Yellowstone National Park Upper Loop

Despite the upper loop having less stops planned than the lower loop - https://aroundthebayandaway.blogspot.com/2018/07/yellowstone-national-park-lower-loop.html, we drove just as much due to the greater distance between each.  Because of this, the scenery is ever changing 

and quite diverse with elevation changes great enough to still see snow even though we were in shorts. 

Although Lamar Valley was our destination of the day, we did make one stop at an overlook of the Yellowstone caldera 

that rewarded us a faraway glimpse of the Grand Teton in the distance, something we had to sacrifice in order to maximize our time at Yellowstone. 

As we continued, I believe I had a glimpse of a grizzly bear in the bushes not too far from the road.  Being respectful of that distance, I stayed in the car and only caught some fuzzy pictures.  Feel free to confirm if my sighting is correct. 

By the time we got to the junction leading to Lamar Valley, it was already time for lunch so we stopped at Roosevelt Lodge. 

Roosevelt Lodge

Although the dining room was not full yet, we still had to wait for a table as they staggered the seating as to not overwhelm the staff.  Luckily they had a beautiful lobby 

and rocking chairs outside that my dad took advantage of with a wonderful view to pass the time.

With all my travels, when it comes to food, I tend to choose options that are more local and therefore something I rarely would find at home, if at all.  

Bison and huckleberry are two examples so the huckleberry BBQ chicken sandwich and bison tamales it is. 

Lamar Valley

After lunch, we started heading out to Lamar Valley and passed a bison just a few inches away from my window on the way out, 

almost making me feel guilty about that tamale. 

The sightings almost immediately after of what looked like mountain goats but someone else said were sheep, cleared my mind as we just watched these amazing animals in the wild. 

Then it was miles and miles of bison roaming in the valley, 

along the road, and even crossing the road

that it took so much restraint for me not to belt out right then and there, Home on the Range.  “O give me a home where the buffaloes roam…”

The only thing that could have topped it was the black bear sighting in the far distance up a hill.  

After last year’s camera fail on my whale watching tour, I am so grateful I now have a camera with a long range zoom. 

Although Mammoth Hot Springs is completely doable afterwards completing the loop, we already felt like we were ending on a high note and made a collective decision to skip it to cut out a few miles drive by returning the way we came but giving us a great excuse to return in the future. 

Yellowstone National Park Lower Loop

Yellowstone National Park is one of the most visited National Park and with good reason.  Picturesque scenery, breathtaking geysers, and abundant wildlife who call the park home, you can easily spend a week here.  Unfortunately we only had 2 days so planning was key in maximizing our time here with the Lower Loop planned for our first day at the park and the Upper Loop for day 2 - https://aroundthebayandaway.blogspot.com/2018/08/yellowstone-national-park-upper-loop.html. 

Entering through the West Gate coming from Idaho, 

we already encountered a slowdown but it was not due to the large summer crowds but awe at the bison sightings along the way, in the valley 

and a few even alongside the road.  Please exercise caution and stay in your car or keep a safe distance of at least 25 yards if on foot, more if their babies are with them.  Just like humans, animals are naturally very protective of their young. 

Grand Prismatic Spring

Grand Prismatic Spring was our first stop.  From the parking lot, it is an easy walk on paved roads, already giving you the first glimpse of geothermal activity along the way.  

As you proceed up the designated boardwalk, hold onto your hats as once it falls outside of the marked areas, there is no chance of recovery evidenced by others less fortunate.  You will pass the turquoise pool along the way to get you ready for the main event. 

The colors of the Grand Prismatic are impressive even if it is created by different species of heat loving bacteria. 

Old Faithful Geyser and Old Faithful Inn

With 40 minutes before the next estimated eruption, we stopped at The Old Faithful Inn first.  

A National Historic Landmark itself, the largest log hotel is worth a stop even if it is just to sit in front of the stone fireplace 

under the multi-story log lobby. 

Seeing the eruption from this side is much less crowded than the main viewing area making it a win-win strategy.  

Old Faithful Basin Store

By now, it is time for lunch and the Old Faithful Basin store, 

just behind the Old Faithful Inn, a quick minute or two drive is a great option with offerings including the bison burger 

and huckleberry soda.  

Just be aware that service can be a bit slow with only one grill.  

Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake is probably the quietest and least crowded part of the park due to its size.  As the largest high elevation lake in North America, you will find yourself having your photo opportunities to yourself, making this no less impressive than other areas of the park.  

Yellowstone River Lower Falls and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

Our last stop of the day is the Lower Falls and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.  Although not as known for its falls as Yosemite or as its canyon as vast as Grand Canyon, it does not make this area any less majestic.  Worth the stop but bug repellent is recommended as mosquitos are out in full force. 

Unplanned Wildlife Sighting

Sometimes the best sights are unplanned and ours for the day is a brown bear.  We were lucky enough to capture a quick picture right before the ranger had everyone move back to the road to ensure that safe distance, another reminder that this is their home and we are just visiting.