Have you been to Yellowstone yet? I did a quick run through there a couple of years ago, but came down with the flu shortly into the journey. Heading back there in a couple of weeks though as a part of my 50at60 year, and am looking forward to another visit there … sans flu of course!
Decided to reach out to AI, similar to the previous post I did for the Grand Tetons, and thought I would share it here. I know there is a ton of information out there and to be honest with you, the park visitors center is always a great place to gather up to date information. All that being said, this is of course a beginners primer to get you going. Ill come back at a later date for a full report of what we actually did and some images of course! Till then …
Day 1: Arrival and Geyser Exploration
Morning: Drive to Yellowstone National Park
- Depart early from your previous location.
- Drive to Yellowstone National Park, entering through the South Entrance if coming from the Grand Tetons (approximately 1.5 hours drive).
Afternoon: Check-In and Old Faithful Area
- Check into Old Faithful Snow Lodge.
- After settling in, explore the Old Faithful area:
- Watch an eruption of Old Faithful Geyser. Eruptions occur approximately every 90 minutes.
- Take a walk on the Upper Geyser Basin boardwalk to see other geothermal features like Castle Geyser, Grand Geyser, and Giant Geyser.
Evening: Dinner and Geyser Gazing
- Enjoy dinner at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge Dining Room.
- After dinner, take an evening stroll to watch another eruption of Old Faithful under the stars, offering a unique and quieter experience.
Day 2: Geothermal Wonders and Wildlife Spotting
Morning: Grand Prismatic Spring and Midway Geyser Basin
- Visit Midway Geyser Basin early to see the spectacular Grand Prismatic Spring. The morning light enhances the vibrant colors.
- Take a short hike to the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook for an aerial view (1.2 miles round trip, easy).
Mid-Morning: Fountain Paint Pot and Firehole Lake Drive
- Drive to the Fountain Paint Pot area to explore mud pots, hot springs, and geysers.
- Take the scenic Firehole Lake Drive for a chance to see Great Fountain Geyser and other geothermal features.
Afternoon: Norris Geyser Basin
- Head to Norris Geyser Basin, one of the hottest and most dynamic thermal areas in Yellowstone.
- Walk the boardwalks to see Steamboat Geyser, Porcelain Basin, and the Back Basin.
Evening: Mammoth Hot Springs and Dinner
- Drive to Mammoth Hot Springs to explore the unique travertine terraces.
- Enjoy dinner at the Mammoth Hot Springs Dining Room.
Night: Return to Old Faithful Snow Lodge
- Drive back to the Old Faithful area and rest up for the next day.
Day 3: Canyon and Waterfalls Adventure
Morning: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
- Visit the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone:
- Stop at Artist Point for breathtaking views of the canyon and Lower Falls.
- Walk the South Rim Trail for different perspectives, including Uncle Tom’s Trail if you’re up for a challenge.
Mid-Morning: Hayden Valley
- Drive through Hayden Valley for prime wildlife viewing opportunities, including bison, elk, and possibly bears.
Afternoon: Yellowstone Lake and West Thumb Geyser Basin
- Visit Yellowstone Lake, the largest high-elevation lake in North America.
- Stop by West Thumb Geyser Basin to see thermal features right along the lake’s edge.
- Take the easy West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail (0.5 miles).
Evening: Dinner and Relaxation
- Return to Old Faithful Snow Lodge for dinner.
- Spend your final evening relaxing and perhaps taking one last stroll to see Old Faithful.
This itinerary offers a balanced mix of geothermal wonders, wildlife encounters, scenic drives, and easy hikes, ensuring an unforgettable experience in Yellowstone National Park.