Yellowstone National Park
America’s first, and possibly greatest, National Park
The Grand Prismatic Spring | Framalicious / Shutterstock
Yellowstone National Park isn’t just America’s first national park or the setting for some TV show that’s taken the world by storm. It’s a three-million-acre volcanic refuge for some of America’s best-known creatures, a place where underground water is spat into the air by super-heated rock and a a landscape marked by geological formations that wouldn’t look out of place on another planet.
Competition for attention in geyser country is fierce. Everyone knows and loves Old Faithful, the punctual geyser that erupts boiling water and steam into the air every 90 minutes (give or take a minute or two). But don’t forget to push on to the Norris Geyser Basin and to Steam Boat, tipped as the world’s tallest geyser, pushing steam and water up to 300 feet in the air.
Between those two, the Grand Prismatic Spring is another essential must-see; it’s the orange, yellow and teal volcanic lake that you’ll see on the front of guidebooks, in the photo above and on the adverts that prompted you to visit Yellowstone in the first place. Hike up to the Fairy Falls Overlook for the best views.
Beyond the geology, Lamar Valley is North America’s great safari. Get there just before dawn and, if you’re lucky, you could spot wolves, bears, elk, pronghorns and bison grazing, browsing or just looking for the next meal. Park up near Soda Butte Creek and scan the landscape, with patience being the watchword. Just remember that Yellowstone’s wildlife is indeed wild, and practice safe storage of food and carry bear spray if you’re thinking of leaving the usual tourist trails.
Make sure you bring sturdy boots, as the park is hiking heaven. Follow the Mount Washburn Trail for simply stunning views, or take in some geothermal surprises along the Mystic Falls Trail. A hike up to Artist Point and a view of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is also a must.
Staying inside the park is the optimum way to stay close to the action, but you’ll need to be planning at least a year out – demand is high year-round. If you struggle to get a room in the Old Faithful Inn (highly likely), then choose one of the out-of-town hotels or motels where your chances are higher. The Sage Lodge in Pray, Montana still feels wild enough, but if you want a touch of luxury, then try the Montage Big Sky.
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