Why Yellowstone National Park is the Perfect Destination

Since its designation as a National Park by Ulysses S Grant back in 1872, Yellowstone has been welcoming millions of visitors from around the globe.

As the great naturalist John Muir said, “The air is electric and full of ozone, healing, reviving, exhilarating, kept pure by frost and fire, while the scenery is wild enough to awaken the dead. It is a glorious place to grow in and rest in.”

That’s praise enough to peak most anyone’s interest.

Straddling the Montana border in northwest Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park will enthrall the most jaded of visitors. Despite the throngs of visitors every year, much of the park is kept natural, which is a rare and beautiful thing to experience.

The combination of unique geothermal activity, prolific wildlife, and sheer beauty of the landscape is unmatched anywhere else. Come see why this national treasure has captured the hearts and minds of every curious traveler, both young and old.

Things to See and Do in Yellowstone

Old faithful in Yellowstone Unless you are really curious, go ahead and skip Old Faithful. Well, okay, if you haven’t been to see it, it’s pretty cool just to see it go off once. But then, quickly move on, because there is so much more to experience. The natural geyser was given her name for a reason, as she pretty much erupts every hour, 24 hours a day.

Shoshone Lake is the largest body of water in the lower 48 states without a road leading to its shores. Because of this, there are only two ways to get here: navigate a hand-propelled watercraft from nearby Lewis Lake, or hike in from DeLacy Creek Trailhead. This area is popular with backpackers and the full loop around the lake is about 23 miles.

The Grand Prismatic Spring is the shining star of the Midway Geyser Basin and is the largest hot spring in the U.S. Marvel at the multi-colored layers from different species of heat-loving bacteria that live in and around the springs. It’s a photographer’s dream.

Buffalo in Yellowstone The Lamar Valley is one of the best places on the planet to see great bison roaming free in their natural habitat. If you are lucky, you may also spot elk, coyotes, bears, and wolves. You definitely do not want to miss Artist Point. It’s located in Yellowstone Canyon along the south rim and the lower falls

Pro Tip: During peak summer months, it's not uncommon for the park to be overrun with visitors, with traffic at a standstill for the most popular sites. Go as early in the morning as you can for optimal conditions.

There are a number of geyser basins around the park. Be sure to pick up a park map, so you can plan strategically what to see and do once you arrive.

Get Off the Beaten Path in Yellowstone

For a great day hike, if you are up to the challenge, Avalanche Peak is it. For a little over four miles, you will ascend roughly 2,000 feet to reward yourself with a magnificent view of Yellowstone Lake. Or if you’d rather take it a little slower, opt for the shorter trails with amazing waterfalls such as Osprey Falls, Fairy Falls, or Mystic Falls.

To see wildlife at its most raw and untamed, head to Mt. Washburn. You will be sure to see something amazing, whether it is bison grazing in the fields or bears in the woods. If you are new to hiking, check out this Ultimate hiking survival guide.

For unrivaled views into the eastern part of Yellowstone, challenge yourself with the short but steep hike up to Avalanche Peak. While the trail does not have many switchbacks, there is some rocky footing, with a rapid ascent from the trailhead. At just under 5 miles total, the hardest part is the first mile.

While most of Yellowstone is closed in the winter there are tour companies that will take you into the park. I highly suggest you take a 5-day Winter Photography Tour with Brushbucktours if you want to see the park from a whole new perspective. It will be a highlight of your life. I promise.

If you want to use a tour guide to see Yellowstone I recommend Abercrombie & Kent Tours in Yellowstone National Park, They're an international tour company that caters to the high-end market and you will not be disappointed. Everything they do is first class and they always have access to things most people will never see if traveling on their own.

What to Eat in Yellowstone

At Fishing Bridge there is a General Store in Yellowstone National Park, where a 50’s style diner is located. That has some pretty good food, and not as expensive as some other places in the park.

The Roosevelt Cookout Yellowstone National Park is not only a fine meal, it is an experience. Ride out in a covered wagon, then saddle up to your table, where the cooks will serve up some real cowboy grub!

Here is a great comprehensive guide on Where to eat in Yellowstone National Park in Yellowstone National Park.

Where to Stay in Yellowstone

There are several great places to stay, in and around the park that will fit most any budget. Here are a few, broken down by rate class. Generally, if you plan on staying anywhere in one of Yellowstone’s nine lodges, plan at least one year in advance, as competition for spots is fierce, even campgrounds.

Old Faithful Inn Yellowstone A great guide to Camping in Yellowstone National Park can be found here..

Inexpensive – Big Bear Motel. Located in Cody on the east side of the park, this is a great, family-run motel, located away from the bustle of downtown Cody. Many of their rooms feature spectacular mountain views. The rooms are clean and comfortable – perfect for couples or families.

Moderate – The Cody Hotel. Providing luxury lodging outside the park in the town of Cody, less than an hour’s drive from the east entrance to the park. They have modern, comfortable rooms that sleep up to 4, and some have a jacuzzi tub with a balcony. Cody itself has many attractions that will keep you occupied for a day or two if you want to take a break from Yellowstone.

High-End –Old Faithful Inn. For rustic charm in the heart of Yellowstone, this inn offers summer and winter lodges, as well as a campground. But be prepared to pay for staying inside the park! The inn itself is considered the largest log structure in the world! The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the lobby boasts a massive stone fireplace, a hand-crafted clock made of copper, with wrought iron accents throughout.

Note: Most roads are closed in Yellowstone during the winter months, so it’s best to come anytime from April through September, especially if you are a first-time visitor. You don’t want to miss out on anything in this incredible park.

Details: Written by Jeff Yelton; August 22, 2020

Travel Tips and Tricks

Motion Sickness Prevention and Treatment

Motion sickness, also known as seasickness, occurs due to a disturbance in your inner ear. The inner ear is the area of the body responsible for balance and equilibrium. Typically, when we are on the move, all our senses – ears, eyes, skin, muscle, and joint – tell the brain that we are in motion either through what we hear, what we see, or what we feel. But if you are moving yet still, like when you travel on a ship, plane, car, train, or bus, the senses get conflicting information, and motion sickness tends to occur. According to the CDC, when the movement you see is different from what your inner ear senses, motion sickness occurs. Even though anyone can suffer from motion sickness, it is more common in pregnant women, children, and people on certain medications. Motion sickness typically starts as a queasy feeling but can quickly progress to cold sweats, dizziness, nausea, and even vomiting. How Do You Prevent Motion Sickness 1. Know Where to Sit While Traveling Where you sit makes a difference to the extent of motion sickness you’d experience. Typically, sitting in front of the car and enjoying the outside scenery helps reduce car sickness. If flying, try to get a wing seat on a plane and look out the window if possible. When on a cruise, staying midship or on the upper deck can help keep things balanced in your brain. And if you’re on a train, seating on the forward-moving cars and near a window helps your brain match up what it sees and what the inner ear senses. 2. Know What Not to Do When you experience motion sickness, especially in a car or a bus, try looking out of the car and focus on things in the distance rather than looking inside the car or reading a book. Your brain typically senses movement by the signals it gets from other parts of the body, like the eyes and inner ear. If you are reading instead of looking out, your ear senses motion but your eyes are focused on a book, which is static. This will make things worse. Read More

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