Tag: Yellowstone National Park Travel Guide and Tips

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Layers of Hills

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Sometimes, all you need is a beautiful distraction!

Location: Somewhere near the “Welcome to IDAHO” sign on I-15 Northbound, between Salt Lake City and Grand Teton National Park/Yellowstone National Park, USA.

Date and Time: Around 10am on August 26, 2012.

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National Parks

Yellowstone National Park

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Yellowstone National Park 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.

Click on the links to explore more.

Midway Geyser Basin
Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin
Canyon Village and Grand Canyon
Norris Geyser Basin
West Thumb Geyser Basin and South
Mammoth Hot Springs and the North

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, just 70 miles away
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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. 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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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. 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 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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National Parks

West Thumb Geyser Basin and South

Lake Shore Geyser
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Explore the West Thumb Geyser basin. 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 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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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. 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

Other Nearby Attractions

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National Parks

Midway Geyser Basin

Opal Pool
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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
Opal Pool
Turquoise Pool
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Best Things To Do

Other Nearby Attractions

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National Parks

Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin

Old Faithful Geyser
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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 Viewing Area

  • 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
Old Faithful Visitor Center to Morning Glory Pool
  • 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
UGB-Biscuit Basin to Morning Glory Pool

  • 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
Biscuit Basin Trail

Other Nearby Attractions