FULL-STEAM AHEAD LIFE ON THE LAKE 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 res -ervation campgrounds (more than 1,700 sites) and seven first-come, first-served campgrounds (more than 450 sites). Backcountry sites are also available, but a special permit is required. 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 and Cody. Learn more at TravelWyoming.com/places-to-stay . Since we crossed all of the must-sees off our list by day two, Gavin and I were excited to spend a slower-paced day in the park. Before settling into Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Cabins, we made one final trip to Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, per Gavin’s request, to walk along the canyon’s rim and stand next to the Brink of Upper Falls, where the Yellowstone River thunders over a cliff formed by lava more than 500,000 years ago. We also stopped to see some bubbling mud pots in the Mud Volcano area before making our way to Lake Yellowstone Hotel, housed in a stylish yellow building with white columns. I almost screamed in delight when I saw our room’s view of the lake. Meanwhile, Gavin was mesmerized by the elegant lobby, which had a lovely wooden bar framed by giant windows featuring views of the lake. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Lake Yellowstone Hotel was lovingly restored in 2014 to highlight the build-ing’s simple Colonial Revival style. We felt super fancy as we sipped cocktails at the bar and listened to live piano music in the lobby. While the ambiance is undeniably upscale, the hotel supports the casual dress code maintained by the park’s other properties, so we weren’t afraid to hang out in tees and shorts. To soothe the reality of our morning departure, we booked a special meal in the dining room (reservations are required) and feasted on perfectly prepared bison tenderloin and New York strip steak. Then, we watched the sun set over the lake from the window of our room, admired the lack of city lights — and even forgot about the absence of TV, radio or cell service. While returning to our everyday lives seemed unappealing, we were confident that we’d return soon to experience more of Yellowstone’s other-worldly splendor. 18 Wyoming Official Travelers Journal
Wyoming Official Travel Guide 2017 Wyoming OTJ: Page 18
