2021-10-22 21:15:31
WY INDEED NATIONAL PARKS Connected by the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway, Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks both offer dramatic scenery and unforgettable outdoor adventures — but make no mistake: They each deliver distinctly special experiences. OLD FAITHFUL & NEW FINDS 1 HOUR, 1 DAY OR 1 WEEKEND IN YELLOWSTONE A dynamic volcanic hotspot that also boasts more than 1,000 miles of hiking trails, nearly 300 waterfalls and the largest concentration of mammalian wildlife in the lower 48 states? That’s what we call a national treasure. Here’s how to cash in on Yellowstone’s riches, no matter how much time you have to spend. YELLOWSTONE IN AN HOUR If you’re aiming for the Yellowstone speed record, make a beeline for the park’s most famous feature: Old Faithful Geyser. With approximately 20 eruptions every day, this reliable geyser’s frequency can be predicted with 90 percent accuracy, within about 10 minutes. Avoid the crowds with an early morning visit, then tuck in for a hearty breakfast at the Old Faithful Inn, a true icon of pioneer architecture. YELLOWSTONE IN A DAY While you can’t see all of Yellowstone in a single day, it’s relatively easy to prioritize the fascinating geothermal features for which the park is known. Starting in the early morning at the park’s east entrance, head to the West Thumb Geyser Basin, on the edge of Yellowstone Lake. Two short boardwalk loops will take you past the steaming Thumb Paint Pots, vibrant Abyss Pool and minuscule Fishing Cone. Before you leave, check in at the nearby ranger station to find out when Old Faithful is likely to erupt next. Or, if you’re the road-less-traveled type, skip the attraction and make the easy 5-mile hike to Lone Star Geyser, which erupts every three hours for a full 30 minutes. Your journey along the Firehole River will reveal colorful bacteria mats and hissing fumaroles (openings near a volcano where sulfurous gases emerge). Your next stop is Midway Geyser Basin, also known as Hell’s Half Acre for the vaporous clouds clinging to its banks. The main attraction here is Grand Prismatic Spring — the third-largest hot spring in the world. This pool is bigger than a football field. Its enchanting colors are caused by the different species of heat-loving bacteria that live in the spring. Next, you’re off to the Grand Loop just south of Madison. Take Firehole Lake Drive, a 3-mile scenic trip past at least a dozen geothermal features. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch one of Great Fountain Geyser’s breathtaking and highly unpredictable displays. Then, head back to West Thumb for a casual waterfront dinner at the Grant Village Lake House. KEEP IN MIND Getting There Yellowstone Regional Airport is about 3 miles outside Cody near the park’s east entrance and offers service from Salt Lake City, Denver and Chicago. Jackson Hole Airport is about 60 miles south of the park and offers service from different cities, depending on the season. See a full list at jacksonholeairport. com. Car rentals and shuttle services to lodges inside the park, nearby towns and hotels are available from both airports. Prioritize With more than 2.2 million acres, Yellowstone is a sprawling destination, so you probably won’t get to see everything in one trip. Make your must-see list before arriving and plan on a return trip. And be sure to book your campsite or lodge well in advance — these fill quickly, especially during peak season. Weather Temperatures not only vary by season — they vary by elevation (highest: 11,358 feet on Eagle Peak/lowest: 5,282 feet at Reese Creek). Dress in layers, stay hydrated and be prepared for anything from warm summer temperatures to snow as late as June. Entrance Fees It’s $35 per vehicle to visit Yellowstone for one to seven days; the price is the same to visit Grand Teton National Park for one to seven days. TAKE NOTE: Pets are not allowed on trails or boardwalks, in the backcountry or thermal areas, and must be kept on a 6-foot leash in all developed areas. Disconnecting Cell service, Wi-Fi and even television can be hard to come by when you’re traveling around Yellowstone. Be prepared to disconnect (remember, it’s a good thing!) — and don’t be surprised if sending and receiving texts becomes a challenge. Traffic Roads through the national parks are shared with all the wild creatures, so traffic halts frequently for them and speed limits are low. In fact, most traffic stops here are caused by wildlife crossings. Always stay in your vehicle if you’re stuck in a wildlife jam. Never approach, chase or feed the animals. YELLOWSTONE IN A WEEKEND To experience total immersion during your quick weekend in the park, camping is always a great bet (choose from more than 2,000 sites spread across 12 reservable camping areas). Norris Campground — located in the visibly dynamic geyser basin of the same name — is a solid central base for exploring and offers campfire programs nightly, June through September. DAY 1 Come in through the park’s eastern entrance and head north to Mammoth Hot Springs. With a fantastical landscape straight out of Middle Earth, it’s like a limestone cave turned inside out. Two boardwalks give you access to more than 50 geothermal features — including free-standing Liberty Cap, colorful Minerva and Palette Springs and Angel Terrace. History buffs will enjoy a quick side trip to Fort Yellowstone, just a stone’s throw from the springs. With an early start, you can tour the springs area and still set up your reserved site at Norris by 10 a.m. Break to make camp and lunch, then it’s off to Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. This 20-mile-long, 1,000-foot-deep natural work of art is best explored on foot, with the canyon’s colorful walls rising around you. There are 10 official overlook spots in the canyon, and Artist Point is one of the most popular. After uttering your “oohs” and “aahs” at the spectacular view of Lower Falls crashing into the river below, leave the paved trail and keep hiking along the canyon’s south rim to Point Sublime. #YellowstonePledge Help the National Park Service protect Yellowstone for the enjoyment of future generations by taking the Yellowstone Pledge, a promise to help protect yourself and be a steward of the park by taking safe selfies, following speed limits, staying on boardwalks and trails, and keeping a safe distance from wildlife. Then, share your park photos with the hashtag #YellowstonePledge to encourage others to do the same. Learn more about traveling responsibly in Wyoming at TravelWyoming.com/wy-responsibly. WY AM I HERE? The variety of things to do and see in Yellowstone is staggering! From viewing wildlife, visiting historical and cultural sites and watching geysers erupt to hiking one of the dozens of trails, a day in the park is always filled with your own adventure. Be sure to download the NPS Yellowstone app for the most up-to-date information before your visit. — Ashton Hooker Digital Communications Specialist, Yellowstone National Park DAY 2 Due northeast from Norris is the Lamar Valley. Thanks to a reliable water supply, lush vegetation and panoramic vistas, it’s known as “America’s Serengeti” for its large, easily visible wildlife population. On any given day, you might see herds of bison, pronghorn or deer; bald eagles and osprey in flight; or a badger, coyote or grizzly. Nature-loving anglers can kill (or rather, catch and release) two birds with one stone, as the tranquil Lamar River offers some of Yellowstone’s best fly-fishing. Surrounded by rolling verdant hills in all directions — and interrupted only by glimpses of the valley’s plentiful fauna — visitors can expect to hook both rainbow and native Yellowstone cutthroat trout up to 15 inches long. This afternoon, you’re headed due south for an up-close-and-personal view of Yellowstone Lake. The largest high-elevation lake in North America and nearly 400 feet deep in places, it’s too cold for swimming but is wonderful to explore by kayak or canoe. Because of the lake’s many hidden underwater geysers, submerged fumaroles and other geothermal features, we recommend a guided tour with one of the many outfitters in the area. After your paddle, enjoy a rewarding dinner in the charming Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room before bidding farewell to the park — until next time. YOUR HOME BASE (HINT: BOOK NOW) Find the perfect headquarters for your getaway and book it as soon as possible. Depending on the season, spots get booked months — or sometimes even a year — in advance. Lodges, Hotels & Cabins From the elegant Lake Hotel to the Roosevelt Lodge inspired by Teddy himself, there are nine different lodging facilities in Yellowstone. Wi-Fi and TVs can be scarce in this neck of the woods, however, so bring that paperback book you’ve been saving. Campgrounds There are 12 campgrounds with more than 2,000 sites, and reservations are made through yellowstonenationalparklodges.com and recreation.gov. Backcountry sites are also available with a permit. Outside the Park Whether you’re seeking a bed-and-breakfast hideaway, a cozy cabin or a Western-inspired inn, there are dozens of accommodation options within the gateway communities of Cody (50 miles east), Jackson (60 miles south) and Dubois (80 miles southeast).
©Wyoming. View All Articles.