A Year in the Making: Yellowstone, Here We Come! (Part 2)
Grand Prismatic Spring: Beating the Crowds
Relocation day: We loaded the car, left Grant Village and headed north, making another attempt at Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook. We had tried the day before, but there were no parking spots and way too many people.
This time, we got there early and beat the crowds—but alas, Mother Nature had other plans. It was drizzling and overcast. From the overlook, mist and clouds covered much of the vivid color we had come to see.
Grand Prismatic is Yellowstone’s largest hot spring and one of the park’s most visited attractions, so we were glad to catch glimpses of it through the mist.
IMPORTANT TIP: The spring needs to be seen on a sunny day!
Heading to Mammoth Hot Springs: A Few Worthwhile Stops
We left Grand Prismatic and continued north toward Mammoth Hot Springs, our second Yellowstone home base. Along the way GuideAlong suggested a few stops and we’re glad we listened.
Roaring Mountain
Our first stop was Roaring Mountain, a large acidic thermal area filled with steam vents (fumaroles). It’s considered the hottest hydrothermal in the park.
The steam rising out from the hillside was fascinating to watch. Also, it’s called Roaring Mountain due to the hissing sounds the steam vents make spewing from the mountainside.
Sheepeater Cliff
Next stop we enjoyed was Sheepeater Cliff, another impressive example of Yellowstone’s volcanic history. The cliff is made up of tall columns of basalt formed when lava cooled and hardened.
Named by Shoshone Indians for their use of the bighorn sheep. (At first, I imagined it was named because sheep fell over the cliff to their death).
Two quick stops worth pulling over for. Some of GuideAlong suggestions weren’t worth the time. But the drive along the loop was beautiful.
Mammoth Hot Springs: Our Second Yellowstone Home Base
We arrived at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, tired but happy to have reached our second home base for two nights. The hotel was comfortable, clean and in the perfect location for exploring Lamar Valley and walking to Mammoth Hot Springs.
After settling in, I was able to muster enough energy to walk over to the Mammoth Hot Springs Lower (and Upper) Terraces.
Mammoth Hot Springs
It was a short walk on the boardwalk to Liberty Cap, a 37-foot-tall formation, and Palette Spring, with its vibrant colors and active mineral flows. Palette Spring was amazing. It’s one of the sights that pictures just can’t capture.
We continued around the loop, climbing staircases and following pathways past the beautiful and ever-changing travertine terraces. The colors from the thermophiles-heat-loving microorganisms that thrive created those fascinating masses of color.
I found the unique geology fascinating. I took a lot of pictures. Every turn seemed to offer another interesting formation, texture or color.
The Lower Terraces took us about an hour to explore. You can also drive the loop around the Upper Terraces, where there is an overlook, that is, if you can find a spot to park. Or you can just climb (ugh) the boardwalk till you reach the Upper Terraces.
Our tip: Visit early (surprise advise, right?) or after 5 p.m. for fewer people and easier time finding a parking spot.
Mammoth Hot Springs is officially on our “don’t miss it” list!
When Your Feet Rebel— “Enough walking”
By now, my feet were talking smack to me. They hurt and were done sightseeing.
We had eaten a late breakfast and it was long gone by this point, and after all that walking, we were definitely ready for an early supper.
Luckily, the Mammoth Hotel Dining Room was right across the street from our hotel. No driving required.
I ordered the crispy half chicken and substituted green beans for the carrots. It was delicious and, honestly, the best meal I had in the park!
Tomorrow: Wildlife Tour!
The next morning, we had a private wildlife tour with Yellowstone Wild. We were picked up at 5:45 a.m. in front of our hotel, and our guide had coffee and a scone for us. We headed to Lamar Valley in the dark. Watching the sunrise over Lamar Valley was beautiful.
Chuck and I were so excited. Based on the company’s website, plus the hundred or so wildlife videos we watched, we expected a great chance of seeing wolves, bears, coyotes, bighorn sheep, elk and of course, bison. Armed with cameras ready, we’re off.
Our guide was very knowledgeable and had excellent optics for us to use. We stopped a lot and did see bison, pronghorn in the distance and a mountain goat, but overall, we were disappointed with the experience, especially considering the price. Where was all the wildlife? The talk on the street was to head to Lamar Valley and you’ll see lots of wildlife…NOT TODAY.
Our takeaway: We’d explore Lamar Valley on our own or choose a group tour (much cheaper). Wildlife is unpredictable, but for us, the experience didn’t match our expectations or the price. (Don’t watch a lot of wildlife videos on Instagram before you go)
And Then…An Elk Surprise!
Ironically, later that day after we got back to the hotel, we found a big bull elk with his harem hanging out nearby. We loved hearing him bugle.
September is rutting season, when bull elk gather harems of females, sometimes 20-30 or more. The bulls spend their days bugling, defending their harem and challenging rivals. And apparently, eating and sleeping become optional. They have more important things on their minds.
The End of a Great Adventure
We’ve been fortunate to visit many beautiful national parks, but Yellowstone truly stands apart. Its geology is unlike anything we’ve seen before—from geysers and hot springs to colorful terraces, bubbling mud pots and the incredible wildlife.
Some places you visit. Some places stay with you.
Yes, there are dangerous animals in Yellowstone National Park, so please be ‘bear aware.’ Always carry bear spray!
(AI generated of Chuck spraying grizzly)
10 Fun Facts about Yellowstone
- Yellowstone is an active SUPERVOLCANO…
- Yellowstone is home to natural PHENOMENA…
- Yellowstone is the WORLD’s FIRST NATIONAL PARK…
- Yellowstone is home to THE MOST FAMOUS GEYSER on EARTH…
- Yellowstone has an inn that is CENTURY OLD…
- Yellowstone has the most MAGNIFICENT VIEWS…
Chuck and I love national parks, but these incredible places are facing growing challenges and need our help. If you love exploring and protecting these treasures and much as we do, please consider making a donation to help preserve them generations to come. Every little bit helps.