Trip Moments Recommendations
National Elk Refuge
#usatravel #wyoming
We had the chance to drive past the stunning landscape of the National Elk Refuge, a vital wildlife conservation area located in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
This refuge plays a crucial role in preserving the natural habitat for a variety of wildlife, particularly the large elk population. The refuge is home to around 7,500 elk during the winter months. These elk migrate from the surrounding highlands to the refuge to find food and shelter. Covering approximately 24,700 acres (10,000 hectares), the refuge provides ample space for wildlife to roam and thrive.
Although we didn't have the opportunity to see the elk during our visit, the view of this magnificent conservation area was incredibly beautiful.
The valley, with its expansive green mountains forming the perfect angle against the blue sky, created a breathtaking panorama that we couldn't take our eyes off. The true beauty of nature was right in front of us, a sight we will always remember.
Yellowstone Lake
#usatravel #wyoming
Yellowstone Lake is located in the southeastern part of Yellowstone National Park, primarily in the U.S. state of Wyoming.
During our trip to the park, we drove around searching for a nice spot to see Yellowstone Lake. We finally found it when we arrived at the Fishing Bridge Visitor Center. This spot offers the opportunity to walk around the beautiful shoreline and enjoy the vastness of Yellowstone Lake. We were stunned by the size of the lake and its undeniable beauty. At this spot, you can see the endless blue lake stretching out before you, providing breathtaking scenery.
Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-elevation lake (above 7,000 feet) in North America, covering approximately 136 square miles (352 square kilometers) with over 110 miles (177 kilometers) of shoreline. It sits at an elevation of about 7,732 feet (2,357 meters) above sea level.
After seeing it for ourselves, it easily became a must-see destination that we would recommend to anyone visiting Yellowstone National Park.
The Old Faithful @ Yellowstone National Park
#usatravel #wyoming
The first spot we thought about when planning our Yellowstone trip was Old Faithful, one of the most iconic and well-known features in Yellowstone National Park.
Old Faithful is famous for its predictable eruptions, which occur approximately every 60 to 110 minutes, making it a reliable attraction for visitors. Watching it was like seeing a natural fountain, with eruptions lasting between 1.5 to 5 minutes and reaching heights of 106 to 184 feet (32 to 56 meters).
Old Faithful’s eruptions are powered by geothermal activity beneath the Earth's surface. Water seeps into the ground, is heated by magma, and eventually builds up pressure that is released in an eruption.
There is an information center where visitors can learn about Old Faithful, which was the first geyser in the park to receive a name. It has been a major draw for tourists since the establishment of the park in 1872, playing a crucial role in the early development of Yellowstone as a tourist destination.
Designated viewing areas around Old Faithful, including boardwalks and benches, provide safe and optimal viewing spots. There weren’t just eruptions in the area; there were also many beautiful geysers and basins along the boardwalk, allowing visitors to explore as well.
We spent hours exploring the area, and it was clear why Old Faithful remains one of Yellowstone National Park’s most beloved and enduring attractions.
Midway Geyser Basin @ Yellowstone National Park
#usatravel #wyoming
When researching what to do in Yellowstone National Park, Midway Geyser Basin consistently show up as one of the most popular destinations for travelers. It is home to the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest in the world.
Midway Geyser Basin is renowned for its vibrant hot springs and geysers. Located between the Upper and Lower Geyser Basins, it spans a relatively small area but boasts some of the park's most spectacular geothermal features.
The basin is particularly known for its striking colors, which range from blue in the center to green, yellow, orange, and red at the edges. These vivid hues are due to microbial mats around the edges of the mineral-rich water. The Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the basin, measures approximately 370 feet (113 meters) in diameter and over 121 feet (37 meters) deep.
Boardwalks around the area allow visitors to explore and view the geysers and hot springs up close without causing damage to the fragile environment.
We spent quite some time enjoying the beautiful colors of this natural basin despite the heat. It was a truly wonderful experience.
Unforgettable View @ Schwabacher Landing
#usatravel #wyoming
During our trip to Yellowstone National Park, we drove through Grand Teton National Park and stopped at Schwabacher Landing, just a short drive from the town of Jackson, Wyoming. This place gave us an unforgettable experience.
When we saw the breathtaking view of the Teton Range reflected in the clear water of the Snake River, with green trees and beautiful snow-capped mountains mirrored perfectly, we were stunned by the incredible sight.
While there are no extensive hiking trails, visitors can explore the riverside paths and enjoy short walks along the water, which is what we chose to do.
As a result, we highly recommend anyone traveling to Yellowstone National Park via this route to stop at Schwabacher Landing. You won't be disappointed.
Observing Yellowstone National Park's Wildlife
#usatravel #wyoming
When we traveled to Yellowstone National Park, we expected to see its abundant and diverse wildlife and hoped for a chance to observe some of North America's most iconic animal species in their natural habitat.
Driving around the park left us stunned by its vastness; it would take days to complete the entire roundtrip. Yet, it's not just big; it's incredibly beautiful and teeming with life.
During our journey, we encountered a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, birds, and bighorn sheep. Although we didn't spot any wolves or grizzly bears, it was still a truly memorable experience.
Tips for Wildlife Viewing include being respectful and maintaining a safe distance from wildlife. We used binoculars and a telephoto lens to observe them from a distance, allowing us to safely enjoy watching these beautiful creatures without disturbing them.
Mammoth Hot Springs @ Yellowstone National Park
#wyoming #usatravel
The beauty of nature is pure and endless. We've witnessed it with our own eyes and felt it with our own bodies.
Our journey led us to Mammoth Hot Springs, one of the most iconic and fascinating geothermal features in Yellowstone National Park, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to witness the power and beauty of geothermal activity. With its stunning terraces, vibrant colors, and fascinating geological formations, Palette Spring, in particular, showcases a range of hues, including brilliant whites, yellows, oranges, and browns, creating a visually stunning spectacle.
There was a series of boardwalks and viewing platforms that allowed visitors to explore the terraces up close.
Mammoth Hot Springs, like all areas of Yellowstone National Park, is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is subject to strict conservation measures. Visitors are reminded to stay on designated trails and boardwalks to protect the fragile thermal features and to ensure their safety.
We spent hours enjoying the beauty of Mammoth Hot Springs and left with hearts full of wonderful experiences.
Palette Spring @ Yellowstone National Park
#wyoming #usatravel
During our 4th of July trip, we had the chance to visit Yellowstone National Park, one of the most beautiful places on earth that we've ever been to.
There were many spots that we stopped by, and we couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the beauty of nature that created such a charming place like this.
The first spot we arrived at was the Palette Spring, which is part of the Mammoth Hot Springs, a complex of hot springs on a hill of travertine terraces. These terraces are formed by the precipitation of calcium carbonate from the hot water that flows over them. The resulting formations resemble an artist's palette, with vivid hues ranging from brilliant whites and yellows to deep oranges and browns, depending on the minerals present and the thermophilic bacteria thriving in the hot water.
Despite the summer heat and the warmth of the hot spring, we found ourselves staying longer than we thought we could because the beauty of this spot won us over.