If you have never been to Yellowstone National Park, you are really missing out! Last week we went with my husband’s parents and some of his siblings and their families. We stayed for four days. I think next time we need to extend our stay by a day or two. There is just so much to see and do and it is hard to pack it all into a few days!

The first day we stopped in Jackson Hole and stayed in a camp just outside of Jackson. As we were on our way to the camp we saw a bunch of cars pulled over on the side of the road with a bunch of people taking pictures. If you have ever been to Yellowstone, you know that generally means that there is an animal some where around.

Of course we had to get out of our car to see what all the commotion was about. Much to our surprise, off in the trees was a moose with her baby. Keeping a safe distance, of course we took some pictures and were on our way.

The next morning we got up and headed into to Yellowstone. One of the things that I love about Yellowstone is that everywhere you look there is a breathtaking view. I couldn’t stop taking pictures. In fact, it has been very hard to narrow down which pictures to share with you! Yellowstone has a total of 2.221,766 acres. So there is no way that we could cover all of it in our 4 day vacation. We entered on the south side of Yellowstone and stayed in East Yellowstone at Bridge Bay campground.

Did you know that Yellowstone National Park was the worlds’s first national park?

 

Dragon’s Mouth

Dragon’s Mouth got it’s name for the steam that is constantly spewing out of the caverns opening, and the loud rumbling noise that the water makes as it boils.

Mud Pots in Mud Volcano/ Sulphur Caldron Area

After we saw the Dragon’s Mouth and the mud pots, we were waiting by our car for some of our family members. Then I heard a commotion and looked to see what it was.  Walking down the middle of the parking lot with out a care in the world was a big buffalo. We all backed up closer to our vehicles and of course whipped out our cameras to document this strange encounter. The buffalo just looked at us as he walked by as if to say “what, haven’t you ever seen a buffalo walk through a parking lot before”?  My kids were in heaven! They thought it was the coolest thing ever.

Upper And Lower Falls

The Lowers Falls in  the Canyon Village Area is 308 feet tall. It is located in the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

The Upper Falls is 109 feet tall. The amount of water that goes over the falls varies from 63,500 gallons per second at peak runoff to 5,000 gallons of water per second in late Fall.

West Thumb 

Yellowstone Lake resembles a human hand. West Thumb is the large western bay that would be the thumb. West Thumb is the largest geyser basin on the shore of Yellowstone Lake.  It was formed by a volcanic eruption a estimated 174,000 years ago. The resulting caldera filled with water, forming an extension of Yellowstone Lake. (National Parks Services)

Hayden Valley

One of my favorite places in Yellowstone is Hayden Valley. That is were most of the buffalo hang out. Call me crazy, but I love to watch the buffalo‘s. They are so chill and they have no desire to rush anything. When they cross the road, they take their own sweet time. I guess we are the guests in their home and we should be patient with them.

While taking  pictures and scoping out the buffalo in Hayden Valley, again I heard a commotion and when I looked over there was a big buffalo only a few feet away from us.

So what do you do when a big buffalo is blocking your vehicle so there is no way you can get out? You snap a few selfies.

Old Faithful

Of course you can’t visit Yellowstone with out seeing Old Faithful.  According to the National Park Service, Old Faithful erupts generally every 88 minutes give or take 10 minutes and lasts between 1 1/2 to 5 minutes. The geyser varies in between 106 feet to 180 feet, but usually is around 130 feet tall. Old Faithful shoots out between 3,700 to 8,400 gallons of water with each eruption. The water temperature at the vent is 203 degrees F.

Fishing Bridge

Fishing bridge was once a popular spot to fish. Over fishing contributed to the decline of Cutthroat Trout in the Yellowstone Lake, so fishing is now prohibited from the bridge. It is still a great place to watch the trout.

After camping for three days with out a shower, I must admit that this was one of my favorite sites to see!

On the fourth day, it was sadly time to head home. As we exited out of Yellowstone National Park, we were greeted by more breathtaking views.

Grand Teton Mountains

For those of you who have never been to Yellowstone National Park, you are really missing out. I suggest scheduling a trip for next summer! To say that we enjoyed our trip is a bit of an understatement! We are already planning our trip for next year!

Until next time,

Carrie