Exploring Yellowstone National Park ( Part 2)

Join me on a one-day adventure through Yellowstone’s Upper Loop- an experience filled with geothermal marvels, stunning landscapes, and unexpected wildlife encounters. Inspire your next trip as we journey through this nearly 70 mile loop together. Curious about where to camp? Check out Exploring Yellowstone National Park (Part 1).  

Ten Stops Along the Upper Loop ( from the west entrance):

*Tips before you go: Fuel up, pack a lunch, plenty of snacks, and water- bring layers and sunscreen as it gets hot and cold. *

1. Our first stop was a viewpoint of Mount Haynes, which stands at an elevation of about 8,218 feet. This is not a popular stop, but it is peaceful and beautiful nonetheless.

2. From Mount Haynes, we made our way to Terrace Spring. This is a small area with a little parking lot. It has a wooden walkway, and was our first thermal spring. It was in the cool of the morning and so awe-ing to see the steam coming from the colorful ponds.

3. Artists Paintpots was one of my favorite stops while exploring the upper loop. This stop had colorful hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pots. There was a nice 1.1 mile loop providing beautiful views of all the geothermal activity.

4. From here we wanted to visit Norris Geyser Basin, the hottest thermal area in the park, but unfortunately we couldn’t find parking. I wish we would have packed our patience as I would have loved to see the world’s tallest active geyser, Steamboat.

5. After our Norris Geyser Basin fail, we made our way to the popular and picturesque Mammoth Hot Springs. We found parking and walked part of the boardwalk to the stunning Canary Springs. You can take an hour to walk the whole boardwalk or just take in the upper part like we did.

6. After our walk, we decided to drive the loop, stopping at Orange Springs Mount. This was quite stunning. It reminded me of a honey pot.

7. By this time, we were all starving. We drove down into the little town of Mammoth Hot Springs, and ate at the food court. It was pricey, so I would recommend packing your own lunch. If you are in a sweets mood, enjoy some ice cream or gummies from next door. There is also a huge grass area across the street. Many times, you will find elk hanging out there. 

8. After we refueled, we were all pretty tired so we bypassed Tower- Roosevelt to get to Canyon Village. We opted to take the less traveled Black Tail Plateau DR. The drive was quiet and breathtaking. We were fortunate enough to see and hear an elk bugling for the first time. The kids also enjoyed this portion as we let them ride in the bed of the truck. 

9. Finally, we made it to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone’s North Rim Trail. In order to take this trail, start off at Inspiration Point. We chose to do the 3.3 mile trail to the Upper Falls, but if you have the energy, you can continue to the south Rim Trail. We were by ourselves for the majority of the hike. Don’t miss out on Crystal falls along the way.

Our last stop was the lookout point of the spectacular Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. After our brief stop, we headed back, sighting bison as the sun was setting.

Overall experience

Experiencing Yellowstone in two days is not for the faint of heart. We were exhausted by the end of the day, but good exhausted if you know what I mean. The autumn colors and crisp air made a beautiful backdrop to Yellowstone’s hydrothermal features and wildlife. My favorite part of the day was hiking the North Rim trail that led to the Upper Falls. Not only did we get to experience Crystal Falls in solitude, we got to stand on top of the roaring and powerful Upper Falls, an experience that brought me back a year to Niagara Falls. If you decide to go, this is a hike worth taking.

* Stay tuned next week as we explore Yellowstone's iconic Lower Loop.

Bible Verse

Philippians 4:8 NIV


Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Reflection

• When I asked God to give me a verse to memorize last week, this is the verse He gave me. I don’t know about you, but I always make excuses for putting in the time to actually memorize verses. God has been nudging me to put in the time, so I did, and with success. I can confidently say I have Philippians 4:8 memorized, and what a gift it is. 

• God has really focused my mind on the first part of this verse,  TRUTH. I find many times I fill in the blanks with my own reasoning or backstory, which only leads to preconceived notions, anxiety, poor choices, doubt, and chaos. 

• God also revealed to me that we have subconscious, deep rooted “truths” that govern our worldview, our thought patterns, and our actions. These “truths” are actually lies and footholds from our childhood. Many of us have trauma that is woven into our very being, but God wants us to face that trauma and break free. How? By asking Him to reveal to us in His perfect time what they are, and to receive His redeeming grace to transform our innermost being.

• There are lies we tell ourselves every day. Lies that we are not good enough, pretty enough, strong enough, smart enough, disciplined enough etc. When God's truth is revealed, we realize that through Him we are enough. 

Do you feel stuck in the bondage of anxiety or depression? Look to John 8:32, “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Pray Psalms 139: 23-24 

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”


In Jesus’ name, Amen

Focusing on Truth,

Brooke 

* I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences, feel free to leave a comment below. 

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