Exploring Yellowstone: A Traveler’s Guide to America’s Iconic National Park

As my journey in the USA comes to an end, I had the opportunity to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Yellowstone National Park. 🌲 Although I visited at the end of May when the prime viewing season had not yet started, I was still mesmerized by the park’s stunning colors, even amidst the chilly temperatures and misty weather! Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your visit to this iconic national park.

Accommodations: Where to Stay in Yellowstone

When planning your stay, I highly recommend lodging inside the park for convenience. The popular attractions in Yellowstone are spread out over great distances, and unless you can spare 3-4 days, staying within the park is worthwhile. During my visit, I spent two nights at:

• Lake Yellowstone Cabin: $380/night
• Canyon Cabin: Originally $350/night, but I secured it for $278/night after a discount.

Stay Away from Lake Yellowstone Cabin!

While the amenities at the Lake Yellowstone Cabin may look appealing, I would advise against it. The price is steep, the room was rather small, and the location was inconvenient. For example, it took over 30 minutes to reach West Thumb and 60 minutes to make it to Old Faithful. Additionally, there was only one dining option offering fast food, and the cabin lacked Wi-Fi. However, I found that Verizon worked well for phone service, which allowed me to create a hotspot for some late-night browsing!

The Best Experience: Old Faithful

If you’re looking for a worthwhile investment, consider accommodation at Old Faithful. I believe the highlights of the southern part of the park revolve around this area, mainly showcasing the famous geysers and colorful hot springs.

Tips for Geyser Watching

For geyser watching, focus on Old Faithful. Other geysers can become repetitive, and you’ll easily find the eruption schedule on the NPS app. If you’re not keen on downloading it, just follow the crowd—wherever you see a group of people gathering, you can bet an eruption is about to happen!

Discovering the Colorful Springs

Yellowstone is home to a variety of colorful hot springs. As you approach Old Faithful, you will notice numerous steaming hot springs that give the area an almost surreal appearance. After watching Old Faithful erupt, take a leisurely walk along the boardwalk to the Morning Glory Pool, where an array of unique springs awaits—a feast for the eyes!

Grand Prismatic Spring: A Must-See

Don’t miss out on the Grand Prismatic Spring! Start with a hike to the overlook for a panoramic view. I parked at the trailhead (coordinates: 44.5153860, -110.8326309) and it’s a scenic 20-minute uphill walk. Afterward, you can descend to the boardwalk for an up-close view of the spring. Keep in mind that on chilly days, steam may obstruct the view, so plan appropriately!

Must-Visit Sites: Mammoth Hot Springs and Yellowstone Falls

Mammoth Hot Springs is another iconic location. Whether you view it or not, you might end up feeling a sense of regret! Personally, I found the formations amusing, resembling a spider’s web! 😄 Furthermore, the Yellowstone Falls at Artist Point gives a stunning representation of the park’s namesake—definitely worth climbing up to the viewpoint.

Wildlife Encounters

Expect some excitement when you encounter traffic jams in the park, as that signals some wildlife sightings! Keep your eyes peeled for bears, bison, elk, and wolves from a safe distance. I was lucky enough to spot three black bears, along with some other animals, all at incredibly close range—just 10 meters away! But remember, serendipity plays a big role, and patience is key!

In summary, my Yellowstone adventure was nothing short of remarkable, filled with vibrant colors and unforgettable experiences. 🇺🇸 If you’re planning to visit the USA, make sure to include this gem on your travel itinerary!