2017-11-09 04:13:05
YELLOWSTONE DESTINATIONS. GEOTHERMAL FEATURES Volcanism fuels Yellowstone’s wealth of geysers, boiling pools and bubbling mud pots — a result of the active magma chamber underneath the area. In the Upper Geyser Basin, you can view more than 150 geysers, hot springs and fumaroles (openings in the earth’s crust that emit steam and other gases), including the famous Old Faithful geyser. GRAND PRISMATIC SPRING This tie-dyed beauty is the largest hot spring in the U.S. and credits its brilliant colors to microscopic colonies of pigmented bacteria that thrive around the edges of the pool’s mineral-rich water. Try the new trail and overlook south of the popular attraction for prime views of the spring’s colors. WATERFALLS GALORE There are about 350 identified waterfalls in Yellowstone, many of which can be viewed from roadside trails. The Yellowstone River rumbles through the heart of the majestic Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and down two of the park’s most iconic cascades. Within the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, the Lower Falls is the tallest waterfall in the park, towering at 308 feet. AMAZING WILDLIFE WATCHING Hayden and Lamar valleys are hubs for viewing Yellowstone’s famous wildlife, which includes nearly 300 species of birds and 67 species of mammals. Hayden Valley, framed by forested hills, is home to the world’s largest herd of free-roaming bison, while wolf packs, bald eagles, deer and pronghorn are just a few common sights in Lamar Valley. WHERE TO STAY (BOOK EARLY) LODGES, CABINS & HOTELS From the storied Old Faithful Inn to the Roosevelt Lodge inspired by Teddy himself, there are nine different lodging facilities in Yellowstone. CAMPGROUNDS There are five reservation campgrounds with more than 1,700 sites and seven first-come, first-served campgrounds with more than 450 sites. Backcountry sites are also available with a special permit. OUTSIDE THE PARK Whether you’re seeking a bed-and-breakfast hideaway, snug cabin or a western-inspired inn, there are dozens of accommodation options within the gateway communities of Jackson (60 miles south), Cody (50 miles east) and Dubois (80 miles southeast). Learn more at TravelWyoming.com/places-to-stay or p. 107. KEEP IN MIND GETTING THERE The Yellowstone Regional Airport is about three miles outside of 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 the lodges inside the park, nearby towns and hotels are available from both airports. YELLOWSTONE IS BIG Don’t expect to see everything in one trip. With more than 1,000 miles of backcountry trails for hiking and more than 300 active geysers and 350 waterfalls to admire — there’s so much to do within the park’s 2.2 million acres. WEATHER Temperatures vary by elevation. Dress in layers and be prepared for anything from warm summer temperatures to snow as late as June. ENTRANCE FEES It’s $30/vehicle to visit Yellowstone for one to seven days and $50 to visit both Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks for one to seven days. TRAFFIC Roads through the national parks are shared with wildlife, so traffic is often heavy and speed limits are low. Learn more at nps.gov/yell. WY INDEED “Yellowstone is unlike any other park,” says Jacob Frank, avid photographer and audiovisual production specialist at Yellowstone National Park. “With the thermals and the wildlife, you never know what you’re going to see when you wander out. It’s a different park every single day.” GRAND TETON DESTINATIONS THE TETON RANGE This dramatic north-to-south mountain range is a popular section of the Rocky Mountains, and it’s even more awe-inspiring in person. Snap a postcard-worthy image of the range during a breakfast cruise on Jackson Lake. You’ll start your day with incredible views of Mount Moran mirrored in the still waters of the lake, and then enjoy a hearty breakfast on scenic Elk Island. BEAUTIFUL TRAILS Experienced and novice hikers alike will love the wide range of scenic trails scattered throughout the park. Beginners should consider a low-elevation route like the two-mile-long Lakeshore Trail, which skirts the Colter Bay shoreline. Meanwhile advanced ramblers can tackle the 10-milelong Amphitheater Lake Trail, a trek that leads to meadow-flanked glacial lakes. GREAT LAKES While there are six bodies of water at the base of the Teton Range, including Jackson, Leigh and Jenny lakes, the park has more than 100 alpine and backcountry lakes. Book a kayaking tour, go stand-up paddleboarding or rent a boat from Grand Teton Lodge Company to spend a day on the water. Permits are required for all non-motorized and motorized vessels. Pick one up at visitor centers in Moose, Jenny Lake and Colter Bay. MORMON ROW HISTORIC DISTRICT At the turn of the 19th century, Mormon settlers established 27 homesteads in the vast expanse of Wyoming Wilderness — an area now known as the Mormon Row Historic District. For an iconic panorama, drive along Antelope Flats Road to catch the early morning sunlight as it illuminates the splintered T.A. Moulton Barn, with the jagged Teton Mountains off in the distance. WHERE TO STAY Grand Teton Lodge Company offers nearly 800 individual and group campsites with picnic tables, fire pits and nearby flush toilets. If roughing it isn’t quite your style, make a reservation at one of the rustic log cabins at Colter Bay Village or the well-equipped cabins at Jenny Lake Lodge, which come with amenities like private bathrooms and wood-burning stoves. For the ultimate retreat, stay at the luxurious Snake River Lodge & Spa in Teton Village. Learn more at TravelWyoming.com/places-to-stay or p. 107. KEEP IN MIND PEAK SEASON Late June through late August tends to be a very busy time at the parks. Visit during the shoulder season in early June and September to avoid the crowds. ARRIVE EARLY (OR LATE) Getting an early start maximizes your chances of finding parking, quieter trails and clear waters. During the peak season, there’s often daylight until 9 p.m. or later, and many portions of the park clear out substantially by 4 or 5 p.m. DISCONNECT While there is some cell service in Yellowstone and Grand Teton’s developed areas and Wi-Fi for purchase in select hotel rooms, connections to the outside world are fairly limited. GET OUTSIDE From ranger-led wildlife strolls and horseback riding through wildflower meadows to no-frills backcountry camping and exceptional hiking, take advantage of the many active ways to encounter Grand Teton’s pure natural beauty. Learn more at nps.gov/grte. WY NOT? Stargazing from the park’s lakes (like Leigh, String or Jenny) at night is an unforgettable affair, according to Andrew White, Grand Teton National Park’s assistant public affairs officer. But there are safety precautions you must take, including bringing adequate lighting. “If you’re out on a kayak or canoe on one of the lakes at night, the difference between the sky and the water disappears — and it’s really almost like you’re paddling in the stars.”
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