Best of Yellowstone National Park
Trip Ideas
Norris Geyser Basin: Yellowstone’s hottest and oldest geyser basin is home to the world’s tallest geyser — but don’t wait for an eruption, or you may be here for years.
Mammoth Hot Springs: Ever-changing, with water trickling over multihued terraces, Mammoth is a moving watercolor painting. Albright Visitor Center houses an interesting museum.
Wildlife-Viewing: Peaceful and away from the big Yellowstone sights, the Northeast Corner is not only a good place to see bison and elk, but wolves as well.
Tower Fall: Located in the northern end of the park, this very accessible 132-foot waterfall is a short walk from the parking lot.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: No adjectives can really describe the power and beauty of this painted canyon where the Yellowstone River drops over two high waterfalls. Lots of viewpoints from all angles, but acrophobics should avoid the Brink of the Lower Falls.
Mud Volcano Area: Think of this as a bad case of geological heartburn. The names tell all: Dragon’s Mouth Spring, Churning Caldron, and Sulphur Caldron.
Yellowstone Lake: America’s largest high-elevation lake occupies an ancient volcanic caldera. Boat tours and fishing are popular, or just relax with a drink inside historic Lake Yellowstone Hotel’s Sunset Room.
Old Faithful: This is the big enchilada. The eruptions are more-or-less predictable, always crowded, and always fun. But don’t miss the many other sights in the area, particularly Riverside Geyser and Morning Glory Pool. The new visitor center is an attraction in its own right.
Old Faithful Inn: This massive log structure is Yellowstone’s most majestic lodge and a delightful place to soak up the ambience. Don’t miss it.
Midway Geyser Basin: The featured attractions are spectacular Great Fountain Geyser and brilliantly colored Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone’s largest at 370 feet across.
© Don Pitcher from Moon Yellowstone & Grand Teton, 5th Edition
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