West Welcome Center (parking is free). Note that Grand Canyon West is not part of the Grand Canyon National Park. Grand Canyon West is owned and operated by the Hualapai Tribe on the Hualapai Native American Reservation. Every visitor to Grand Canyon West is required to purchase a General Admission ticket. You can purchase admission tickets at Grand Canyon West and the Skywalk. The general admission ticket is valid to access the viewpoints and transportation on hop-on/hop-off shuttles, excluding the admission to Skywalk. There are several buses/helicopters/guided tours from Las Vegas to West Rim run by private companies
Best things to do at West Rim
Skywalk: Have a thrilling experience at the Skywalk, a showpiece of the West Rim. This suspended transparent glass bridge takes you to an open space 4000 feet above the West Rim. Looking down as you walk on the glass bridge makes you feel exhilarated
Eagle Point: Hop on the free shuttle and hop off at Eagle Point. Visit and enjoy the authentic Native American village, handmade Native American crafts, and jewelries. Relish and appreciate the live performance at the Amphitheater. At the Eagle Point, the natural rock formations across the canyon looks like an eagle with its wings spread wide. This is best for photo op
Guano Point: Stop at Guano Point for one of the most dramatic viewpoints of the Grand Canyon. Take a short 10 minute walk on the Highpoint Hike that offers a stunning 360-degree view of the Canyon and the Colorado River. Make sure you wear good shoes as the hike is slightly rough and also take caution while walking on the trail as there are no railings. Carry enough water
East Rim: Grand Canyon East Rim is located to the east of the South Rim along the Colorado River to the north. Most parts of the East Rim are also known as the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The term East Rim is not used by the National Park service, rather used by locals to mark the popular sites. Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyons, part of Lake Powell, the Colorado River from Glen Canyon Dam to Lee’s Ferry, Rainbow Bridge, Tower Butte, Marble Canyon, and Navajo Bridge are all located within the East Rim
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is located between Mount Carmel Junction and Kanab which is south and west of the U.S. Highway 89 in southwestern Utah. The park is scenic with warm pink sand dunes and it is about a 30 mile drive from Zion National Park.
During the last week of September 2014, on our way back from Zion National Park we stopped for a couple of hours at the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
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Quick Facts and Tips
Best time to visit: Spring and Fall
Peak Season: Mid May to early June
Clothing
Pants, shorts, or capri, and t-shirts or tank tops. Wearing open shoes, flip flops, or sandals is recommended to avoid sand getting into shoes
For entry fees and more info, visit the Park Website
Some private companies run ATV rentals located right next to the visitor center
Stop by here for a couple of hours if you are visiting Zion National Park. Half an hour (27 miles) from the east entrance of Zion National Park
Planning to travel this summer? Travelling will be a totally different experience now, unlike before this crisis. But by considering the scenario below, you can plan a safe and better vacation. Here are some quick tips and facts
Travel only if it is necessary
If you are already planning to go on a trip, get thorough information about the place and follow the policies and guidelines issued by the state and local government in the place where you are planning to go/stay
Pack enough masks, sanitizers, gloves, wipes
Make sure to have your physician, health insurance, and emergency contact numbers handy
Make sure to always keep social distancing
Be prepared to stay longer than planned at your destination just in case stay at home orders are issued
If you are planning to drive, pack as much food, drink and other necessary items in order to limit store visits. Be aware that not all the stores are open. Also consider extra time needed to enter the store
On the road, sanitize hands and wipe the car door after using gas stations, rest room, etc
If you are staying in a hotel, follow the guidelines there as well. Call and check their policies and guidelines.
Wearing a mask and keeping social distancing in elevators and lobbies will definitely reduce the risk as well as wiping down doorknobs, faucets, tables, TV remotes, and switches etc.
If you are travelling internationally, check the countries’ quarantine guidelines
If you are flying, check airport/airline for the approximate check-in/ wait time and add some buffer time
Whenever possible, drive yourself to the airport or find someone from your family to drop you. Make sure that you know the current procedures and policies of drop off and pick up at the airports
Before you go to the airport, check the opening hours for long term and short term parking
If you have to take a Taxi/Uber/Lyft, wipe the door handle, car seats, and also do the same before exiting the car. They expect passengers to wear masks
Do not forget to check the rental car policies and guidelines
It is recommended to download the airline apps for no contact boarding. Print a bag tag in case you are checking a bag
Bring your own food as many shops at airports may be closed and airlines are not offering food service. Most shops prefer no cash, tap-to-pay card, or no contact payments like Apple/Google/Samsung pay
Pay attention to floor marks for social distancing during check in and security check. Wear mask and use hand sanitizer in case you need to hand over the documents
While security checking, it is advised to keep your food in a clear plastic bag and keep that in a separate bin. Keep belts, phones, keys, wallets, watches, and other stuff in to your carry on bags rather than bins
Check with your airlines for their current procedure for boarding. Some airlines will allow only 10 passenger to board at a time, other will follow row by row
Wear a mask as most airlines are asking passengers to wear masks
Airlines are doing deep cleaning, but it does not hurt to wipe your seats and front resting desk
If you are a person not getting up during your flight, choose the window seat as it has less contact
The Dubai Fountain show is the world’s tallest performing fountain on the 30-acre man made Burj Lake, at the center of the Dubai Mall. Fountains dance and perform to classical, contemporary Arabic and world music.
There will be 5 minute shows every day. Evening shows are every half hour from 6 pm to 11 pm. Daytime shows are at 1 pm and 1:30 pm. The fountain shows are free and can be viewed from every point on the Burj Lake. The popular areas to watch are the Waterfront Boardwalk and the walkway around the Souk Al Bahar, just outside the Dubai Mall. This area gets extremely busy and crowded as thousands of people pour out of the Dubai Mall. So arrive at least 15 mins before the show starts to secure a good spot to view this spectacular show.
MY MOM – She has been my teacher, counselor, a philosopher, and a friend for my entire life. Every morning she wakes up with a positive attitude, and a smile on her face. She is so special, a wonderful human being, superwoman. She is a role model to me. LOVE YOU MOM!!!
Sussex County Sunflower Fields are a collection of over 1.5 million flowers that are tall and expansive. The three mile maze leads to a gorgeous yellow blanket. 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.
