From geysers to bison to trees, there’s SO much more to see on a Yellowstone National Park vacation tour. Here are some of my faves:
- Old Faithful. Without a doubt, this is Yellowstone’s most famous attraction. Even if you’re not a traveler, you’ve probably heard of Old Faithful, the reliable geyser that erupts every hour. Folks line up at the viewing platform to watch 8000 gallons of boiling water spray 200 feet in the air. It’s quite the spectacle–– like nature’s own water show!
- Grand Prismatic. Back in the 1800s, explorers had a hard time convincing their peers that this place was real. Without photographs, all they could say was that they had seen a “boiling lake.” What they were really seeing was the largest hot spring in the country: a whopping 370 feet wide and 120 feet deep. The high temperature makes this a favorite hangout spot for cyanobacteria, which comprise the brilliant rings of color around the water.
- Electric Peak. This extraordinary mountain rises 11,000 feet above sea level. It’s SO tall, it literally reaches into the heavens. When surveyor Henry Gannett was exploring the region, he was unlucky enough to do so during a thunderstorm. Imagine his surprise when he approached the summit and found himself INSIDE an electrically charged cloud! Hear more about Henry’s adventures on this Yellowstone tour.
- Lamar Valley. This one’s for you nature lovers out there. Known as “America’s Serengeti,” this is the best place to spot animals! Two different wolf packs live in the valley, along with herds of bison, elk, and coyotes. Look up and you might see bald eagles and ospreys circling overhead. You won’t find a better chance than this to see wildlife in action.
- The Petrified Tree. Nothing displays the park’s massive scope of time like this landmark. The tree is MILLIONS of years old–– so old, it’s turned to stone like a fossil! It’s left over from a volcanic explosion; all the organic matter was slowly replaced with cooling magma until all that was left was a rock in the convincing shape of a tree.
But I’m just scratching the surface. There’s over 150 stops and deep dives in this Yellowstone self-guided driving tour. The app gives directions to famous landmarks, but it also fills in the fascinating history of the national park.
Essential Travel Guide:
