NATIONAL PARKS yellowstone in a weekend MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS 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 camp-ing 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 . CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: INSTAGRAM/LANDYSHZI; FLICKR/EVANGELIO GONZALEZ; INSTAGRAM/THRIFTYWITHACOMPASS. @landyshzi GRAND CANYON OF THE YELLOWSTONE ARTIST POINT #YellowstonePledge Help the National Park Service protect Yellowstone for the enjoyment of future gen-erations 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. @thriftywithacompass @Evangelio Gonzalez 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. 53
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