Day 14 Yellowstone National Park

Today we left Jackson Hole, Wyoming and headed to our next destination Big Sky Montana via Yellowstone National Park.  Leaving Jackson Hole we pulled over and took in the view of the snow covered Tetons one last time, breathtaking. 

Tetons

Yellowstone -

Old Faithful

We entered the South end of the park and headed to the visitors center at Grant’s Village so that we could pick up the Geyser Schedule (Old Faithful erupts every 90 mins or so).  We had enough time to stop at the Keppler Cascades, walk the trail and take a few pictures before going to Old Faithful.  There are a number of viewing benches around the front of the Geyser so waiting was no problem and it was   interesting listening to the diversity and so many different cultures around us.  As promised, Old Faithful was faithful once again and on time.   To our surprise there were actually several miles of boardwalks all around the area weaving in and out of different areas and different Geysers, some large, some small.  Had my steam facial and sulfur bath today that’s for sure!

Continuing on the loop around the West side of the park, we stopped at Biscuit Basin: Three miles (5 km) north of Old Faithful is Biscuit Basin, named for the unusual biscuit-like deposits that used to surround Sapphire Pool. Following the 1959 Hebgen Lake Earthquake, Sapphire erupted, and the "biscuits" were blown away; it last erupted in 1991. Sapphire remains one of the most beautiful blue pools in the park. Mustard Spring provides a bright color contrast, and Jewel Geyser adds excitement as it erupts every 7-10 minutes.

Tips: Hydrothermal features are fragile rarities of nature. Yellowstone preserves the largest collection of hydrothermal features on the planet. You have an unparalleled opportunity to view hot springs, geysers, mud pots, and fumaroles in a natural setting.

Sapphire Pool at Biscuit Basin

At the Biscuit Basin area you can also hike about a mile or so to Mystic Falls, well worth the hike. It does go through a wooded area and has an uphill portion so I would recommend you bring your bear spray and your water with you, you never know……

Mystic Falls

Just after leaving the parking area we ran in a huge traffic back up, yep, buffalo on the side of the road, keep that wildlife tally going. On to Fire hole Canyon Drive and Fire hole Falls then drove along the Gibbon River to Gibbon Falls.  One exhausting but wonderful day we headed up to Big Sky for a good night’s rest and then on to tomorrow’s adventure, fly fishing with a guide on the Madison River! Stay Tuned!