Located in the North of Wyoming, exploring the Yellowstone National Park felt like a dream come true. Geyser Basins, Wildlife, Waterfalls, Geyser Eruptions, Scenic drives, Dirt roads, Hot Springs we got an opportunity to witness all of it. Perched on top of a Volcanic hot spot, this park spreads into Montana and Idaho. I was overwhelmed to be here and anxious at the same time thinking about how much we had to explore. Hence, I wanted to write a separate blog on the things you shouldn’t miss in this park.

I would also suggest reading my previous blog on the many scenic drives in the three states which will give a better idea on how the highway and roads run through these spots and plan your trip accordingly. If you are not planning on hiking here, two days are more than enough to explore this park. We weren’t very keen on hiking so we stuck to the places that caught our interest and the spots we came across during our drive.

Yellowstone National Park falls into 6 areas Mammoth hot springs, Madison Area, Norris Area, West Thumb area, Canyon Village area and Fishing Bridge area. The west area of Yellowstone Lake is where all the Geysers are at and on the east you will see more of Wildlife and beautiful scenic drives through the canyon and the waterfalls.

Day 1

Mammoth Hot Springs Area

If you are taking the North Entrance of the park, Mammoth Hot springs is the first attraction you will come across. You will be mesmerized by the terraces and the fumes coming out of it, that’s just the beginning of this unimaginable adventure. A couple of miles ahead you will come across a sign for the upper terrace. We did not take the trail but stopped before the trail where we saw an unkempt road going right on the terrace. Making our way through the grasses and gravels we soon found ourselves on the terrace. After exploring the hot springs if you keep driving on the highway you will see the Gardiner River and Roaring Mountain on the left.

Norris Area

Further down south, you will see Norris Geyser Basin from the highway. The view of the fumes coming out of the basin is something you cannot miss. This area also has Beryl Springs which with good light condition shines due to limestone deposits. Artist paint pots and Gibbon Falls also fall on the way.

At Beryl Springs

Madison Area

This area has Firehole falls, Firehole River drive which is one of the best drives on this side. As soon as you start on this road you see a couple of geysers on the way. The most striking one on this drive is the Great Fountain Geyser which is suppose to be the tallest eruptions in the park. However it doesn’t erupt frequently. Adjacent to this Geyser is White Dome Geyser which erupts almost every 15 minutes. Firehole river comes almost at the end of the drive and the ambiance there is exemplary.

Fountain Flat Drive falls is in this area, where you get to see people fly fishing and herds of bison grazing and dozing. The Firehole canyon drive is yet another scenic drive where you get to see the Firehole falls.

The Grand Prismatic Springs is in between Madison and Old Faithful area and is very hard to miss. It is usually very crowded but if you go early morning you can expect less footfall than afternoon, when all the tour buses gather here.

Old Faithful Area

Biscuit basin will be on your way after you cross the Madison area. Located amidst pristine beauty this basin has a couple of geysers inside.

On the opposite side of Biscuit basin is the hike that takes you to Artemesia Geyser which looks like an infinity pool. Hike a little further to see the Morning Glory geyser which is one of the most beautiful geysers after The Grand Prismatic Springs in the park.

Old Faithful geyser is only a couple of minutes away from here. You can get some food and coffee here.

Kepler Cascades is another Scenic falls if you drive further down south of Old Faithful.

West Thumb Area

On your way towards West Thumb area, you will come across the Continental Divide near Isa Lake through Craig Pass.
West Thumb geyser near Yellowstone lake has some really good looking geysers and The view of the Yellowstone lake from here is astounding.

We were super hungry by the time we were done exploring this part of the park and our only option to eat was at Old faithful which we didn’t want to so we went towards west Entrance of the park to look at our options. There are tons of places to eat here and is only half an hour away from Madison area.

Day 2

Tower Junction Area

A drive from Tower junction towards Lamar Valley is picturesque. You will come across a lot of wild life on this side of the park. We saw a couple of bears, bisons, a badger, deers and a fox on our way here. Slough creek is another good wildlife viewpoint.

We drove back from Lamar valley towards Canyon Village to grab some food. On your way towards Canyon village you will see tall Tower falls.

Canyon village

Mt Washburn is on the way towards Canyon Village. The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone resides in this village. N Rim Drive is where you will get a closer view of the lower falls. Inspiration point and Grand view point fall on this drive from where you get a good view of the canyon.

South Rim drive has an exceptional view of the falls near Artist Point which is exactly opposite side of the Inspiration Point. Do not miss to check out the brink of the falls from here and the view of the water gushing in front of you.

There are a couple of options for food in the village. Soda Fountain has some really good burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches and a souvenir store.

I would suggest trying to enjoy and being in the moment in the few spots that you come across on your drive instead of rushing through. This park is a different world in itself and deserves the appreciation for blessing us with its existence.

Pictures by:
#chavezkumar
@theinquisitiverobot