Yellowstone is one of the most amazing places on Earth, with a variety of landscapes that will take your breath away. Whether you are looking for geysers, waterfalls, hot springs, valleys, lakes, or rivers, Yellowstone has something for everyone. But what are some of the most beautiful features of the Yellowstone landscape that you should not miss? Here are seven of them:
- Mammoth Hot Springs: This is a complex of hot springs that create colorful terraces of travertine, a type of limestone. The water comes from deep underground and is rich in minerals that form different shapes and patterns on the surface. You can see different colors depending on the types of bacteria that live in the water and the temperature. You must stay on the trails in this area as the ground is very fragile and hot.
- Upper and Lower Falls: These are two spectacular waterfalls that plunge into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, a deep gorge carved by the Yellowstone River. The Upper Falls is 109 feet high and the Lower Falls is 308 feet high, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in North America. You can see them from various viewpoints along the canyon rim or hike down to the brink of the Lower Falls for a closer look.
- Old Faithful: This is the most famous geyser in Yellowstone and one of the most predictable ones in the world. It erupts about every 90 minutes, shooting a jet of boiling water up to 185 feet high into the air. You can watch it from a large viewing area or from a nearby lodge or visitor center. Old Faithful is part of the Upper Geyser Basin, which has more than 150 other geysers and hot springs to explore.
- Grand Prismatic Spring: This is the largest hot spring in Yellowstone and the third-largest in the world. It has a diameter of 370 feet and a depth of 121 feet. It is famous for its stunning colors, ranging from blue to green to yellow to orange to red. The colors are caused by different types of bacteria that thrive in different temperatures along the edge of the spring. The center is too hot for any life form and appears deep blue.
- Lamar Valley: This is one of the best places to see wildlife in Yellowstone, especially large mammals such as bison, elk, deer, pronghorn, wolves, bears, and coyotes. The valley is wide and open, offering great views of the animals and their interactions. You can drive along the Lamar River Road or hike along one of the trails that cross the valley.
- Hayden Valley: This is another great spot for wildlife viewing, especially for bison herds that graze on the grassy plains. The valley is also home to other animals such as elk, moose, coyotes, bald eagles, and pelicans. You can drive along the Grand Loop Road or walk along one of the boardwalks that overlooks some of the thermal features in this area.
- Mount Washburn: This is one of the highest peaks in Yellowstone at 10,243 feet above sea level. It offers panoramic views of the park and beyond from its summit. You can hike up to it from either Dunraven Pass or Chittenden Road trailheads. The hike is about 3 miles one way and moderately strenuous. Along the way, you may see wildflowers, marmots, bighorn sheep, and even grizzly bears2.
These are just some of the amazing features that make up the Yellowstone landscape. There are many more to discover and enjoy in this incredible park.
I hope you found this article helpful and interesting.
