National Parks have become a huge hit since the spread of Covid-19 earlier this year. Frequent travelers like myself are going crazy living stagnantly inside so choosing a safe, outdoor adventure was exactly what I needed. I saved money by paying for my flights with Southwest points. We flew into Salt Lake City, rented a car and drove towards West Yellowstone. Last minute we opted out of camping and decided to lodge with Silver Horseshoe Inn in St. Anthony. Owners, Larry and Randall have been renovating the Inn, bringing it back to life, making it an exceptional lodging experience. The bottom floor has a saloon and will soon have a cafe. Ask them about cattle prods, rock lobsters and cement mixers, haha.
First stop (entering from the West side)- Gibbons Falls. The falls can be seen from the road and/or a short stroll from the parking lot.
I suggest spending a couple of hours exploring the Lower and Upper Rim of Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon. There are several trails and overlooks that offer breathtaking views of the canyon.
If you’re feeling adventurous and are searching for some solitude then backcountry camping is for YOU. Obtaining a backcountry permit in 2020 differs from previous years (thanks a lot, Covid). A permit cannot be obtained until two days prior to the planned hike. The office is closed and all requests are completed via online/phone. There is a form you can fill out and submit to the office before calling. More information on backcountry camping can be found here.
The Seven Mile Hole trail is listed as a strenuous, 10 mile roundtrip hike. Our campsite (4C3) was the farthest on the trail so I believe the hike was closer to 15 miles roundtrip. Don’t forget bear spray and rope to tie up your bags. I saw a lot of hikers with bells attached to their packs to create noise. The link above also provides necessary education and precautions to take when backcountry camping. PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT.
I was really looking forward to a shower after that rewarding hike, so Gardiner was next on the itinerary and the most practical for exploring the Northern portion of the park. This would allow for an early morning start with less travel time which in turn means arriving to the popular attractions before the crowds.
As you approach Gardiner, you’ll be in awe over the Roosevelt Arch. Built in 1903, it was the busiest and primary entrance into the Unites States first National Park- Yellowstone!
The Arch is named after President Theodore Roosevelt because he just so happened to be visiting when construction occurred. He gave a speech and placed a time capsule inside the cornerstone.
The Archway reads “For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People” from the park legislation in 1872.
Gardiner has a lot to offer, despite its small size. The Travelodge was reasonably priced and just a short walk from the main part of town. The huckleberry margaritas at Iron Horse Bar and Grill were pretty tasty and I also enjoyed the food and patio area at Wonderland Cafe and Lodge.
The Upper and Lower Mammoth Hot Spring Terraces can be explored via boardwalks throughout the area. This region of the park is like nothing I’ve seen before. It has been described as an “inside-out cave”. Yellowstone is still an active eruption site with hot magma flowing far below land. This hot magma heats the water above, creating hot springs and pools. It then mixes with calcium carbonate, creating travertine (a form of limestone deposited by mineral springs). The travertine appearance is tan, brown and rustic in color.
Driving out towards Lamar Valley felt similar to a safari trip in Tanzania. Although you’ll see primarily bison, it was really cool to drive through the plains of the park. Yellowstone truly has so much to offer.
I also spotted an unmarked waterfall while traveling along Beartooth Highway which is closed during the winter months. There was not enough time in the day to complete the entire highway but it is an exceptional, scenic drive.
Another unique, hydrothermal area of Yellowstone are the several geyser springs surrounding the Norris Geyser Basin. A boardwalk trail will navigate you throughout the region with countless geysers to explore.
The Grand Prismatic, Yellowstone’s largest hot spring is probably my favorite stop. Similar to my Mammoth Springs experience, I’ve never seen anything like it. Prismatic (meaning brilliant colors) is not an understatement. It is vibrant and these pictures depict its true beauty. It measures approximately 200 feet wide with the water temperature around 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
My unpopular opinion: skip Old Faithful. Old Faithful is the first geyser in Yellowstone to receive a name back in 1870. Park officials have the eruption timing almost down to a tee which is roughly every hour. If you arrive around eruption time then I would suggest stopping but I waited around for an hour and was dissappointed.
I also camped one night at the Bridge Bay Campground and really enjoyed looking at the stars while drinking a beer at the campfire. Shout out to @mpowerdinc for creating these badass solar string lights. They also have solar lanterns which are PERFECT for hiking and camping.
Just South of Yellowstone is Grand Tetons National Park. I want to say the entrance fee is waived when traveling on the John D. Rockefeller Parkway from Yellowstone. The Grand Tetons are unique and definitely worth seeing. Check out my blog post here ——–> Grand Teton National Park <——–