Yellowstone national park
Yellowstone National Park is well known for its colourful hot springs, powerful geysers and impressive canyon. But it is also an important wildlife reserve, where it is possible to watch bison, grizzly bears and wolves. Did you know that the park is actually an active volcano? The next eruption is expected in 1,000 to 10,000 years: that should give you enough time to enjoy your visit to the park ;-)
If you only have one day to visit the park, your best option is to drive around the Grand Loop Road . This iconic route will take you past the park's most striking geysers and hot springs. You will also drive through Hayden Valley, a prime spot for wildlife viewing. If you enjoy taking your time to take in the views, it is a perfect destination for a USA RV holiday.
From Madison (West entry), drive south in the direction of Old Faithful.
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARKSeason: Open year-round, 24 hours a day. Visitor Center: The park has 5 different entrances and many information stations. The 3 most popular, generally open daily from late May to late September, 9 am to 5 pm are: Grant Visitor Center, Fishing Bridge Visitor Center and Old Faithful Visitor Education Center. Road closures: Note that most of the park's roads are closed from November to mid-May, due to weather conditions. Only the road from Gardiner, Montana to Cooke City, Montana is open year-round. Entry fee: $35/vehicle including occupants. Valid 7 days. Purchase the America the Beautiful Pass for $80 if you plan to visit more than 2-3 parks. |
GRAND PRISMATIC SPRING
Your first stop should be Grand Prismatic Spring. With its vibrant colours, Grand Prismatic is the most spectacular hot spring in the park.
Tip: the hill behind Grand Prismatic provides a stunning view from above (accessible from the Fairy Falls Trail parking area).
OLD FAITHFUL GEYSER
One of the park's star attractions is Old Faithful, named for the regularity of its eruptions which generally occur every hour or two (enquire at the Visitor Center for approximate eruption times).
This spectacular geyser shoots columns of hot water more than 50 metres into the air. Time permitting, walk the boardwalk trail through Upper Geyser Basin to colourful Morning Glory Pool .
The Grand Loop Road continues along Yellowstone Lake to Lake Village. From there it heads north, following the Yellowstone River into Hayden Valley.
HAYDEN VALLEY
Hayden Valley is the best sector of the park for wildlife viewing. It is common to come across bison and moose along the road.
Grizzly bears are most frequently seen in spring and early summer. Pay attention and keep your camera close at hand!
As you continue to make your way north, stop in Canyon Village to see the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
GRAND CANYON OF THE YELLOWSTONE
The best view of the canyon is from Lookout Point , which is also very easy to reach. There is a parking area close by, making it the ideal viewpoint for families.
BRINK OF THE LOWER FALLS
Distance (round-trip): 1.3 km
Time (round-trip): 1 hour
Level: Intermediate
Elevation gain: 77 metres
If you have the time (and energy), this trail is a spectacular 1-hour roundtrip hike that leads to a platform right at the top of the falls. The elevation change can be tiring on the way back.
MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS
If you still have time after the wonders of the Grand Loop Road, pay a visit to Mammoth Hot Springs north of Norris.
Mammoth Hot Springs is a complex of hot springs on terraces made up of travertine deposits, where heat-loving microorganisms create tapestries of colour in the warm water. The must-see section of Mammoth Hot Springs is the Lower Terraces area .
The highlight of the Lower Terraces is Palette spring . If you want to hike through the lower terraces, it will take you about 2 hours.
NEARBY
CODY
The small city of Cody was founded in 1896 by William Frederick Cody, alias Buffalo Bill, a legendary figure of the American Old West. Still today, museums and scenic routes are dedicated to the famous showman and buffalo hunter. Cody is the Rodeo Capital of the World and has a colourful downtown area abounding in steakhouses, cowboy clothing stores, historic hotels and saloons. A delightful trip back in time awaits!
BUFFALO BILL CENTER OF THE WEST
This centre is dedicated to the history of the Wild West, which is explored through art, science and culture. The 3-story complex houses five world-class museums and a research library, and William F. Cody's childhood home stands in the courtyard.
Open year round (schedule varies). From early May to mid-September, open 8 am to 6 pm.
CODY NITE RODEO
Established in 1938, Cody Nite Rodeo is the longest running rodeo and the only nighttime rodeo in the world. In addition to a great show, you will immerse yourself in an authentic western experience. Don't hesitate to have your picture taken on the rodeo bull "Mongo", ride the mechanical bull, learn to lasso like a real cowboy or cowgirl, and visit the rodeo store.
Tickets can be purchased at the gate, but it is better to buy them in advance online or from one of the downtown vendors. Every evening in the summer starting at 7 p.m.
IRMA HOTELThis historic hotel was built in 1902 by Buffalo Bill himself, who named it for his youngest daughter, Irma. You can tour the hotel, stay there, or simply enjoy a meal. The hotel boasts several historic rooms that housed famous personalities such as Frédéric Remington, Annie Oakley and Calamity Jane. Buffalo Bill's private suite is also available. |
OLD TRAIL TOWN
Old Trail Town is one of the most popular family-friendly western destinations in Cody. Experience first-hand the spirit of the Old West in this open-air museum. The site features 25 authentic frontier buildings from the 1890's that still bear traces of the past. You'll feel like a pioneer as you wander through the old homestead cabins, saloon, blacksmith shop, trappers cabin, general store, outlaws cabin, and much more.
Open from mid-May to the end of September, 8 am to 6 pm.
