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Yellowstone National Park for me was one of those fascinating places that I had seen hundreds of times in pictures. Still, I had a hard time believing it actually existed. The incredibly vibrant colors of Yellowstone’s natural springs, the splashing geysers, the bison, the bears…it all seemed so surreal to me. That’s why I got really excited when my parents suggested a summer road trip that included four days of the best things to do in Yellowstone National Park. I had been dreaming of the day when I finally got to see it all with my own two eyes!
It All Started on a Rainy Day in Cody, Wyoming
Our four-day Yellowstone adventure began in Cody, Wyoming, a small town located about 50 miles east of the park. We arrived here the previous day after visiting Wind Cave National Park and Devil’s Tower National Monument.
As we checked out of Big Bear Motel in Cody, there was definitely a lot of excitement in the air. It was a dark, cloudy morning, and light rain was starting to drizzle, but we hardly noticed. All six of us – our family of four plus my parents – were looking forward to experiencing one of the most famous national parks in the world.
Before leaving Cody, we stopped for a quick breakfast at Our Place Cafe, which was quite good. Then we got in our two cars, and started the drive towards Yellowstone’s East Entrance.
Buffalo Bill Reservoir
After about 15 minutes of driving, we came to an overlook along the left side of the road, which I had to examine more closely. Hubby wasn’t particularly happy that he had to make a stop after having just left Cody, but he didn’t have any regrets after seeing the view. Right in front of us was Buffalo Bill Reservoir, and some truly impressive rocks, rising straight up from the water. The clouds and haze from the drizzling rain made the whole place look somewhat mystifying. After we stared in awe for a few minutes, hubby reminded us that time was ticking and we had to get back on the road.
View of Buffalo Bill Reservoir from the road overlook
TIP: If you have time, check out the nearby Buffalo Bill State Park and Buffalo Bill Dam. According to a local couple we talked to, you will not only see beautiful views there, but also have a chance to learn more about the man nicknamed Buffalo Bill.
Just a Couple More Stops!
We continued our drive towards Yellowstone, and fortunately, didn’t make many more stops before entering the park. Well, let’s be honest, I did ask hubby to pull over a couple more times, but really, that was all! I just had to take a picture of the North Folk Shoshone River, which followed the road most of the way into Yellowstone. I also couldn’t miss an opportunity to snap a photo of some interesting-looking rocks. Other than that, we drove straight through.
Rocks along the road to Yellowstone
Here are some more interesting rocks
North Folk Shoshone River near the road shortly before entering Yellowstone
Things to do in Yellowstone National Park: The Lower East Side
If you have ever looked at a map of Yellowstone National Park, you may or may not remember that the main park roads form two giant loops. The lower, south loop is the larger of the two, and it is where many of Yellowstone’s most famous natural features are located. It is also where our journey into the park began.
We entered through the East Entrance of the lower loop, and continued onto the main road. Meanwhile, I opened the park map, and started keeping a close eye on it, making sure that we would not miss anything.
First views inside Yellowstone near the East Entrance
Sylvan Lake
We made our first stop at the beautiful and serene Sylvan Lake, located right near the road. The kids, hubby, and I spent a little time walking near the shore and looking at the crystal clear water. The rain had just stopped coming down, and the air felt fresh and cool.
Sylvan Lake, not too far from Yellowstone’s East Entrance
After taking a few photos and playing around for a bit, we continued our drive. The kids wanted to stay longer and throw pebbles in the lake, but we had to cut their favorite activity short, since we had so much more to see.
Lake Butte Overlook
Our next stop was at Lake Butte Overlook, which offered a fantastic view of Yellowstone Lake. Sadly, on the way there, we noticed a large portion of the forest was destroyed by a wild fire. My heart always sinks when I see that, but then I try to remember what a park ranger once said to me: “A wildfire is like a facelift for the mountain. It rejuvenates the forest and brings new life. It is very important that we don’t interfere with this process, and let Nature take its course!”
Burnt forest near Lake Butte Overlook
Just as we arrived at Lake Butte Overlook, it started to drizzle again. This didn’t stop us from coming out of the car and taking in the amazing view. The kids also found a way to have their own kind of fun. They took turns jumping off a large rock with their open umbrellas, pretending to parachuting through the air.
View of Yellowstone Lake from Lake Butte Overlook
Dani and Angie playing at Lake Butte Overlook
Dani and her umbrella
One more view from Lake Butte Overlook
The kids and I at Lake Butte Overlook
Leaving Lake Butte Overlook
Steamboat Point, Mary Bay and Indian Pond
After enjoying the views and some more playtime, we got back in the car and continued our drive. We passed by Steamboat Point, right on the shore of Yellowstone Lake. This wasn’t anything particularly impressive, but it was the first time we saw steam coming out of the ground, so we stopped to check it out.
Then we made our way around Mary Bay, and pulled over near Indian Pond. The views there were so vast and open, and the grass looked golden yellow under the peeking sun rays. Naturally, I had to take some time to try to capture all of this beauty.
One of many vast panoramas near Indian Pond
Another view near Indian Pond in Yellowstone
Here I am, posing near Indian Pond
A Raven near Indian Pond
Fishing Bridge Museum and Visitor Center
Before too long, we headed towards our next stop, the nearby Fishing Bridge Museum and Visitor Center. Hubby pulled into a parking spot, and as we all stepped out of the car, I noticed that the sky had cleared, and sunshine illuminated the area. It was a beautiful day!
We walked towards the visitor center, and right at the front entrance, we noticed an adorable dog with a GoPro camera on his back, who was lying calmly on the ground, waiting for his owner. Our daughters, Angie and Dani, were so excited to meet a dog that could operate a GoPro that I decided not to say anything, and let them believe the pup did everything himself!
A dog with a GoPro waiting for his owner in front of Fishing Bridge Visitor Center
Yellowstone Lake
After we entered the visitor center and museum, we spoke to the park rangers, picked up junior ranger booklets for the kids, and looked at all the exhibits. Then we exited the building on the opposite side. The view that emerged before our eyes was utterly magnificent. We found ourselves on a beach right in front of Yellowstone Lake. For the first minute or so, I felt completely hypnotized by its vastness, and the sparkling, clear, blue water. I couldn’t take photos or move…I just stood there awestruck. There were mountains beyond the lake, that made this whole panorama even more complete.
The beach at Yellowstone Lake behind Fishing Bridge Visitor Center
Hubby and Angie having fun on the beach near Fishing Bridge Visitor Center
After I finally got back to my senses, I noticed the kids had already started their favorite activity when near a body of water. They were meticulously collecting small pebbles and larger stones, then tossing them in the water with great focus and determination. Hubby, on the other hand, was already snapping photos on his iPhone.
Dani and I on the beach near Fishing Bridge Visitor Center
Sadly, we couldn’t share this experience with my parents because we had lost them somewhere along the way before even entering Yellowstone. Our phones weren’t much help either, since there was no reception in the park, and we couldn’t call them.
Amphitheater near Fishing Bridge Visitor Center
Lunch at Fishing Bridge General Store
Although we really didn’t want to leave the beautiful beach near Yellowstone Lake, we had to continue our journey as there was still so much to see. Our plan was to visit the Mud Volcano area next, but everyone was starting to get hungry. Since hubby and I didn’t pack any food, we stopped at the nearby Fishing Bridge General Store for lunch.
TIP: Pack lunch before entering Yellowstone, and don’t spend your time looking where and what to eat. The park is huge, and there is so much to see, not to mention it is packed with people who seem to all get hungry exactly at the same time you do! Bring a sack lunch, eat it on the go, and keep on exploring!
This was definitely a learning experience for us as it took a while to get some hamburgers and fries due to the long lines. I knew it right then and there, from this day on, I would always be prepared with food and water in my backpack. Time spent in the National Parks is just too precious to be wasted waiting around for food!
On the Way to Mud Volcano
After we finally made it through lunch, all four of us got in the car, and continued our Yellowstone journey. The next planned activity was a walk around the Mud Volcano area, which wasn’t far. However, we did end up making one unplanned stop along the way, thanks to a few unassuming bison.
Our first bison encounter in Yellowstone
They were grazing lazily near the road, completely unaware of the huge traffic jam their presence was causing. It seemed like all the people that happened to be in the area were desperately trying to get a photo, and there was no stopping them. Some were kneeling in the grass, others were creeping closer and closer to the animals pointing cameras and phones at them, and then there were a few that were trying to snap selfies. I joined the craziness for a couple of minutes and also snapped a few photos. After all, this was our first bison encounter! When I had a few acceptable photos, we continued creeping along the road, slowly but surely.
Well, I had to get at least one photo with the bison!
Mud Volcano Area
When we finally arrived at the Mud Volcano area, we didn’t find much parking. Luckily, we managed to squeeze into a tiny spot at one end that was empty.
We hopped out of the car, and started walking along the Mud Volcano Trail, making frequent stops. We did need to pause in order to take in all the sights and smells of the steaming springs and bubbling mud puddles. It was fascinating, and unlike anything I had seen before.
Starting out our walk in the Mud Volcano area
The actual Mud Volcano…bubbling and steaming
Further up on Mud Volcano Trail
More Bison
As we continued making our way around the Mud Volcano loop, we reached a thermal area that seemed to be a favorite hangout for bison. Many of them were lying around, snoozing, but there were also a few cute babies sniffing and grazing nearby.
Bison in the Mud Volcano area of Yellowstone
A crowd of people watching a large bison, who seems to be dozing off in the Mud Volcano area
An adult and a cute baby bison in the Mud Volcano area
Bison Scare
We observed this lovely gathering for a while before moving on and completing the Mud Volcano Loop. Just as we got back to the parking lot, I heard a commotion behind us. I turned around and saw a young couple running down the path, and right behind them was a trotting bison. Fortunately, it seemed its only intention was to scare them away because the bison went in a different direction before catching up to them. This same bison then ran after some other people, and at one point, it even came down to the parking lot and ran at us! Thankfully, no one was hurt, but there’s nothing like a 2000 lb bison running at you to get the blood moving!
TIP: Be very cautious around bison! Don’t get too close, and stay at a safe distance at all times. They may appear slow and lazy, but bison are LARGE animals, and can be very unpredictable, especially when there are calves around. There have been numerous cases in Yellowstone of people gored or injured by bison.
Another lovely view near the Mud Volcano area in Yellowstone
One more steaming mud puddle near the Mud Volcano
Sulphur Caldron
Undeterred by the charging bison, we were all ready to face more of Yellowstone’s amazing nature and wildlife. So we continued driving up the main road, and made a short stop near Sulphur Caldron. This was basically an overlook of several large, steaming, sulphur mud puddles. They are not among Yellowstone’s most famous features, but definitely worth checking out.
A view of Yellowstone River near Mud Volcano and Sulphur Caldron
Steaming Sulphur Caldron in Yellowstone
Another sulphur puddle in Sulphur Caldron
Driving Next to the Yellowstone River
From Sulphur Caldron, we continued our drive up the main road, and here, Mother Nature treated us to some really beautiful afternoon views. Off to our right was the Yellowstone River, flowing through Hayden Valley, covered in tall, golden-yellow grass. Beyond that was a dense forest bringing a shade of dark green to this artful landscape. Of course, I had to ask hubby to pull over a few times so I could try to capture it in a photo.
A bison grazing near the road and the Yellowstone River
Yellowstone River flowing through Hayden Valley
Continuing Around the Lower Loop
We kept on following the main road for a bit longer, then arrived at an intersection near Canyon Village. This is where the upper loop meets the lower loop. Our plan was to continue driving around the lower loop, and exit the park on the west side, because this was the way to our hotel.
Virginia Cascade
After we drove for a bit longer, I looked at the map and noticed that we were very close to a small, looping road off of the main park road. It lead to a waterfall called Virginia Cascade. We started following it, and soon arrived near a beautiful area of the forest. There, a dense layer of young pine trees grew between their older and much taller relatives. It was a marvelous sight of fresh, new life!
Young pine trees growing among the elderly near Virginia Cascade in Yellowstone
From there, it didn’t take us long to get to Virginia Cascade. We could see the waterfall in the distance framed by pine trees, which were illuminated by the warm hues of the late afternoon sun. To say that we truly enjoyed this view would be an understatement!
Late afternoon near Virginia Cascade in Yellowstone
Virginia Cascade peeking through the pine trees
Beryl Spring
One of our final stops for the day was a little further down the loop, at Beryl Spring. As we pulled up near it, I noticed that my parent’s car was also parked there. This was where we finally found each other, by pure chance.
All six of us walked over to Beryl Spring, and admired the beautiful, vibrant, blue color. It was nestled among the surrounding stones and soil, bubbling and steaming up into the air. It is named after a mineral called beryl, because of its bright, blue color.
Beryl Spring near dusk, still a beautiful blue color
Colorful soil near Beryl Spring
Sunset Over the Madison River
After spending a little time observing this small miracle of Nature, we got back to our cars, and headed towards the west entrance of the park. The sun was getting really low, and we still had a long way to drive to our hotel, The Lodge at Big Sky. There was, however, one more stop I had to make before leaving. It was the stunning, picturesque sunset that illuminated the sky above the Madison River on the west side. We pulled over to take some photos, and to see off our first and unforgettable day at Yellowstone National Park.
One more photo of the sunset over the Madison River on the west side of Yellowstone’s Lower Loop
A Few Thoughts on Where to Stay
Yellowstone National Park is among the most popular national parks in the world, and is one of the largest in the United States. It is important that you begin planning your trip well in advance, in order to find available accommodations within a reasonable distance. If you wait for too long to book, you may have to settle for a place that is an hour and a half or further outside the park. This is pretty much what happened to us, although we did enjoy staying at The Lodge at Big Sky. Other than the fact that it was far from Yellowstone, it was a beautiful hotel with an excellent continental breakfast. So, if you don’t mind the drive, by all means, check it out!
Inside the Park
However, if you really want to make the most of your time, start by looking into all the lodging options that are available within Yellowstone National Park. Yes, they are likely going to be more pricey, but it might be worth it in order to stay closer to everything. Another great alternative would be to rent an RV, but if you do this, be sure to reserve your spot well in advance. A lot of people enjoy traveling through national parks with an RV, so the designated campgrounds fill up quickly.
Keep in mind that often there are traffic jams inside the park due to large numbers of people or bison blocking of the road. This can definitely cause delays, and limit your sightseeing time even further. Whatever you choose, the most important thing in the end is that you are happy with your adventure in the magnificent, world-famous Yellowstone National Park!
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Resources to Help Plan Your Trip to Yellowstone
The Official Website for the Park – The official Yellowstone website by the National Park Service. Here you can find everything you need to know about Yellowstone.
MAP of Yellowstone National Park – A map of Yellowstone from the National Park Service cartography site.
My Yellowstone Park – A nice website that offers great resources and information about Yellowstone National Park. You can even get a FREE Yellowstone Trip Planner.
Yellowstone National Park Apps – Here is information about the FREE Yellowstone Apps you can download for your smart phone.
Lodging and Dining
Yellowstone National Park Lodges – Visit this website to see all available lodging options within the park, and to make a reservation.
RV Rental – Here is a great website where you can rent an RV near your home, or if you prefer, rent an RV near Yellowstone. This is sure to make for an exciting and unforgettable adventure!
Where to Eat in Yellowstone – Stop by this web page from the National Park Service to see all the dining options inside the park. This would be especially useful if you aren’t planning to bring your own food.
Note: Unless otherwise indicated, the photos in this post were taken by Vessy with a Nikon D3100 camera. Please send us an e-mail (vessy@feelgoodandtravel.com) if you would like to use any of them. All images are subject to copyright laws.
This trip took place on August 12, 2015.
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