Old Faithful: Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour

Things to do on the Tour Include:

• Welcome: South Entrance (Jackson)

  Introducing Yellowstone, the first national park, known for wildlife and geysers. Follow the clockwise Grand Loop Road.

• Animals & Geysers

  Yellowstone's history, abundant wildlife including elk and bison, and the unique geothermal wonders.

• Bribery, Corruption, and Poaching

  Early mismanagement, army intervention, and the battle against poaching in Yellowstone's history.

• The Origin of the Name

  The name "Yellowstone" comes from a mistranslation of the local Minnetaree tribe's name for the river.

• Grant Village & Visitor Center

  Introduction to the Grand Loop Road, its history, and significance. The Grant Visitor Center offers resources.

• West Thumb

  The West Thumb Geyser Basin, including features like Fisherman’s Cone, Abyss Pool, and their geological origins.

• William Trumbull

  Henry Winser’s “Fish Story” - Another account of cooking fish in a hot spring at West Thumb, demonstrating the extreme temperatures.

• Writing About Geysers

  Henry Winser’s “Fish Story” - Another account of cooking fish in a hot spring at West Thumb, demonstrating the extreme temperatures.

• Clark’s Nutcracker Bird

  Insights into Clark's Nutcracker bird and its vital role in Yellowstone's ecosystem.

• Birds of Yellowstone

  Diversity of birds in Yellowstone, from raptors to songbirds, contributing to the park's vibrant environment.

• Shoshone Lake & DeLacy Creek Trail

  A hidden gem, Shoshone Lake's history and significance, along with safety reminders for hiking.

• Kepler Cascade

  An impressive 150-foot waterfall accessible from a turnout, with historical significance from early explorers.

• Bighorn Sheep

  Bighorn sheep's remarkable agility and survival strategies, along with their conservation challenges.

• Toxic Fumes

  Explanation of hydrogen sulfide's distinctive smell around geothermal features, and its effects on wildlife.

• Clogging Yellowstone

  The negative impact of human actions on geothermal features, like throwing objects into geysers and springs.

• Invisible, Revolutionary Bacteria

  The significance of Thermus aquaticus bacteria in DNA replication, disease diagnosis, and even brewing beer.

• Old Faithful

  Introduction to the iconic Old Faithful geyser, its regular eruptions, safety precautions, and historical use for laundry.

• Nearby Geysers

  Explore the iconic Old Faithful geyser and the rich geyser basin with over 150 geysers.

• Beehive

  Witness the impressive Beehive geyser, which shoots boiling water 100 feet into the air.

• Grand Geyser

  Marvel at the powerful Grand Geyser, capable of erupting up to 200 feet in height every 7 to 15 hours.

• Castle Geyser

  Observe the ancient Castle Geyser surrounded by a calcified cone and possibly petrified trees.

• Morning Glory

  See the Morning Glory pool, once vibrant blue but now changed due to human impact. It erupted in 1950, revealing coins and even handkerchiefs.

• Fairy Falls & Grand Prismatic

  Visit Fairy Falls, a 5-mile hike, and Grand Prismatic, a massive colorful hot spring with distinct bands of bacteria.

• New Zealand Mud Snai

  Learn about the invasive New Zealand Mud Snail that affects the local ecosystem, passing through fish undigested.

• Firehole River

  Observe Firehole River, a thermal river that's great for trout fishing due to its warm, mineral-rich waters.

• Grand Prismatic Parking Lot

  Stop at the Grand Prismatic parking lot for an up-close view of the spring itself, although the colors are best appreciated from a distance.

• Fountain Paint Pot

  Visit Fountain Paint Pot, a fascinating mud pot with bubbling mud in vibrant colors, caused by iron oxidation.

• What’s That Smell?

  Learn about the distinct smell of mudpots due to hydrogen sulfide gas.

• Alice’s Adventures in Yellowstone

  Learn how the park's nickname "Wonderland" came about through brochures that connected Yellowstone to the enchanting world of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

• Electric Peak

  Admire Electric Peak, the highest in the Gallatin range. It offers breathtaking alpine views and has a link to a stormy ascent during its measurement.

• Sheepeater Cliffs

  Discover the hexagonal Sheepeater Cliffs, formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. The name pays homage to the Eastern Shoshone tribe's resourcefulness.

• Swan Lake Flats

  Observe Swan Lake, the birthplace of Yellowstone's first wolf pack in 1996, symbolizing the hope of wolf recovery in the park's ecosystem.

• Bunsen Peak

  See Bunsen Peak, named after chemist Robert Bunsen, which offers stunning views but can be a challenging hike due to its elevation and wildlife presence.

• Golden Gate Bridge

  Cross the viaduct known as the Golden Gate, named for one of the park's largest canyons, and learn about its history and construction challenges.

• Hoodoos

  Encounter the Hoodoos, unique rock formations created by an ancient landslide, and anticipate a quick but impressive detour.

• Mammoth Hot Springs

  Experience Mammoth Hot Springs, known for its terraced formations created by mineral-rich hot water spilling over and calcifying.

• The Town of Mammoth

  Explore Mammoth, initially established as Fort Yellowstone, now offering services to visitors and serving as a haven for a herd of elk.