The park's main road called the "Grand Loop" is a figure 8 with several entrances. Luckily, our guidebook started at the west entrance which is where we entered. Each night we had reservations at a different junction along the loop so we planned on seeing the sights while we traveled from one lodging area to the next. Our first stop was along the Madison River for lunch.
We got our first wildlife, albeit small wildlife, sightings here. Some fish, ducks, and a heron dined in the area with us. In the previous pic, the sun was shining and the sky clear. In the span of 10 minutes, the weather can completely change. We learned we had to always be prepared.
These cliffs along the Madison River Valley are made of rhyolite, which was formed from lava flows.
The uintas ground squirrel was common everywhere. They were fat-bodied and skinny-tailed compared to our GA rodents.
Pull-over areas for watching animals and nature were everywhere along the grand loop - holding anywhere from one car to 20. Most of the "sights" were just a short walking distance from the parking area but also had hiking trails that could take you to other sights. One of our first stops along the grand loop was at the Junior Ranger Station.
Behind the station overlooks the campsite of the 1870 explorers that created the idea that the government should set aside this area because of all it's natural wonders as a national park for all to enjoy.
Firehole Canyon, created again by lava flows, holds Firehole Falls that is a 40-foot drop.
You could take guided tours in one of these cuties.
We never saw an entire herd of elk - only singles. This guy was grazing where you can still see evidence of previous forest fires.
The Fountain Paint Pots contained mud that bubbled, boiled, and gurgled. The coloring varied according to the minerals that were being broken down but was mostly clay colored when we were there. Several geysers and hot springs were also in this area.
Here is JD and Fountain Geyser. It errupted almost continuously while we were in the area.
Dead lodgepole pines which were one standing in water have bases preserved with silica now. The pines were used by Native Americans to create their lodges, hence the name.
Firehole Lake is one of the park's largest hot springs. Bacteria that thrive in the hot water create the orange and black "mats" near the front.
White Dome Geyser did not erupt for us but was an intriguing site to see. It is a cone-type geyser.
One of the most beautiful (and largest) hot springs is Grand Prismatic. Here people line the walkway in front of it. The center is a deep, clear blue and the algae along the edges creates ripples of various colors. It was overcast the first day we were there so we weren't able to really see the intensity of the colors.
Even the colors are reflected in the rising vapors. Our guidebook mentioned a social trail, meaning it wasn't recommended by the park, that took you to a better view of the springs in this area. We couldn't find it, which turned out to be good luck because we found it the next day. It was a much grander sight when the sun was shining!
The rainy windy weather combined with hot steam means I should probably just where a hat :)
Our first bison!! Animal sightings were usually pretty easy. Basically, if you saw a couple of cars pulled over just go ahead and join them because there is probably something to see. This guy was just a few feet off the road and paid the traffic and people no mind.
Sapphire Pool used to be a geyser but a 1959 earthquake changed that. It no longer erupts but is still a beautiful hot spring.
Our first night we stayed at Old Faithful Inn, built originally in 1904. Some of the rooms even still have shared baths!
The Inn overlooked Old Faithful and we were able to see (or really hear) a nightime erruption of the park's most famous geyser.
These original doors were extremely thick and have survived lots of winters!
The inside contains a huge main lobby with a great stone fireplace.
The Crow's Nest at the very top once held musicians for entertaining but an earthquake twisted some of the timbers so that it is no longer safe for occupancy.
Our room was very quaint with no tv, internet, or phone service so we really were able to get away from it all.
The CUTEST bison ever greeted us on our bed. I was super excited to take him home, but in fine print he said take me home and I will just be charged to your room - boo! Still a little upset about that one...
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