Mammoth Hot Springs and Yellowstone Grand Canyon
Trip Start
Jul 08, 2010
1
5
14
Trip End
Jul 27, 2010
Cody, Wyoming
Monday, July 12, 2010
We arrived at Mammoth Hot Springs at 9:15am, and did a self guided walk to the various platforms, as well as a nice drive along the Upper Terrace. The attraction here is basically limestone flows and formations, produced by slowly trickling heated water that has been saturated with limestone from underground. The effect looks like what you would see in a cave, but above ground and much hotter. The flow rates vary constantly, and the topography is constantly changing. when we were there today, it was quite dry and barren looking, and to be honest I was not all that impressed. i imagine it's much nicer when there is more water flowing. After that, we made a brief stop at the Albright Visitor Center and Fort Yellowstone. This is where Army troops were housed during the parks early formative years, and it was cool to look at the architecure and symmetry of the buildings. Most of them are now occupied by park rangers and seasonal workers...pretty lucky!
Once done, we got in the car and took the northern loop road around to Tower Falls, which is the gateway to Lamar Valley for wolf watching. This area is very dry and dusty, and it is where you would stay if you are interested in horseback riding and cowboy stuff. They have a nightly chuckwagon dinner and roundup that is quite popular. Not exactly my cup of tea, but many people would love it!
Our next stop was Canyon Village, which is where the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is located. There are 2 self guided drives, looking at both the Upper and Lower Falls. We walked down to the Brink of the Lower Falls on a steep but paved path. It was easy walking down, but very strenuous coming back up...you really need to be in shape to do this! Interestingly, we encountered a blind man walking down with his cane...I'm not sure that was a good idea! Anyway, once we got down to the falls, we were right at the precipice where the water cascaded down into the canyon. It was awesome to see and feel such power. There was a similar vista at the Upper Falls, but the path was a lot more forgiving! Great picture taking opportunities here, as well as at Artist's Point which frames the falls in the yellow-stoned canyon. It is here that you can see why it was named the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. This is a not-to-be missed sight!
We made a quick stop at Yellowstone Lake and Fishing Bridge, and took a break in the lodge. Excellent views across the lake, and very peaceful. There was a buffalo ambling around outside and we got some good pictures. For that matter, the entire east side of the park seems to be loaded with wildlife, predominantly buffalo, deer, and elk. we didn't see any bears or wolves, but it was midday and hot. If you want to see wildlife, I would advise visiting the eastern side of Yellowstone.
We said Goodbye to Yellowstone at 3pm, and headed out the east exit toward Cody, Wyoming. Wow, what a difference! Instead of being lush and green, this area is dry and barren, although picturesque with all of the mountains. Once we got completely out of the park, it became much hotter and drier and we finished our drive into Cody. This area reminded me of Nevada, and one can easily imagine cowboys living in the Old West here. Cody itself is a cowboy's paradise, with a nightly rodeo and many museums and sights dedicated to Buffalo Bill Cody. I grew up in Nevada, and never did like the desert, so this was not my favorite area. However, the people are exceedingly friendly and open, and I can certainly admire the history here.
We had dinner at the Buffalo Bill Restaurant in the old Irma Hotel, and it was quite tasty. everyone dresses in 1800s gear, and they put on a show outside every night. Hokey, but fun, especially for the kids. We are turning in early tonight, so that we can get an early start on our trip to Rapid City. we are making a pit stop at devil's Tower, which is the mountain made famous in "Close encounters of the Third Kind". More later...
Comments
Pretty good reporting. I feel like I am there.
What great pictures!! We were there along time ago, it must of been 32+ years ago. I bet alot of it has changed since then. I can't wait till you guys get to Wisconsin.