Yellowstone National Park is an iconic travel destination for many people. Due to its breathtaking blend of diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes and geothermal wonders, it’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular places to visit either with family or as a solo traveler. If you’re looking to travel to Yellowstone this year, here’s some of the things you should put on your itinerary.
In Yellowstone National Park there’s some amazing geothermal features which shouldn’t be missed if you want to experience the wonders of this landscape. Some of the geothermal attractions you should add to your itinerary are:
• Old Faithful: Old Faithful is an iconic geyser which erupts every 90 minutes, hence the name. Before you head directly to the geyser, stop by the visitor center first for Yellowstone souvenirs and to get directions on when the next eruption times will occur. Most eruptions can reach between 100-180 ft high.
• Mammoth Hot Spring: Upon visiting Mammoth Hot Springs, you’ll be able to walk along the boardwalks which are situated above the steaming hydrothermal spring. This hot spring over the years has formed a number of cascading terraces and colorful pools. If you don’t want to walk you can also drive around the travertine terraces.
• Grand Prismatic Spring: Known as one of the largest hot springs in the USA, the Grand Prismatic Spring is popular for its vibrant colors due to the thermophilic bacteria that live in the temperatures of the water. Its stunning views are spectacular, especially if you hike to the Overlook trail.
Yellowstone National Park is also home to waterfalls which make them a great attraction for many visitors. Some of the popular areas are:
• Upper Falls: On the South Rim Trail, there’s a beautiful waterfall. This waterfall plummets down 109ft and the site itself is sacred to the indigenous community as spiritual land.
• Lower Falls: This 308ft waterfall is located in the Yellowstone Grand Canyon. Known as one of the most photographed waterfalls, many people take advantage of its spectacular view from the North and South rim trails along with the the main key viewpoint Artist Point.
Yellowstone is home to a number of amazing wildlife. There are two valleys where you can experience the different wildlife on offer. These are:
• Hayden Valley: Haden Valley is home to a number of wildlife which include coyotes, bison, and numerous bird species. The best time to view the animals is in the late afternoon or early mornings. Avoid approaching the animals as it can be dangerous.
• Lamar Valley: Known as the Serengeti Of North America, Lamar Valley is home to wolves, elk, bison, grizzly bear and other beautiful animals. The best time to see the animals is at dusk and dawn. It’s a good idea to bring your binoculars as it’s not recommended to get too close to the animals.
There are many different hiking trails at Yellowstone National Park. Some of these include:
• Mount Washburn: This is a popular 6 mile hike which takes you to a 10,243ft summit. The trail features meadows of wildflowers, and you may have a chance to spot some bighorn sheep along your journey. It’s important to note that the track is moderately strenuous and you should take this into consideration before you hike.
• Fairy Falls: Leading up to a 200ft waterfall, this 5 mile hike allows you to pass by the Grand Prismatic Spring along your journey. To see the peak of the falls it’s best to go in the springtime.
• Beartooth Highway: This scenic byway drive connects the northeast entrance of Yellowstone, and offers amazing views of valleys, mountains and alpine lakes. It’s ideal to drive through during the summer months and there’s several stops along the way for hiking or photography opportunities.
• Grand Loop Road: Connecting to many highlights in the park, the Grand Loop Road is a 142 mile loop which allows you to stop near the Mammoth Hot Springs, Norris Geyser Basin and other Grand Canyon viewports. It’s important to plan your day ahead of time so you can stop and take breaks along the way.
Yellowstone National Park is a must see destination for many visitors to the USA. By taking the time to really take in the beauty and wonder of this place you have the ability to witness the best of nature in its natural environment. Always remember to plan ahead and pack additional water and food incase of emergency.
Header Image: Lukas Kloeppel, Pexels
