Choose from 15 Fun Things to Do in Wyoming
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Mormon Row Historic District
Some of the first settlers of the Jackson Hole Valley were homesteading Mormon pioneers, who managed to farm and raise irrigated crops in the harsh Teton terrain. Arriving from Idaho in the 1890s, they constructed cabins, log homes, and barns that had no running water or electricity, and the wooden structures still standing today offer glimpses of this pioneering past. At the famously scenic John Moulton Barn, the snow-capped peaks of the Teton Range offer a dramatic wilderness backdrop, and help to shape the ruggedly romantic feel of Wyoming’s frontier. In 1997, Mormon Row was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and remains one of the most popularly photographed spots in Grand Teton National Park.
Practical Info
To reach the Mormon Row Historic District, head north from Jackson on Highway 191, where past Moose Junction you’ll make a right onto Antelope Flats Road. From here, drive 1.5 miles until you see a dirt road with a pink stucco house on the corner. There is no admission fee or opening hours, and the drive is approximately 30 minutes from Jackson.
Address: Moose, Wyoming, USA
From $ 139
Upper Falls
Of all Yellowstone National Park’s waterfalls, the Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River are possibly the most underrated. At a thundering height of 109 feet (33 meters), the Upper Falls are an impressive sight that’s certainly worthy of a stop—and would more than likely be the highlight of virtually any other park.
The Basics
The Upper Falls are often overshadowed by the nearby Lower Falls, which tumble 308 feet (94 meters) through the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone—the highest waterfall in the park. The most accessible views of the Upper Falls are from the Uncle Tom’s parking area, located just south of Canyon Village and five minutes from the Lower Falls. By following the Southern Rim Trail, it’s easy to experience both the Lower and Upper Falls via a short, half‐mile hike.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Upper Falls are a must-see for those looking to get off the beaten track in Yellowstone.
- Don’t forget your camera; the views of the falls and surrounding Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone are spectacular.
- The short paved trail at the top of Brink of the Lower Falls offers wheelchair-accessible views of Upper Falls.
How to Get There
The easiest way to get to the falls, located near Canyon Village, is by car. Take North Rim Drive to see the Upper Falls from the Brink of Lower Falls parking area, or opt for South Rim Drive to see the falls from the parking area for Uncle Tom’s Point.
When to Get There
The best time to see the Upper Falls is in late spring and early summer, when snowmelt swells the Yellowstone River and the falls’ water volume is at its most impressive. Come during the winter to avoid crowds and see the falls in all their frozen beauty.
Waterfalls of Yellowstone National Park
The Upper and Lower Falls are only two of the hundreds of waterfalls that dot the landscape within the nation’s oldest national park. Crystal Falls, also located in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, is visible from South Rim Trail. Other easily accessible falls include Firehole Falls, located just off Firehole Canyon Scenic Drive; Tower Fall, near Canyon Village; Gibbon Falls, between Madison and Norris Junctions; and the Kepler Cascades, situated just south of Old Faithful.
Address: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
From $ 229
Petrified Tree
While it’s hard to believe from looking at Yellowstone’s eruptive landscape today, there was once a time when this corner of Wyoming was covered in towering trees. Much like the Redwoods of California, these trees were prolific and crawled across hillsides and thrust their way towards the sky, with many species of tropical plants like cinnamon growing nearby. That all changed about 55 million years ago, when explosive eruptions of Yellowstone’s volcanoes forever altered the landscape. Trees were uprooted and caught in debris fields, slipping and sliding in the mud, before finally settling in upright positions like toothpicks standing on end. While many of those trees would eventually die, a few that were fossilized and petrified like stone are still in the park today—the most famous being the Petrified Tree just west of Tower Junction. Located within a protective fence (to keep souvenir looters at bay), the Petrified Tree is a window back to Yellowstone’s tropical past, when the peaks of the mountains we see today were once at the valley floor.
Practical Info
The Petrified Tree is by the Lost Lake Trailhead, and is accessible via a short hike about 1⁄4 mile off the Grand Loop Road. The turnoff is located just west of Tower Junction when traveling in the direction of Mammoth Hot Springs, and the trail also features panoramic views looking south towards the peak of Mt Washburn.
Address: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
From $ 65
Firehole River
Like many other places in Yellowstone, the Firehole River is a scenic spot that lives up to its dramatic name. As it meanders north for 21 miles (34 kilometers) to join with the Madison River, the Firehole acts as a drainage basin for many of the park’s geothermal features and is the ideal spot for a summertime dip.
The Basics
In collecting all of the mineral rich water, which has been naturally heated by the earth, the Firehole River can run 15 degrees warmer than surrounding rivers and lakes—with the steam that’s often emitted from the surface being one of the reasons for its name. That’s why park visitors come to swim in the Firehole River swimming hole, where water temperatures hover at a moderate 75°F (23.8°C). Tourists can also drive through Firehole Canyon to the 40-foot (12-meter) Firehole Falls, the site of another popular summer swimming hole. Many guided tours of Yellowstone National Park include a visit to the Firehole River area and its colorful Fountain Paint Pot situated nearby.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The warm waters of the Firehole River make an ideal spot for a summer splash.
- Currents can be strong in the Firehole River, so only experienced swimmers should venture into the deeper parts of the river.
- Changing rooms are available at the roadside pull off near Firehole Falls.
- There are no lifeguards on duty along the Firehole River.
How to Get There
The Firehole River begins just south of Old Faithful and runs through the park’s thermal areas to join the Gibbon River. A segment of Firehole Canyon is accessible via Firehole Canyon Drive, a side road of the Grand Loop Road.
When to Get There
If you want to swim in the Firehole River, visit on a warm summer day. The rest of the year offers opportunity to observe the steamy waters of the river, but it’s too cold to swim. The Firehole River swimming area sometimes closes due to high water levels from snowmelt or summer rainstorms.
Yellowstone’s Madison Area
The Firehole River is located in the Madison area of Yellowstone National Park. Visitors to this portion of the park can also visit the small and colorful Artists Paintpots, 84-foot (26-meter) Gibbon Falls, Monument Geyser Basin, and Terrace Spring, a hot springs area with a short boardwalk.
Address: Yellowstone National Park, USA
From $ 285
Jenny Lake Trail
A highlight of Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park, the Jenny Lake area is characterized by thundering waterfalls, canyons, mountain vistas, and the crystalline expanse of Jenny Lake itself. The lake trail runs 7.1 miles (11.4 kilometers) around the water’s edge and passes by Hidden Falls, Cascade Canyon, and Inspiration Point.
The Basics
Most tours of Grand Teton National Park include at least a portion of the Jenny Lake Trail, whether you opt to explore on a full-day, morning, or sunset excursion. Day trips to Grand Teton typically leave from the towns of Jackson Hole or Jackson and allow you to see Jenny Lake along with park highlights, such as Oxbow Bend and Jackson Lake.
Most tours include a meal and round-trip transportation. To explore Grand Teton National Park at your own pace, opt for a self-guided tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Jenny Lake Trail is a must-see for nature lovers.
- Wear shoes suitable for hiking, dress in layers, and bring sun protection.
- The area is home to both grizzly and black bears, so be sure to make noise when out on the trail and leave no trace of food or trash behind.
- A shuttle boat crosses the lake from the visitor center to a dock on the lake’s western shore, which allows you to see Hidden Falls after just 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) of hiking.
How to Get There
Jenny Lake sits at the base of the Tetons at an elevation of 6,800 feet (2,073 meters) from the town of Jackson. You can visit via private vehicle or opt for a guided tour to avoid the hassle of parking.
When to Get There
Summer, when the weather is typically warm and sunny, is the most popular time to visit. Parking at South Jenny Lake can fill up quickly, so arrive early in the morning to score a spot. The area is accessible by car from May through October.
Jenny Lake Trail Options
The most popular variation of the Jenny Lake Trail starts with a shuttle boat ride across the lake from the visitor center to a dock on the western shore. From here, a moderately steep, 0.5-mile (0.8-kilometer) hike leads to thundering Hidden Falls, before continuing up Cascade Canyon toward aptly named Inspiration Point. While the trail connects with overnight trails, day hikers most often turn back and return via the southwestern shoreline.
Address: South Jenny Lake Junction, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, USA
From $ 139
Fountain Paint Pot
Fountain Paint Pot is one of several mud pots found within Yellowstone National Park that bursts and pops as the mud thickens throughout summer. The surrounding Fountain Paint Pot area is known for its pools of thermophiles (heat-loving bacteria) that gather to form multihued puddles in the earth, as well as mini-geysers and fumaroles.
The Basics
The Fountain Paint Pot area is one of the most accessible part of Yellowstone National Park, and one where you can see all four types of thermal features found in Yellowstone—hot springs, mud pots, geysers, and fumaroles. Most tours of the Yellowstone Lower Loop include a walk along the Fountain Paint Pot boardwalk, as do winter tours to Old Faithful by snowmobile or snowcoach.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Fountain Paint Pot area is a must-visit for all first-time visitors to the national park.
- Don’t forget to bring sun protection, as there’s not much shade in the Fountain Paint Pot area.
- Plan to spend about 30 minutes touring the volcanic features of the area.
How to Get There
Fountain Paint Pot is accessed via a half-mile (0.80-kilometer) loop boardwalk known as the Fountain Paint Pot Nature Trail. The easy trail is right next to Grand Loop Road in the Lower Geyser Basin area of the park. Plan to visit early in the morning to enjoy the scenery before the crowds pick up.
When to Get There
Fountain Paint Pot changes with the seasons. It’s at its most fluid and bubbly in the spring as snowmelt provides plenty of water to the pools. By the end of summer and into early autumn, the mud starts to thicken and dry.
Clepsydra Geyser
Not all geysers are as reliable as this one, situated in the Fountain Paint Pot area. In Ancient Greece, a clepsydra was a type of water clock, and Clepsydra Geyser erupts like clockwork every three minutes. After an earthquake in 1959, the geyser now erupts almost continuously, making it a star in Yellowstone’s Lower Geyser Basin.
Address: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
From $ 260
National Elk Refuge
Part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Elk Refuge protects a 24,700-acre (10,000-hectare) winter habitat for the Jackson Elk Herd and several other endangered species of mammals, birds, and fish. With Grand Teton National Park as a backdrop, visitors can spot 47 species of mammals and nearly 175 species of birds.
The Basics
The National Elk Refuge represents one of the best wildlife viewing opportunities from Jackson Hole. Visitors can choose to explore independently by driving along Refuge Road or join a guided tour of the land. Sleigh rides are popular in winter, while walking and biking tours occur in the summer.
The Jackson Hole and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center, located in the southwest corner of the refuge, offers information on the history and habitats of the surrounding landscapes. History buffs should stop at historic Miller Ranch to learn about the first homesteaders to settle in the area. A visit to the refuge can also be combined with a tour of Grand Teton National Park.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The National Elk Refuge is a must-visit for families and wildlife enthusiasts visiting Jackson Hole.
- Visit the refuge on a half-day tour, or combine it with Grand Teton National Park for a full day of wildlife viewing.
- Keep a safe distance from wildlife, for both your safety and the animals’.
- Dress in layers with sturdy shoes, and don’t forget to bring sun protection, even in winter.
How to Get There
The entrance to the National Elk Refuge is just a mile from Jackson Hole. Most visitors drive there independently, though it’s also possible to join a wildlife watching tour with included round-trip transportation from Jackson Hole hotels.
When to Get There
It’s possible to spot wildlife at the refuge year-round, but the best time for elk sightings is near dawn or dusk during the winter months, when some 5,000 elk come to the refuge to overwinter. If you visit during summer, ask at the visitor’s center for suggestions on where to spot elk.
ElkFest
Each weekend before Memorial Day, the Jackson Hole community gathers in Town Square to celebrate ElkFest. Among the main events is an antler auction, where thousands of pounds of elk antlers collected by the National Elk Refuge staff are sold to benefit the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Jackson District Boy Scouts.
Address: USA
From $ 145
National Museum of Wildlife Art
Nestled into the cliffs as if it simply grew there, the National Museum of Wildlife Art is 51,000 square feet of space dedicated to wildlife art. With works dating from 2500 BC to the present, the collection chronicles the history of wildlife through art. As photography is a relatively new invention, this art collection allows us to get a glimpse of wildlife—and life—in a bygone era. Though there is a definite focus on American and European art, the collection includes pieces from around the world, including New Zealand and Africa.
The National Museum of Wildlife Art by the numbers:
• 14 galleries
• 5,000 items of art in various mediums including oil, bronze, stone, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, pastel, pencil, lithography, photography and charcoal
• Works by more than 550 artists ranging from early American Tribes to contemporary masters
• A new .75 mile (1.2 km) sculpture trail by artist Walter Hood
• More than 80,000 visitors per year
Practical Info:
The museum is located about 2.5 miles (about 4 km) north of Jackson on Highway 89 overlooking the National Elk Refuge. While you can drive, the START Bus provides shuttle service around the town of Jackson and to the museum for free; you’ll also get $1 off of your admission price if you tell the ticket seller that you took the bus. The museum is open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily and is free for children under five years of age. Prices for tickets range from $6 for children aged 5-18 to $12 for adults; there is a special $10 rate for seniors.
Address: 2820 Rungius Road, Jackson Hole, Wyoming 83001, USA
Hours: Daily: 9 am - 5 pm
Admission: Adults: $12, Seniors: $10, Kids (5-15): $6
From $ 199
Yellowstone National Park
The vast Yellowstone National Park, stretching over portions of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, was the first U.S. National Park when it was established in 1872. Famous for its scenery, wildlife, and geothermal activity—most notably, the geyser known as Old Faithful—Yellowstone covers almost 3,500 square miles (9,000 square kilometers) of mountainous countryside. The park boasts one of the largest high-altitude lakes in North America (Yellowstone Lake), the longest undammed river in the contiguous United States (Yellowstone River), and even its own Grand Canyon.
The Basics
Yellowstone covers a whopping 2.2 million acres (890,000 hectares) of wilderness, so guided tours are the best way to fully appreciate this massive park. There are a number of Yellowstone National Park tours suitable for any age and interest, including full-day visits of the park highlights; lower-loop tours from Jackson, Wyoming.; guided trail hikes; rafting or kayaking excursions; scenic river floats perfect for young kids or the elderly; and wildlife viewing.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Yellowstone is home to hundreds of animal species, including bears, bison, wolves, and elk. Be sure to keep a safe and respectful distance from all wildlife.
- The National Park Service charges visitors to the park an entry fee, which includes a seven-day entry permit for both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
- The lion's share of your visit to the park will be spent outdoors, so be sure to bring attire for warm and cool weather as temps can fluctuate with altitude, and pack a hat and sunblock.
- Yellowstone is an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages, perfect for a multi-generational family trip.
How to Get to Yellowstone
Yellowstone has five entrances with visitor centers to the northwest, northeast, south, east, and west. The nearest airports are the Yellowstone Airport near the town of West Yellowstone in Montana, and the Jackson Hole Airport in Jackson, Wyoming.
When to Get There
Yellowstone can be visited year-round, though most roads close from early November to mid-April, when only travel by snowmobile and snowcoach is permitted. The park is most crowded in July and August, so plan a spring or fall trip for good weather and fewer visitors.
Yellowstone’s Hot Springs and Geysers
There are more geysers in Yellowstone than any other place in the world. To visit the park's geysers, enter through the West Entrance and continue to Madison, the jumping off point for geyser basins to the north and south. The Lower Geyser Basin, which includes Fountain Paint Pot, and the Upper Geyser Basin, home to Old Faithful, are both to the south. The Mammoth Hot Springs and Steamboat geysers are in the Norris Geyser Basin to the north.
Address: Yellowstone National Park, Jackson Hole, Wyoming 82190, USA
Admission: Car: $30, Motorcycle: $25, Bike/Foot: $15
From $ 65
Castle Geyser
In 1870, when members of the Washburn Expedition happened upon this Yellowstone geyser, they noted that the shape and structure of the crater resembled a castle’s tower. Since then, much of that stoic tower has gradually dissolved and eroded, although a 90‐foot-high (27-meter-high) column of boiling water still erupts with regular frequency.
The Basics
On average, Castle Geyser has an eruption cycle in the vicinity of 10 to 12 hours, and eruptions will last for 20 minutes before the water changes to steam. Compared to nearby Old Faithful, however, predicting the timing of Castle Geyser can be more difficult. As one of the highlights of Upper Geyser Basin, Castle Geyser often features in guided tours of Yellowstone National Park, including day trips from Jackson Hole and Cody.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Castle Geyser is a must-see for visitors in Yellowstone’s Upper Geyser Basin.
- Plan to spend a couple hours at the geyser to maximize your chances of seeing it erupt.
- Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
- The geyser is wheelchair accessible via a paved trail and boardwalk from the Old Faithful area.
How to Get There
Castle Geyser is located in the Upper Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park. The drive from the west entrance—the closest entrance to the basin—takes about 45 minutes. On foot, the geyser is easily accessed by following the trail that leads from Old Faithful.
When to Get There
You’ll want to time your visit to Castle Geyser for when it’s predicted to erupt. Rangers at any of Yellowstone’s visitor centers should be able to offer an estimate; plan to arrive around 45 minutes early in case it goes off before the predicted time.
The Phases of a Castle Geyser Eruption
Unlike Old Faithful, when Castle Geyser erupts, it does so in two phases. For the first 20 minutes, the geyser spews out a column of water that can be seen over the trees from Old Faithful. Once the water phase finishes, the geyser belches out thick white steam for another 30 to 40 minutes. The thunderous sound of the steam eruption has been compared to the roar of an oncoming train.
Address: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
From $ 65
Mud Volcano Area
There was once a time in the 19th century when you could hear Yellowstone’s mud volcano from over a half mile away. Today, however, the volcano has calmed to a crater of bubbling mud—which in itself is a fascinating sight that serves as a Yellowstone highlight. It’s said that when these mud‐filled pools first erupted up from the Earth, that they covered the surrounding trees in mud with their violent, explosive fury. When walking the area’s boardwalks today, it’s mostly steam that rises to the treetops as opposed to blankets of mud, but there’s no denying the creepy nature of literally watching the ground boil. At Dragon’s Mouth Spring, watch as puffs of thick white steam emerge from the mouth of a cave—which legitimately creates a vision of dragons lurking somewhere within. Add in shimmering turquoise pools and the smell of sulphur on the air, and the mud volcano area is an easy stop for experiencing Yellowstone’s fury.
Practical Info
The mud volcano area is accessed via a mile‐long boardwalk loop that is broken into two sections. One of the loops is very short—only 1⁄4 of a mile—whereas the longer loop continues to complete the nearly mile‐long trail. Because it’s located on the Grand Loop Road, the mud volcano area is only accessible by car when traveling in summer.
Address: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
From $ 375
Hayden Valley
Named after Dr. Ferdinand Hayden—whose geological survey in 1871 helped Yellowstone become a national park—the Hayden Valley is one of Yellowstone’s most popular places to view wildlife. Here, in a vast plain that was filled with water when Yellowstone Lake was larger, herds of bison speckle the grasslands and casually cross the road, while elk, moose, grizzlies, and wolves all scavenge and search for food. The valley is located at the geographic heart of Yellowstone National Park, conveniently situated between the Fishing Bridge and Yellowstone Canyon and Falls. In August, Hayden Valley is home to North America’s largest free-roaming bison rut, and is a time when hundreds of bushy brown bison can flank both sides of the road. Aside from its wealth of wildlife, Hayden Valley also houses spectacular thermal formations, from the thick and fickle Mud Volcano to the pungent Sulphur Cauldron. Given its popularity, however, and position at the center of the park, traffic can sometimes be an issue—particularly in the middle of summer—or when a herd of bison has decided to simply park themselves on the road.
Practical Info
Hayden Valley is closed to vehicle traffic from the middle of October through May. It lies on the eastern edge of the Lower Loop of Yellowstone’s Grand Loop Road, and is just over an hour from Mammoth Hot Springs, West Yellowstone, and Old Faithful.
Address: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
Admission: $30 entrance fee to Yellowstone National Park
From $ 65
Snake River
Stretching 1,080 miles (1,735 kilometers) from Yellowstone National Park to the Oregon border, the Snake River is one of North America’s longest rivers. It serves an important role in the ecosystem as a home for tons of wildlife, including wild salmon, and is also a top location for water recreation like rafting, fishing, and kayaking.
The Basics
Snake River activities are all about the water and one of the most popular ways to enjoy the rushing white water is rafting through Snake River Canyon. Join a guide to safely navigate Class III rapids from Jackson Hole in Wyoming, or head out on trip from Grand Teton National Park for amazing mountain views. Floating trips offer a calm alternative with chances to see animals like moose, deer, and river otters in their natural habitat, while jet boat tours cover the most miles in the least amount of time. Or, make a full day out of exploring Grand Teton National Park from Jackson Hole to combine a Snake River white-water rafting trip with hiking and sightseeing.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Dress for the weather, as this is an outdoor activity.
- Find a tour that matches your comfort level, from easy floats to fast rapids.
- Consider bringing a waterproof camera and binoculars.
How to Get There
Though the largest portion of the Snake River is in Idaho, the river also runs through Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Oregon, and Washington, where it joins the Columbia River. It is most readily accessed from a number of US parks, including Yellowstone National Park and Hells Canyon National Recreation Area—roughly six hours from Portland. Other popular put-ins include Clarkston, Washington; Lewiston, Idaho; and Astoria, Oregon.
When to Get There
Visit during the summertime for the most pleasant weather and best chance of joining a guided tour, as many are only offered seasonally from May through September.
Snake River Origins
The Snake River was created by a volcanic hot spot that today sits under Yellowstone. Once known as the Lewis River, the name Snake River actually comes from a mix-up: Early pioneers misunderstood the Shoshone peoples’ hand signal for fish and thought they were signifying snakes.
Address: Jackson Hole, Wyoming, USA
From $ 77
Jackson Lake
The largest of the glacial lakes in Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Lake sets the scene for some of the park’s best sailing, windsurfing, fishing, and paddling opportunities, all against the backdrop of the towering Teton Range. The Jackson Lake Lodge, a National Historic Landmark, stands on the lake’s eastern shore.
The Basics
The vision of snow-capped Teton peaks reflecting off the waters of Jackson Lake ranks among this national park’s most stunning sights. Other than the lodges, the majority of facilities are at Colter Bay, where there’s a marina, visitor center, campground, and store.
Most guided tours of Grand Teton from Jackson Hole, Cody, or West Yellowstone include a stop at the lake, along with other popular park attractions such as Jenny Lake, the Snake River, Chapel of the Transfiguration, and the Maud Noble Cabin.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Jackson Lake is a must-see for first-time visitors to Grand Teton National Park.
- Don’t forget to bring sun protection, especially if you’re spending time out on the lake.
- Bring along a swimsuit and towel in the summer months for swimming on the lake’s beaches.
- Several paved paths around Jackson Lake, including the Colter Bay Marina and Jackson Lake Dam trails, are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Jackson Lake takes up a large part of the center to the northern part of Grand Teton National Park. Most visitors to the lake either drive independently or join a guided tour. The lake is accessible from the Colter Bay Visitor Center, located 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of Moose, Wyoming.
When to Get There
The best time to explore the natural wonders of Grand Teton National Park, including Jackson Lake, is during the warmer months of mid-May and late September. Expect most roads and facilities, including Jackson Lake Lodge, to be closed during winter.
Jackson Lake’s Elk Island
Of the more than a dozen islands that dot Jackson Lake, Elk Island is the largest. Those looking for a unique backcountry experience within the national park can camp at one of two campsites on the island or rent a kayak to paddle out for the day. Sightseeing cruises of the lake often stop at the island for breakfast or dinner.
Address: Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, USA
From $ 139
Norris Geyser Basin
Here in Yellowstone’s Norris Geyser Basin, there’s a notable stench of fresh sulphur that wafts on the crisp mountain air. That’s because the geysers here are some of the hottest within Yellowstone National Park, as well as the oldest, tallest, most acidic, and prone to frequent change. This section of the park is believed to have hot springs that are 115,000 years old, and is also home to Steamboat Geyser—which is the tallest geyser in the world. Unlike the famous Old Faithful, however, Steamboat Geyser has an eruption schedule that’s variable and tough to predict, though when it explodes it can send water upwards of 380 feet in the air. The Echinus Geyser in the Norris Geyser Basin is the largest acidic geyser in the world, and the core temperature of the earth surrounding it is some of the hottest in the park. Given the elevated levels of heat, this geyser basin is also one of the park’s most likely to change, where hot springs can suddenly turn into fumaroles and geysers can spout without warning. For the best way to experience the basin, enjoy the two miles of boardwalk trails that weave past the geysers and hot springs, stopping to take photos, marvel at the view, and sniff the sulphur on the air.
Practical Info
The Norris Geyser Basin is located 35 minutes south from Mammoth Hot Springs, and about 55 minutes north of Old Faithful and West Yellowstone. It’s on the western side of the upper loop of the Yellowstone’s Grand Loop Road, and for detailed info on the Norris Geyser Basin, visit the Norris Geyser Basin Museum—listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Address: Junction of Norris Canyon Road and Grand Loop Road, Yellowstone National Park Wyoming, USA
From $ 65