Our journey through Yellowstone National Park started with an exciting entry through the West Yellowstone gate and a scenic drive along the southern rim. Just a few miles in, we experienced an adrenaline rush when we spotted our first bear in the wild — a sight that set our adventurous spirits aflame.
We continued our trip by meandering through the striking geyser basins—an enchanting territory dotted with pools shimmering in brilliant turquoise blues, their surfaces steaming like scenes out of a fantastical world. By no means could we skip the park's legendary Old Faithful geyser. True to her name, she erupted on schedule, launching water sky-high in a spectacle that lasted for an unforgettable two minutes.
After the geysers, we paused at the Continental Divide viewpoint to immerse ourselves in the majestic landscape, catching sight of bison grazing nonchalantly next to the roads. Our stop at Fishing Bridge gave us an opportunity to stretch our legs and watch cutthroat trout swimming gracefully beneath the water surface.
Our tranquil drive from Canyon Village to Norris was filled with picturesque moments, with trees, meadows, and winding roads painting an idyllic landscape. Just when we thought the day could not offer more, we had a thrilling encounter with another bear near the West Yellowstone entrance, who was playfully cooling off in the river.
Later that evening, we settled into the new boutique hotel Starlite by Hilton in West Yellowstone—a cozy retreat perfect for unwinding after the day's adventures. We indulged in scrumptious burgers at the local pub, The Slippery Otter, before strolling around the main street for some retail therapy. Ending our day was an entertaining performance of The Little Mermaid musical at the quaint Playmill Theatre, leaving us with nothing but smiles on our faces.
Starting early, we entered the park by 7:00 am and were instantly rewarded with two more thrilling bear sightings. This set the stage for the adventures that Yellowstone had in store for the day.
Our second day was dedicated to exploring the North Rim—a wonderland of dramatic valleys, roaring rivers, and glittering lakes. A highlight of our journey was Gibbon Falls—a picturesque waterfall gracefully tumbling into a canyon, with the morning sunlight creating enchanting patterns in the mist. Along the route, we also caught glimpses of elk, pronghorn, a pair of swans, and, of course, more bison.
Our stop at Mammoth Hot Springs gave us a chance to admire its steaming terraces and enjoy some shopping for snacks and souvenirs. Continuing our journey north, we made a stop at the town of Gardiner to visit the historic Roosevelt Arch just outside the park’s entrance.
Delightful surprises continued as we drove the North Rim with stops to marvel at more waterfalls, a petrified tree, and swathes of painted rock glowing in the afternoon light. Then, we encountered the most iconic Yellowstone moment: a bison traffic jam. A towering bison took over the road right in front of us, moving at his own pace. Although waiting cars managed to slip by, it was clear that he was the one in command. Subsequently, he permitted us to pass, marking a memorable end to our incredible journey.
Returning to West Yellowstone in the evening, we relished traditional ice cream and crepes, and indulged in a little more shopping. Our adventurous trip ended on a high note with a captivating Playmill performance of the captivating story, Bright Star.
On our final morning, after sipping coffee at the local Mountain Mama's Coffee Shop, we packed up, feeling a sense of longing as we started our drive home. Although our journey was brief, Yellowstone gifted us with unforgettable experiences—captivating encounters with wildlife, awe-inspiring natural wonders, and flavorful evenings of local food and entertainment.
Yes, it was indeed an incredible journey, and one that left us yearning for our next visit to this nature's paradise. Here are some of the beautiful moments we captured on this journey.
