Traveler Profile: Ashleigh Nicole, 35, USA
Location: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Time of Year: July
Travel Goals: Explore the natural wonders and wildlife of Yellowstone
Morning Exploration in Nature’s Wonderland
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Susanne Pommer
I was excited beyond measure before I even made it to the park. Yellowstone National Park is an iconic natural wonder and always a personal favorite. The crisp morning air filling my lungs as I arrived at Yellowstone was very nostalgic. My first stop was Old Faithful. The famous geyser is known for its predictable eruptions, so if you hang around, you’ll see the powerful burst of water against the backdrop of the clear blue sky since it happens every hour to an hour and a half.
A Hearty Mountain Breakfast
Image Credit: Shutterstock / EQRoy
After stopping at Old Faithful, I went to the Old Faithful Inn for a hearty breakfast. The rustic charm of this place is just so very Yellowstone. I ordered a classic mountain breakfast with fluffy pancakes, scrambled eggs, and sizzling bacon to fuel up for today’s adventure. The food was great, and the views of the surrounding wilderness through the lodge’s large windows made the meal even more enjoyable.
Navigating the Geothermal Wonders
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Tristan Brynildsen
I explored the Norris Geyser Basin with a map, a full belly, and a sense of adventure. The steamy landscape dotted with bubbling geysers paints a surreal picture. The vibrant colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring are an unbelievable sight. It’s a stunning contrast to the greenery that surrounds it.
Fellow Traveler Tip: Print off a map of the park ahead to save time and money.
Wildlife Encounter at Lamar Valley
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jared Christopher
After that, I headed to Lamar Valley in the afternoon to maximize my chances of wildlife sightings. The valley is renowned for its diverse wildlife, and I wasn’t disappointed. I spotted herds of bison grazing and elk moving gracefully through the park. The wildlife encounters were a reminder of the untamed beauty of Yellowstone.
Fellow Traveler Tip: Bring binoculars and be patient – wildlife sightings are common but may require some time and observation.
Picnic by Yellowstone Lake
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Iryna Marienko
For lunch, I chose a quiet spot by Yellowstone Lake to enjoy a picnic I had prepared. The lake’s crystal-clear waters were breathtaking as I unwrapped my sandwiches and took in the stunning views. The tranquility of the lake was a peaceful interlude for the day’s adventures.
Fellow Traveler Tip: Pack a picnic to eat lunch in the park, as there are no restaurant options to ensure you have more time to sightsee.
Afternoon Hike to Artist Point
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jacqueline Heijt
I embarked on a hike to Artist Point on my journey toward Yellowstone Canyon. The trail led me to a great spot to see the majestic Lower Falls and the colorful canyon walls. The sheer beauty of the landscape left me in awe, and I took a moment to absorb the natural beauty surrounding me.
Evening at Mammoth Hot Springs
Image Credit: Shutterstock / GJ-NYC
As the evening approached, I made my way to Mammoth Hot Springs. The terraces of steaming, mineral-rich water flowing down the limestone formations create an otherworldly atmosphere. Walking along the boardwalk, I was amazed at the intricate formations and vibrant colors illuminated by the setting sun.
Sunset Overlooking Hayden Valley
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Kelly vanDellen
For the perfect end to my day, I drove to Hayden Valley to watch the sunset. Words can’t capture how the valley looks, framed by distant mountain ranges, as the setting sun turns it into a golden wonder. The tranquility of the valley and the vivid colors of the sky made it a memorable end to my day in Yellowstone.
The Bottom Line
Image Credit: Pexels / James Lee
Driving to each location and getting out to get closer to the natural sights is the safe way to explore the park. Be sure to have a map to get around. The park is so big it wouldn’t be hard to get turned around.
Tourist Information: nps.gov/yell
Unveiling the 21 Places Single Women Should Avoid at All Costs
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Carles Iturbe
Traveling solo as a woman? It’s an adventure with its own set of challenges. From street safety to discrimination, some spots are riskier than others. We’ve used the Women’s Danger Index and other resources to craft a guide that helps you choose your destinations wisely. Unveiling the 21 Places Single Women Should Avoid at All Costs
Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops
Image Credit: Shutterstock / donvictorio
Discover chilling tales from the America’s spookiest roads complete with ghostly figures and eerie phenomena in this thrilling guide to paranormal hotspots—perfect for adventure seekers and ghost enthusiasts. Ready for a supernatural road trip? Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops
18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid
Image Credit: Pexels / Adrian Newell
American cities dazzle with culture and history, yet rising crime rates demand cautious exploration. This guide ensures you stay informed and safe. 18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid
20 Things That Americans Tolerate That Canadians Would Never Accept
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nicoleta Ionescu
Canadians often find American customs ranging from amusing to astonishing. From the quirky to the confounding, let’s explore the U.S. through a Canadian lens—maple syrup and poutine in hand. Get ready for a journey that’s both odd and insightful, seen from the Great White North. 20 Things That Americans Tolerate That Canadians Would Never Accept
22 of America’s Most Charming Towns
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nejdet Duzen
Hit the road and discover America’s coziest towns, real-life versions of those quaint settings from your favorite novels. Explore charming streets where every storefront tells a story and locals greet everyone with a hello. Ready to dive into the charm? 22 of America’s Most Charming Towns
The post Yellowstone Unleashed: Adventures in America’s Pristine Wilderness republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jared Christopher.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
Tips for Trip Success
Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.
Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.
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