WOW! Yellowstone was an experience! I was incredibly intimidated by this place, especially at the thought of going there by myself. It has more than 3,000 earthquakes yearly, though you don't feel most of them. It covers 3,500 square miles or 2.2 million acres! That is bigger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined. Armed with all of that knowledge, all I could think was...
"I have the worst sense of direction. What are the odds of anyone finding me if I get lost there?"
I started at the South Entrance. The north and east entrances were still closed because of significant flooding in the spring. It was a drive that took me back through the Grand Teton National Park to get there. I wasn't mad about that!
I call this one... Dog Paw. 🐾 I'm sure that's the official name for it.
These are pictures from the West Thumb Geyser Basin. This is the largest geyser basin on the shores of Yellowstone Lake. They were fascinating, but the smell of sulfur was definitely in the air throughout the park. This is because of the elevated sulfuric acid and hydrogen sulfide gas levels within the geysers.
The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
This view was so dramatic and almost too overwhelming for my senses. Most places had rocks along the ledge, but some were not very tall. I had to brace myself to look over, then move back and take a deep breath to get centered again. I was not expecting a grand canyon 1,000 feet deep in the middle of the park. I believe the waterfall is called Tower Falls. I have a video of it on the website. Just incredible that the Yellowstone River, over time, formed this magnificent natural treasure.
It's no secret that I love waterfalls! This unique one is called The Undine Falls. It's 60 feet and runs into Lava Creek, just four miles from the Mammoth Hot Springs. It was so stunning I sat for a while and took it in.
Elk at Mammoth Hot Springs
The end of "The Rut," or mating season, was when the bull kept all his females in a harem. I imagine they are ready for this dude to go on with his life after corraling them together for a month. They like to congregate in the little town within Yellowstone and are everywhere. This is also where most of the park rangers live.
The Norris Geyser Basin
Norris Geyser Basin is the thermal area's hottest, oldest, and most dynamic. The hottest temperature recorded was 459 degrees. It activates your senses with sounds, smells, and beautiful colors.
The Midway Geyser Basin
They get their beautiful color from different species of thermophile bacteria living in the cooler water around the spring. Who knew bacteria could be so beautiful?
The blue color occurs because water scatters the blue wavelengths of light more than others, reflecting blues to our eyes. I don't fully understand how it happens; I know it is stunning and serene.
My experience in Yellowstone profoundly moved me, and I was left exhausted by everything I saw. I was in the park for about 7 hours, and I drove home in silence, just trying to process everything. I think I still am. There was so much to experience, and I am grateful I was able to leave my footprints and take away memories I hope never to forget.
There is so much more to Yellowstone; this is my highlight reel. By the way, I only got lost twice. I consider that a win!
Stay Wild 🌿
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