Some Other Attractions

Listed below are some of the other attractions worth seeing in Yellowstone.
I have listed many of the major sights but not all, so explore for yourself.

RANGER WALK

• Try to take a ranger led walk. They are fun and informative for children and adults alike. To find out what is being offered ask a ranger or look at a copy of "Discover Yellowstone", available at the visitor centers.

The following 13 areas are in the order that you come across them
if you drive the Grand Loop Road in a clockwise direction starting at Old Faithful.
Attractions Location Map

THE UPPER GEYSER BASIN

OLD FAITHFUL INN

Although man made, the lobby of this 1904 National Historic Landmark is well worth seeing. (The Inn is the tallest building located near Old Faithful geyser. Don't confuse it with the less impressive Old Faithful Lodge.) Guided tours of the Inn are provided throughout the day. Tour schedules are posted on a board near the main fireplace in the lobby or just ask at the Inn.

BLACK SAND BASIN

This basin near the Old Faithful overpass has some pretty hot pools.

MIDWAY GEYSER BASIN

This has two of the largest thermal features in the park. Excelsior geyser, before it went dormant at the turn of the century, was the largest geyser in Yellowstone. Its large boiling crater is still interesting to see. Grand Prismatic pool is the largest pool in the park and is very colorful. On a warm day you can get a good view of the basin by scrambling up the hill located across the road from the parking lot.

LOWER GEYSER BASIN

This is the most extensive basin in the park covering about 11 square miles. It is home to the Fountain Paint Pots (see below), Fountain Flat Drive (now mostly closed to cars, it is often a good place to see bison and other wildlife), Firehole Lake Drive and many geysers and hot springs.

Located along Firehole Lake Drive are many geysers including Great Fountain (eruption predictions posted at the Old Faithful Visitor Center and in the summer at the geyser), a number of hot pools and the 3 Senses Nature Trail.

FOUNTAIN PAINT POTS TRAIL

NORRIS GEYSER BASIN

Norris is the hottest thermal area in the park. This coupled with acidic water (most other areas in the park contain slightly alkaline water) makes the appearance of Norris different from other areas in the park. This difference is most spectacular from the Porcelain Terrace overlook trail. To get to this trail go through the museum, start down the hill and take the loop trail to the right. See a map of the areas trails here.

The Back Basin trail is also a must. Cistern spring and the other pools and geysers are well worth seeing. For many years, Echinus geyser was the star attraction at Norris. Many that saw its 1 to 45 minute eruptions enjoyed it more than Old Faithful. Unfortunately, Echinus slowed down and weakened in the late 1990's. Whether this trend will continue or reverse, is anyones guess. You can get up-to-date information at the Norris Museum.

An interpretive pamphlet about this area is available at the trailhead near the museum. It will take at least 2 hours to see Norris.

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS

The activity here changes quickly. If you have not been here before you should walk around the multi-colored limestone terraces. If you have been here before, look for the changes since you were last here. There are few places that geologic changes occur so quickly.

An interpretive pamphlet with descriptions and a map of the area showing the locations of the various springs is available at the trailheads and at the Mammoth visitor center. See a map of the area here.

As of September 1999, the best activity at Mammoth was at Canary Spring. It is a must-see attraction. Canary is easiest to approach by car. I suggest you drive to the one way, Upper Terrace Drive. In this way you will avoid the steep stairs to the top of the Main terrace. On the Upper Terrace Drive stop at the Main Terrace Overlook and take the trail on the far right to Canary Spring. For the past few years, Canary Spring has been truly spectacular.

TOWER FALLS

If you are driving past, be certain to stop. The falls overlook is just a short distance from the store parking lot. I also like the view from the bottom but that requires a short hike.

 

GRAND CANYON of the YELLOWSTONE

MUD VOLCANO AREA

The temperatures here are lower than at the geyser basins but the activity is interesting and worth exploring. An interpretive pamphlet about this area is available at the trailhead.

YELLOWSTONE LAKE

What can I say? It's a big lake. If there is a storm it can be fun. There are many nice picnic areas along the lake.

WEST THUMB GEYSER BASIN

This basin is located on Yellowstone Lake and with this back drop it can be pretty. On a warm day, Black pool is one of my favorite in the park. An interpretive pamphlet about this area is available at the trailhead.

[ Yellowstone Travel Guide Index ] [ What To See ] [ Must-See Attractions ]

Comments and Questions are Welcome.

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The Hayden Valley and Black Pool Pictures are from The Landscape.
The Old Faithful Inn, Grotto Geyser, Silex Spring and Upper Falls pictures are from Andrew's Home Page.
The Tower Falls picture is from the Welcome to Yellowstone National Park! page.
The Yellowstone Lake Picture is from West Yellowstone Web Works.
The Midway Geyser Basin Picture is from The Yellowstone Snowmobile Guide.
The Cliff Geyser Picture is from Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park Pictures.