Wyoming · September 2017
Yellowstone is the United States' first National Park.
It is also the third largest U.S. National Park, occupying an area nearly 3,500 square miles in size.
Although there are mountainous areas and waterfalls, the most popular attractions are its geothermal features.
Arriving from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, I had less than a full day to explore the park.
If I had more time, I would have stayed one or two nights near Mammoth Hot Springs.
With over 7 hours of round-trip driving, I didn't have enough time to fit in any hikes.
Visting during the Labor Day weekend, the parking situation was a nightmare, and it took a long time to cover the distance between the things I wanted to see.
Overall, I would say this wasn't the most comfortable National Park trip, but there were some amazing things here.
The Grand Prismatic Spring
Excelsior Geyser Crater
The Grand Prismatic Spring
Mammoth Springs
Yellowstone Falls
A view of the waterfall from near Lookout Point on the North Rim
The Yellowstone River, from the North Rim
Directions
Most of Yellowstone National Park is located in northern Wyoming.
The closest airport to the destinations mentioned on this page is Yellowstone Airport in West Yellowstone, Montana.
From Jackson Hole, it is a 3.5-hour drive to Mammoth Hot Springs on the northern edge of Montana.
1
The Grand Prismatic Spring Parking: 44.527905, -110.835822
2
Lookout Point: 44.720884, -110.488608
3
Mammoth Hot Springs, Upper Terrace Parking: 44.968457, -110.707590
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