Yellowstone and A Day Trip

In my last post, we traveled to Big Sky, Montana, with dear friends. Today's story is a continuation of the story and our first day trip into Yellowstone National Park with beautiful scenery and the famous Old Faithful Geyser.

Since we were staying in Big Sky in our friends condo, the closest entrance to enter the park is at West Yellowstone (know as the West Entrance into the park). As most tourist do, we posed for a group picture at the West Entrance sign. A couple on a motorcycle stopped for pictures too and were kind enough to snap a picture for us. We did the same for them.

Firehole Canyon Drive is a two mile one-way drive through the beautiful canyon where the Firehole River flows. The road is lined with pine trees and is so scenic as you look at the river and the trees along the stretch. 

As you near the top of the road you see Firehole Falls, a 40 foot waterfall that the canyon is made of. I love seeing the falls no matter how many times I have seen it in the past. Shortly past the fall, there is a designated swimming area, water permitting (not to swift or high).

I always like to capture a wild plant and share with you. 

Any guesses on the name of this plant, I see small stickers and a beautiful purple bloom?

The Lower Falls of  the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is one of the biggest attractions in the park.

Here's an enlarged photo of the falls.

Often as you drive through the park, you can see the buffalo, many times they are very close to your car and maybe even walking on the road but today we only saw them in the open area along the river but still amazing to see. We always take binoculars or a spotting scope.

The wild buffalo population in Yellowstone is about 4,200 as of 2012. Some say there are too many buffalo in Yellowstone and that there should only be around 4000 because of the ecological carrying capacity of Yellowstone's habitat. Because they migrate, they often cross the borders of the park and are hazed or slaughtered. Total Yellowstone buffalo killed is 7,189 since 1985. (facts from the Buffalo Field Companion)

Dragon's Mouth Springs is in the Mud Volcano area of the park. If you use your imagination a little, you can imagine the steam coming from the dragon's mouth.

The geyser basin and thermal feature areas of the park have board walks for your safety. 

Located in the Lake Region of the park,  Yellowstone Lake is the largest Alpine Lake in North America and is the biggest lake above 7,000 feet on the continent. We have a special spot that we like to picnic on the lake and there are only two picnic tables on the spot so we say a little prayer as we get close that one of the tables will be empty. It's just one of those breathtaking views that you could enjoy forever.

Kepler Cascades is a waterfall on the Firehole River and is located about 2.5 miles south of Old Faithful.

The Old Faithful Region has geysers and thermal basins and is home to one of the most famous geysers in the world, Old Faithful. People gather on the board walk around Old Faithful and wait for the geyser to erupt to around 184 feet. It erupts every 80-90 minutes.

I'll leave you with a gorgeous shot of Black Diamond Pool located in the Biscuit Basin Area. The area may not be as grand as Old Faith but I love the colors of this hot springs.

I think I have given you many highlights from our first day trip into Yellowstone. My next post will be our second day trip with an up-close experience with BEARS. - Judy.

Linking to:

Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style

Outdoor Wednesday at A Southern Daydreamer

Open House Party at No Minimalist Here

Home and Garden Thursday at A Delightsome Life 

Travel Photo Thursday at Budget Travelers Sandbox

Friday Daydreamin' at R We There Yet Mom

Oh the PLACES I've Been at The Tablescaper

Blue Monday at Smiling Sally