Yellowstone National Park…Scenery Galore

Yellowstone is without a doubt my most favorite place to visit. The scenery is simply breathtaking.

Gibbon Falls Trail – nice short trail with waterfall views.

Calcite Springs Overlook

Brink of Upper Falls – this trail is as long as you want. My husband and I enjoyed views of the upper falls and decided to continue down the path, over a bridge and found ourselves by Yellowstone River. Beware of signs and of your surroundings. While we didn’t see any wildlife, except a beaver, there is a sign warning of bear in the area.  The next day when we were in our car coming back from the Lower Falls and in the same spot where we had saw the sign for Yellowstone River there was a wolf. Now a second word of caution, don’t forget these are wild animals. I can’t tell you how many vehicles were on the side of the road and people were out of their vehicles approaching the animal.

Lower Falls – Two vantage points

  • For an amazing view that includes a short and leisurely walk, visit Artist Point. This is where we got the absolute best views and images of the Lower Falls.
  • For those that want to get “up close and personal” with the Lower Falls and are in great shape, check out Uncle Tom’s Trail. This trail is not for those with mobility issues. The trail is a 500-feet and includes a 328 steep steel staircase and paved inclines.

Kepler Cascades – quite a beautiful waterfall and worth the short trek to the viewing spot.

Calcite Springs Overlook – a short walk to the overlook area (The Narrows), which will afford you views of the river 500 feet below. One of our most favorite images taken was at this very spot. The scenery…well worth the stop.

Lewis Falls – 30 feet tall on the Lewis River. A last-minute stop that we thoroughly enjoyed running across.

Yellowstone National Park Slideshow

Yellowstone National Park…Accommodations

In preparing for our visit, I felt it important to find the best accommodations possible based on what we wanted to see.  Yellowstone is quite vast at 2,000,000 miles, so we knew we would be traveling via car quite a bit and wanted to minimize the commute to/from our lodgings. Unfortunately I began my search for accommodations after the National Park reservation system had opened up, so the best dates/rates were already gone for accommodations inside the park. If this happens to you, there are so many options just outside the park that you’re sure to find what will work best for your family. With four entrances, be sure to find the best “home base” for your family so you can minimize traveling time as much as possible.

Tips and Hints for an enjoyable and SAFE vacation at Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks

Follow the speed limits, signs, and rules regarding distances to animals at all times.  The parks are amazing; however, if you don’t follow the rules you or the animals can get hurt. The animals are not caged, so you are entering their habitat.  I saw many people forget that in the excitement of seeing elk, bear, wolves, and even bison.

  • Did you know that more than 100 deer, moose, bears, elk, bison, & wolves are killed each year due to speeding vehicles? 
  • Did you know that while bison can weigh as much as 2,000 lbs, they are faster than you would think and can spring 30 miles per hour.  More people are injured by bison than any other animal in Yellowstone.  If you heed the wisdom of the safety rules, you are ensured to have an amazing time.
  • Staying safe in Yellowstone’s superhot places.  There are many hydrothermal areas.  Water is often near or above boiling.  The crust above the water is thin and easily breaks.  The best way to stay safe is to follow all signs and stay on boardwalks and designated trails.  They protect you and the delicate formations.  If the wind blows some of your possessions away from the boardwalk, don’t try and retrieve it if it’s in a thermal area.  Find a park ranger to see if they can help.

Two National Treasures in the United States…Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park

Gibbons FallsWhat one was better?  If you only had time to see only one park what one should you choose?  I must say if you are traveling that far and with the parks so close together, take the time to at least get in the highlights of both parks.  It was quite the debate on our trip on which park is the absolute must see. My husband Mike was drawn to Grand Teton due to the awesome mountains and the famous Moulton Barn, while I thought Yellowstone won out hands-down due to the varied landscape and animals.  Mike’s mom and her husband have gone to both parks as well and it was a similar debate with his mom preferring Yellowstone and step-father choosing the Tetons.  I can tell you with 100% certainty you can’t take a bad picture of the Tetons or at Yellowstone, nor does any image you’ve seen do them justice.  The scenery is beyond description.  It’s one of those places you MUST see in your lifetime.

Grand Teton National Park Slideshow

Yellowstone National Park Slideshow