*Other areas of interest: Excelsior Geyser Crater, once known to be one of the largest geysers erupting geysers. In the 1800's-1980's the beautiful, deep blue geyser erupted with heights up to 300ft! However, it currently it sits dormant.
-Mammoth Hot Springs: One of the most interesting geologic formations in the park and well worth the drive to the northern part of Yellowstone park. We loved seeing how vastly different the landscape was and enjoyed taking in all the variations in scenery and views along the way. The best way to see all of the main points of interest at the hot springs is to park and walk along the board walks. Each board walk connects to different sections of the hot springs and terraces. One of the most popular terraces is Mound Terrace which is home to bubbling springs, several tiers of terraces & vast scenic views.
*Tips: It is important to note that this area of Yellowstone can be very VERY hot during the summer months of July & August. To be best prepared plan to bring plenty of water, sunscreen and sun hats or umbrellas to help protect you from the heat and harmful sun rays.
*Also good to note is that some of the boardwalk area can be uneven at times and that many have stairs that could pose stumbling/tripping hazards for anyone who might have mobility difficulties or plan on using a stroller or wheelchair. However, both areas can be viewed separately by driving to each one. Lower terrace, the location of the Liberty Cap is fully wheelchair accessible & stroller friendly.
*Lastly, if you plan to see all of Mammoth Hot Springs area it will take around 1.5 hours to view the area. Also it is helpful to know that Upper Terrace loop can be driven in order to appreciate many of the scenic views and some of the thermal activity (even if parking is an issue) while you wait for a good parking spot to open.
*Fun Facts: After a stop in town the North Entrance & famed Roosevelt arch is just a short trip up the road. Also good to note is that this entrance is the only one to remain open the entire year. The closest town to this entrance is Gardiner Montana which is roughly 5 miles from the entrance and offers several good options for lodging.
*Tips: This area of the park is often overlooked by many tourists who visit due to the distance from the most popular areas of Midway Geyser Basin, where Old Faithful is located & the popular West Thumb and Upper Geyser Basins. Due to it's proximity, many never travel the 1 1/2 hour drive from Old Faithful up this far north. Making it a much easier to explore this beautiful area of the national park.
-Roosevelt Arch: This goes on our list because it is such a quick & easy detour and a good place for photos. *Fun Facts: President Roosevelt happened to be vacationing in the park while the arch was being constructed, so he was asked to speak at the dedication ceremony and the cornerstone of the arch was placed by Roosevelt in 1903. The arch was constructed to create a grand entrance for the "crown" of the nation; the very first national park in the United states. The Arch can be seen from miles away & is 50 ft high.
*Tips: This is one of the only locations within the park to snag a pic with the National Park sign (that signifies you're in the park). For all those who love to take pics (like me😉), this is a perfect place for some photo ops, you'll want to add this to your list as a quick pit stop (see pic above of the sign).
-The Grand Canyon Of Yellowstone: One of the most beautiful areas in Yellowstone in my opinion. The glorious colors of the canyon are a sight to behold. The beautiful canyon has been carved out by the Yellowstone river as it cascades down Upper Falls a erodes away at the soft rock. The canyon is roughly 20 miles and offers numerous viewpoints and trails along the river. Inspiration point provides stunning views of the deep canyon and the mountains to the left and to the right Upper Falls is viewable off in the distance with the Yellowstone river below.
*Tips: An easy 1.1 mile trail that meanders through the paint pots is located 3.7 miles south of the Norris Geyser Basin. Parts of the trail is paved and parts are through a dusty unpaved area or a bit of rough terrain and some steps that may not be suitable for those with mobility difficulties.
*Other areas of interest in Norris Geyser Basin:
-Vortex geyser is a small geyser that is continually spouting & kids will enjoy viewing this one up close while on the boardwalk. This is located in the back basin along with Monarch Geyser & the famous Steamboat Geyser.-Steamboat Geyser resides in this area of the park and is known as one of the worlds tallest geysers. The tallest spout on record was over 300ft in height! Sadly, it erupted about 18hours before we were in the park so we felt like we missed out a bit. Unlike Old Faithful, which erupts more consistently that allows park staff to predict the next eruption Steamboat Geyser's eruptions are unpredictable. So if you happen to witness one of the eruptions, consider yourself one of the lucky ones who are able to observe this awesome geyser in action.
-Norris Geyser Basin Museum was not open during our visit, but it is currently running at normal hours. We heard this was a fantastic place to visit and it is on our list for our next trip to Yellowstone.
-Fun fact: Most of the geysers in this area are acidic which is very rare, making this area of the park a must see in our book.
*Gibbon Falls, a roaring 84ft waterfall tumbles over the Yellowstone Caldera remnants within close proximity of Norris Geyser basin & Artist Paint Pots. It is an easy quick stop right off the road and a great view point is just a short walk from the parking lot. For better views follow the long walkway to the south of parking lot. Where you will find a spectacular unobstructed view of the falls along the rock wall, which is the inner rim of the caldera. To the northeast of the parking area is a trail that follows along the river beside the top of the falls. *Artist Paint Pots are located just a short drive to the North from the Norris Geyser Basin, along the route is Gibbon Falls that can easily be a quick pit stop or a longer break if needed. One of our favorite things about the paint pots is the variety of geologic features located in this small portion of the park. An easy 1 mile trail that weaves through burned sections of forest, colorful springs and boiling, bubbling mudpots.
*Beryl Springs is located right along the Gibbons river which makes it an easy area for a quick pit stop. The springs are sulfuric and have a very strong odor(similar to rotten eggs😳👃), however it is a very interesting sight and worth a quick visit. -During spring Grizzly bears have been spotted from time to time as well as black bears, however the odds of seeing one here are rare.
*Tips: For anyone who is searching for animals while on their visit most park rangers, as well as numerous websites and blog posts recommend spending time in Haden Valley & Lamar Valley. Those who particularly have interest in viewing wildlife in their natural habitats will enjoy the hunt for some of the most sought after; the predators. Grizzlies, black bears and wolves are known to frequent Lamar Valley but both grizzly and black bears have been spotted around Hayden Valley as well as other areas of the park. *It is important to note that park rangers recommend carrying bear spray with you at all times (especially while out on a trail/hike) & it is also recommended to store food away in bear lockers while camping in the park, backpacking or hiking to help maintain your safety.
-Bison, elk and other large animals roam freely throughout the park, the majority of these animals tend to graze in Hayden Valley.
*Safety tip: As always, for the sake of safety it is highly recommended that everyone keep their distance to remain safe while observing & photographing the majestic creatures. Park rangers suggest that a 25 yard radius should be kept if near bison or elk (the length of 2 school buses) and at least 100 yards from a bear (length of 5 school buses) to ensure your safety. Throughout the park there are signs posted to remind visitors that the animals are wild and dangerous and should not be approached. For your safety we highly highly recommend adhering to the advice of the park rangers.
HIDDEN GEMS: Some of our favorite sites were a little off the beaten path and places we think you will really enjoy. The places on this portion of the list are a little lesser known, and were much less crowded. So if you're looking for places that will offer a little more solitude, less crowds and a variety of sights to see you'll want to add these places to your list.
-While you're visiting Mammoth Hot Springs area be sure to visit the oldest shop in Yellowstone, estab. in 1895 for a cool treat or a fun souvenir to remind you of your time in Yellowstone (see more info above about this store.)
-Also while near Mammoth is the perfect time to head to the north entrance to view the Roosevelt Arch (also mentioned & shown above). For a fun activity: see if you or one of your crew can spot the cornerstone that is engraved with Theodore Roosevelts name and the date he set it in place.
-While you are near Madison we recommend taking a short detour from the main road & driving along Firehole road and make a point to stop at Firehole Falls. It is a beautiful area with several areas to pull off, walk along the river or take one of the trails. The waterfall is approximately a 0.5 miles upstream from the connection of Firehole river & the Gibbon river, the falls are a cascading crescendo as the river drops 40 ft over lava rocks and the river winds its way along the canyon.
-While in the Firehole loop it is a great time to explore the Fountain Paint Pots, which are located just off of this loop in the Lower Geyser Basin. The boardwalk is just off Firehole Lake Road. The path will bring you to fountain and morning geysers as well as many other features. If you're seeking a place away from the crowds then this is where it's at. Most visitors tend to skip this area so you may just have it to yourself! -Some of the most interesting to observe were the mud pots located within the the paint pots area. It was very intriguing to watch the mud bubbling on the surface, popping, steaming and gurgling. Although not as pretty as the colorful geysers and much smellier (think sulfuric), they are definitely worth a place on your list & a stop while on your trip.
-Tips: Keep an eye out for stunning sights all over the park, many roadside waterfalls, cliffs, roaring rapids, wildlife and amazing geothermal features everywhere you look. We drove right next to these falls (on our way to Mammoth Hot Springs area) without even knowing it was there, we just happened to spot it outside the window and used a roadside pull-off to hop out and snap a few quick pics.
-When visiting the Norris Geyser Basin, home of the hottest and most acidic thermal areas in Yellowstone, head to the Back Basin to discover Echinus Geyser. Echinus has a pH of 3-4 making it one of the most acidic geysers in the world, it's almost as acidic as vinegar! Really a neat sight to see and one we recommend. We also suggest taking a walk along the boardwalk of Porcelain Basin where you will be able to observe how quickly the landscape changes from the Back Basin. Porcelain Basin is filled with numerous geysers and fumaroles where other areas within the Norris Geyser Basin contain all four types of geothermal features.
-At the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone take a hike on the North Rim trail for stunning views and incredible vistas. The trail runs along the Yellowstone river and provides a variety of beautiful views all along the trail.
-Inspiration View Point & other points of interest along Grand Canyon of Yellowstone: One of our favorite views was at Inspiration Point and at the lower falls overlook. The staircase down to the base of lower falls was temporarily closed while we were there, however an excellent view of the falls can be seen at the overlook without taking the 328 steep stairs to the bottom.
*Tips: If you plan to be in this area of the park be aware that the weather can differ widely from other areas of the park. Be prepared for crazy wind, sudden downpours and much cooler temps. This area can also be extremely hot in warmer months so it is wise to carry water with you and sun protection. We suggest bringing layers, sun hats, a light water proof jacket or rain poncho to protect from getting drenched if a storm rolls through & to use precaution on the trails if it could be slick or icy after a rain storm or drastic change in weather.
-Yellowstone Lake & West Thumb Geyser Basin: We had limited time in these areas but we really enjoyed the views from Yellowstone Lake and all the amazing geysers we saw in West Thumb. We look forward to another trip in the future where we can spend more time in this area of the park.
-Driving to Yellowstone Lake will bring you to 8,391 ft in elevation and you'll cross the Continental Divide.
If you will be heading south, another lovely little waterfall to enjoy is Lewis Falls. This would make a great little stop either on your way out of or into the park. It is located near Lewis Lake close to the South entrance of Yellowstone. A trail to an overlook, up on a rock is available (for those who are a bit more adventurous) or there is easy access to viewpoints directly from the parking lot. We enjoyed stopping for some photos & a quick snack before we headed out of the park and drove through Grand Teton National Park.
Lastly, if you're also a homeschool family, or happen to be looking for ways to increase learning opportunities (either before, during or after your visit to Yellowstone), I recommend checking out this science study we used for my sons science program this year. It includes videos, a workbook and a special guide that dives deep into the history, features and creation of Yellowstone. The guide book was excellent to carry along in our backpack while we were out adventuring. It gave numerous insights, tips and helped us gain a better understanding of what we were seeing. We also found all of the information to be very insightful and useful when we had questions about the formation of the features, such as geysers, fumaroles, springs & mudpots located in Yellowstone. We think it's worth taking checking out and a valuable tool to help you dive deeper into the history, development and creation of this incredible park. We hope you have a fabulous time in Yellowstone and that several of these insights, tips and suggestions prove very beneficial for your trip!
Have you been to Yellowstone before?
What are/were some of your favorite sights? Are they missing from my list? I'd love for you to share them with me so I can include them, so drop your tips & suggestions below in the comments or leave me a note in the contact me section to the right👉
Happy travels friends,
~K
*As a side note, Yellowstone is massive. It covers nearly 4,000 miles (when combined with The Grand Tetons), which makes seeing all of the landscape, features and attractions within the park difficult to do in one trip. I would recommend at least a week or longer to really be able to take your time and appreciate each area of the park. Due to only having 3 days in the park we were unable to visit Lamar Valley (top of our list for our next trip) as well as most of West Thumb Geyser Basin or Yellowstone Lake areas. When we have the chance to return look back for updates to this list in the future :)
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