Preparing for Yellowstone, The Grand Tetons and the Sites In Between

17 November 201817 September 2024

I have been counting down the days until my vacation out west!

I picked up the rental car (Alamo Car Rental) from Dayton International airport in the evening so I could leave Ohio early in the morning. Through the website carrentals.com, I found a midsize car, unlimited mileage for only $141.40 for 9 days. When I arrived at the rental counter, I was provided a Volkswagen Jetta for my trip, roomy and extremely comfortable.

With plans to depart at 5AM, I will be settling in early for the night. The first stop on my agenda will be Sioux Falls, South Dakota and I am hoping to reach this point before sundown. I am prepared for the long day because the excitement and adrenaline overcome any thought of the dread of a long drive. Besides, I will be exploring some of the most beautiful parks in the United States.

In preparation for my trip I used the following resources

Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks, A Lonely Planet Guide
Fodor’s Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks
Yellowstone in Photographs, by George Wuerther
Moon Handbooks Yellowstone & Grand Teton

My itinerary for the first couple of days consists of the following places to visit, but I am prepared to make any necessary changes should I decide to add or subtract items on my list.

Sioux Falls
Corn Palace
Badlands National Park
Wall Drug
Mount Rushmore
Custer – Wildlife Loop Road
Peter Norbeck Scenic Highway
Wind Cave
Jewel Cave
Deadwood
Spearfish, WY
- Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway
Bighorn Scenic Byway
Devil’s Tower

I have the next few days packed with activities and attractions, but I am totally ready and can’t wait to see what an amazing adventure lies ahead.

If you have any suggestions for places to visit while I take on this expedition, please let me know. I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

Mammoth Springs, An Apocalyptic Fairytale

10 November 201817 September 2024

Arriving into Mammoth Hot Springs, there was a large crowd of visitors standing around the center of town. From a distance it was difficult to see what was taking place downtown, but as I drove closer, I noticed a large bull elk and his harem. Roaming the Parade Lawn were about twenty beautiful females.

The crowd began to push in and as they moved closer to the elk, a park ranger warned the group to move away from the herd. Clearly ignoring the warning sign placards, guests seemed to have forgotten that bull elks can become unpredictable when provoked and dangerous if startled. I thought it best to leave the potentially dangerous situation and decided to explore the Hot Springs of Yellowstone.

Situated at the north end of Yellowstone, Mammoth sits at an elevation of over 6,000 feet. One of the most photographed areas of the park, it is known for its multi-layered colors created by volcanic chemicals.

The orange limestone terraces glowing in the sunlight were bold in comparison to the white chalky substance. Created by algae and bacteria, there is a strong contrast between the colors that stand out from the rest of the scene. A continuous mist was rising up from the stepping stones as if to reach the sun and stars. Unlike the other features in the park, the view seemed as though I had just landed on another planet.

The scenes of the park took my breath away. A lone tree sprouted up from the white limestone against the blue sky creating an image that could only be painted by a surrealist. As if rising out of a fairytale book, I was sure that nymphs or sprites could appear at any moment.

Located on the Upper Terrace of Mammoth Springs is the New Blue Springs. Without one speck of blue to be seen, this monochromatic contrast with colors of white and orange would seem most likely to exist on planet Mars.

Approaching the last formations of limestone, I found this area to be one of the most unique collection of springs. Unequivocally unique in its design, they are one of the many reasons that four million visitors arrive in Yellowstone National Park each year.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Yellowstone National Park? What were the highlights of your trip? I would love to hear about your adventure if you would kindly leave your experience in the comments section below. Many thanks for taking the time to read about my fabulous trip to Yellowstone National Park and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Yellowstone National Park
PO Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Telephone: 307 344 7381

Admission Fee: Each entrance fee covers 7 days of park entry. Private Vehicle: $35; Motorcycle: $30 and Hiker/Biker: $20 which only applies to visitors 16 years old and older entering the park by foot, bicycle, etc. An annual Pass for Yellowstone National Park is $70 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. The Yellowstone National Park accepts the America the Beautiful Pass which allows access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites for a cost of $80 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. Check out their website for more information: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
Hours: Open daily, 24 hours; Refer to the Yellowstone National Park website for the operating hours of the Visitor Centers.
Amenities: camping, hiking, boating, skiing, biking, bird watching, climbing and mountaineering, fishing, horseback riding and llama packing, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, Visitor’s Centers which provide interpretive exhibits and park information and Ranger programs. Guided tours are also available in the park.
Scenic View: Take in the view of Grand Prismatic Spring from the Overlook off of the Fairy Falls Trailhead. For the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, you can see this beautiful waterfall from several locations offering different views of the falls: Brink of Lower Falls, Lookout Point, Uncle Tom’s Trail and Artist Point. Check out the stadium seating at Old Faithful for a front row seat of this geyser that erupts every 35 to 120 minutes. The park’s Twitter account, @GeyserNPS, the Geyser Activity Page on their website or the Geyser App lists the predicted times for Old Faithful.
Length of Visit: Three days is recommended to see all of the attractions at Yellowstone.
Tips for Your Visit: The park is open year around, but winter time can be a challenging during snow and ice. If you are looking for animals, winter is the time that they hibernate. Spring is a wonderful time to visit because you can see newborn babies. When viewing wildlife, you must stay 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yard from all other animals in the park. For photographers, you may already know that dawn and dusk are the best times to photograph animals and you will want to bring a telephoto lens for capturing them from far distances. Summer is the busiest time for the park you may find road construction and traffic.

Where to Stay:

I was fortunate enough to stay at one of the lodges at Yellowstone. I absolutely loved staying at the park and have Melba Coleman to thank for assisting me in my reservation.

Where to Eat:

Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room
Yellowstone Park, WY 82190
Telephone: 307 344 7311

For a light lunch, I ordered the charcuterie plate which included meats, cheeses, olives, walnuts and whole grain crackers. It was the perfect location to enjoy the park sitting by a large viewing window, mesmerized by the spectacular view.

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

The Bighorn Byway Drive Towards Devil’s Tower

3 November 201817 September 2024

Traveling out west, I had finally reached Wyoming and decided to take the scenic route towards Devil’s Tower. My initial plan was to travel the Medicine Wheel Passage, but it had rained the night before and I was concerned that this would have an affect on the roads as US Highway 14A is not well paved. Instead, I decided to continue towards Devil’s Tower by way of the Bighorn Scenic Byway.

I refueled in Sheridan at the Holiday Stationstores for $25 and began my scenic drive through the Bighorn Mountains with a stop at Shell Canyon and Falls.

Climbing the mountain, I noticed a lookout and decided to pull over for a short break, taking in the scenic Blue Sky drive. Stretching my legs and walking towards the edge of the parking lot to take in the view, I happened to notice a small deer out of the corner of my eye. She was making her way down the hill so I slowly crept towards her direction for a closer look when I realized there was a young buck further down the slope. While keeping my distance, I stood still in the lot, taking in the beautiful moment before returning to my drive.

I was nearing the end of the byway when I noticed signs for the Shell Falls Interpretive Site. Thirty miles east of the town of Greybull, I was excited to make this stop to see the falls and explore the educational center.

Opening the car door, I immediately noticed the sound of the waterfall, Long before reaching the entrance, I was surprised to see a mist emanating from the cascade with a spray that was lightly covering my windshield. A donation box marked the start of the trailhead and within minutes, I was standing on the platform facing the falls. It was then that I realized I was too close to capture the falls it in its entirety as I had not brought the correct lens. I stood against the handrail with my eyes closed, feeling the spray on my face.

After a refreshing stop and a boost of energy, I continued along the interpretive trail. Rounding the corner and towards my left, a pathway opened up to a canyon Rock formations seemed to rise up from inside of the valley.

In the distance stood a limestone and dolomite rock feature known as Copman’s Tomb, the precipice was so named in memory of local settler, Jack Copman whose dream was to launch a glider over the side of the cliff. Unfortunately, he was unable to complete his dream, but locals have named this immense stone in Copman’s honor.

I had finally reached the end of the quarter a mile trail where I spent about twenty minutes. Not only was the trail a perfect break during my long journey towards Devil’s Tower, the mist from the falls provided me with a much needed car wash.

Have you had the opportunity to drive the Bighorn Scenic Byway or stop by Shell Falls? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading my post about the Bighorn Scenic Byway and Shell Falls! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

For more information about the Bighorn Scenic Byway, visit the Bighorn National Forest website at http://www.travelwyoming.com/article/big-horn-scenic-byway.

Pigtails and Tunnels on the Iron Mountain Road

27 October 201816 September 2024

South Dakota boasts some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United States and there are several scenic roads that visitors can drive to take in the wonders of this part of the world. Traveling from Mount Rushmore to Custer State Park, Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway is a 70 mile stretch of roadway that includes Needles Highway as well as Iron Mountain Road.

The first section of the byway is US Highway 18A which is most commonly known as the Iron Mountain Road. According to history, it was the road that “couldn’t be built”. The major features of this drive are three granite tunnels and three pigtail bridges. There are stopping points at the tunnels where glimpses of Mount Rushmore are framed by the tunnels and provide for fabulous photo opportunities. Without stopping it will take me approximately 1 hour to drive Iron Mountain Drive, but even I can’t resist the occasion to pull over and take in all of the scenic views.

One of the pigtail turns

Gorgeous View from Peter Norbeck Overlook

A view of Mt. Rushmore from the Iron Mountain Drive

A map of the scenic drives

Scenic Views Along Iron Mountain Drive

One of the granite tunnels along Iron Mountain Drive!

Have you driven the Iron Mountain Drive? I would love to hear about your experience if you kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for checking out my photos of the Iron Mountain Drive! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Iron Mountain Drive

Seventeen mile stretch of road in the Black Hills of South Dakota, also known as 16A

Where to Stay:

Country Inn & Suites
2321 N. Lacrosse Street
Rapid City, SD 57701
Telephone: 866 522 8891

Where to Eat:

BaRLee’s food and drink
253 Swanzey Street
Keystone, SD 57751
Telephone: 605 666 5509

Down home cooking where everything is made from scratch!

Summer’s End at Custer State Park: The Wildlife Drive

13 October 201817 September 2024

Dark clouds appeared overhead as a storm began to roll in at Custer State Park. Uncertain if the weather would put a damper on my afternoon, I continued on with my plans to explore the Wildlife Drive. Known for its amazing animal sightings, I was looking forward to seeing bison, burros or even a mountain goat.

Custer State Park is both a state park and wildlife reserve. Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, it is named after Lt. Colonel George Armstrong Custer providing a home to many wild animals on its 71,000 acres. The park is most known for its large Bison population of 1500, its prairie dog towns and burros. Other animals residing in the park include elk, mule deer, white tailed deer, mountain goats, big horn sheep, pronghorn and mountain lions.

Here are some of the amazing sites I had the opportunity to see while exploring the Wildlife Drive at Custer State Park.

Fisherman Ponds

Views from the Lookout

Groundhog

American Bison

Prairie Dog Town

White-Tailed Deer

Wild Burro

Spectacular Landscape

Nearby attractions I was not able to visit included the Crazy Horse Memorial, Jewel Cave National Monument and Wind Cave National Park, but one day, I hope to make it here.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Custer State Park? Did you drive the Wildlife Loop Road? I would love to hear about your adventure if you kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading my post and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Custer State Park
13329 US Highway 16A
Custer, SD 57730
Telephone: 605 255 4515

Don’t miss the Wildlife Loop Drive for the opportunity to see the park’s wildlife up close in their natural habitat.

Admission Fee: Weekly Park License: $20 per vehicle, $10 per motorcycle, motorcoach license: $3 per person per visit.
Hours: Open daily, 24 hours; Visit the website for the hours of the Visitor’s Centers.
Amenities: Hiking, biking, bird watching, camping, canoeing/kayaking, fishing, cross country skiing, horseback riding, rock climbing, swimming, scenic drives; buffalo auction and buffalo roundup
Scenic View: The Wildlife Drive provides opportunities to see a wide variety of animals in their natural habitat.
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Drive slowly through the Wildlife Loop and be cautious of animals crossing the road. Take the drive early in the morning in the late afternoon for best viewing opportunities. Do not feed the animals and maintain a safe space between yourself and the animals.

Where to Stay:

Custer State Park Resort
The Blue Bell Lodge
Telephone for Reservations: 888 875 0001

While I spent the night at the Blue Bell Lodge, there are several other properties around the park to book as well.

Where to Eat:

Ruby House Restaurant
124 Winter Street
Keystone, SD 57751
Telephone: 605 666 4404

I wanted to visit a place with an Old West feel that served steak and I came to the right place! The Bourbon Ribeye was fantastic!

So many other options along Mt. Rushmore Road.

What to Eat:

Buffalo: A meat substitute for beef which is much healthier to eat.
Chokecherries are a Native American cherry that is made into jam, preserves, butter, wine, jelly and sauce. Wojapi is a chokecherry sauce.
Dakota Martini is made of three-fourths beer and one-fourth tomato juice
Fleisch Kuchele is a meat pie originating from Germans who lived in Russia. The dough is filled with meat and onions, then deep fried until the pastry is hot and flaky.
Hot Beef Commercial, also known as hot beef sandwich, beef combination, hot beef combo and hot beef combination. This is a sandwich made of real mashed potatoes and chunks of seasoned roast beef sandwiched between two pieces of white bread and smothered with homemade gravy until it floods the plate.
Indian Fry Bread is the state bread of South Dakota, a recipe of the local Indians.
Indian Tacos are made with a specially spiced beef and beans, cheese, lettuce, sour cream, tomatoes, onion, black olives and house made picante sauce on the top.
Kolache is an amazing Czech dessert made from pastry and filled with fruit filling such as apple, cherry, lemon, apricot, prune and strawberry.
Kuchen is German for cake and in South Dakota, visitors can enjoy this pastry filled with custard and fruit.
Lefse is a flat potato bread coming from Norwegian-American origin and served with butter
Mocha Cakes, also known as Blarney stones, are square or rectangular blocks of light and airy white cake. Frosted on all sides with vanilla buttercream, they are rolled in lightly salted crushed peanuts for ideal flavor and texture.
Pasties are savory hand pies.
Tiger Meat is South Dakota’s answer to steak tartare.
Wasna is a buffalo and berry dish passed down by the Lakota Indians.
Zebra Donuts are marbled chocolate and vanilla donuts that is fried, dunked in sweet glaze and hand-dipped in homemade chocolate frosting which feeds 15.

Photo Guide for Custer State Park, South Dakota:

Use a telephoto lens for capturing animals far away in the distance.
Explore the Wildlife Drive for opportunities to see wildlife
Take a Jeep Safari tour to gain closer to access to the amazing wildlife in the park
Take your photos at dawn and dusk for excellent time to see wildlife.

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Yellowstone National Park: Mammoth Sights and Loyal Attractions

6 October 201817 September 2024

As I continued to explore Yellowstone, I drove north of the park. Departing the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, the perimeter drive brought me to the areas of Canyon Village, Mount Washburn and Tower Fall where I finally reached Mammoth Hot Springs for the night.

It was early evening and the light penetrated through the trees leaving unwieldy shadows becoming visible within the clearing. A large bull elk and his harem were feasting on lush grass within the square. Soon, a crowd began to form taking selfies with the gang and the bull elk clearly became a little agitated. It was at this time a park ranger pulled up to break up the crowd. She explained that visitors should maintain a safe distance between themselves and the elk and if anyone could not adhere to these rules, they could face fines and jail time. The crowd scattered and I decided to continue north towards the town of Gardiner in hopes of viewing more wildlife.

Only five miles away from the North Entrance and the town of Gardiner, I decided at the last minute to drive through the entryway made famous by the dedication of President Theodore Roosevelt. This land, set aside “for the benefit and enjoyment of the people”, became the first national park created for the county.

The hot springs are one of the most popular attractions in Yellowstone National Park and laden with a variety of geological features. A succession of boardwalks allows visitors access to the sulfuric smoke and bubbling pots, where fearless elk and local wildlife seemed oblivious to their beauty.

Sunset was quickly approaching and I had one last stop on my itinerary for the day which was Geyser Country where I would be spending the night. There was a somewhat of a delay while a wandering, rugged bison appeared on the roadside heading towards traffic. He definitely had the right of way as if he felt a safety in his passage, knowing he was of high regard and protected here.

The lodge at Yellowstone was a grand sight with the vintage cars parked along its entryway. The rustic exterior was the perfect setting for viewing Old Faithful and exploring the nearby geothermal attractions of Geyser Country. I was most certain that it would have been a royal experience to stay at the lodge, but I was happy to have rented a cabin just around the corner. It was the perfect size and space for my one night stay, so after checking in, I unloaded my car and made my way to the most iconic and loyal geyser within the park, Old Faithful. A wonderful way to end my day.

What was your experience at Yellowstone National Park? Did you hike, check out the attractions and admire the wildlife of the park? I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my day in Yellowstone! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Yellowstone National Park
PO Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Telephone: 307 344 7381

Admission Fee: Each entrance fee covers 7 days of park entry. Private Vehicle: $35; Motorcycle: $30 and Hiker/Biker: $20 which only applies to visitors 16 years old and older entering the park by foot, bicycle, etc. An annual Pass for Yellowstone National Park is $70 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. The Yellowstone National Park accepts the America the Beautiful Pass which allows access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites for a cost of $80 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. Check out their website for more information: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
Hours: Open daily, 24 hours; Refer to the Yellowstone National Park website for the operating hours of the Visitor Centers.
Amenities: camping, hiking, boating, skiing, biking, bird watching, climbing and mountaineering, fishing, horseback riding and llama packing, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, Visitor’s Centers which provide interpretive exhibits and park information and Ranger programs. Guided tours are also available in the park.
Scenic View: Take in the view of Grand Prismatic Spring from the Overlook off of the Fairy Falls Trailhead. For the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, you can see this beautiful waterfall from several locations offering different views of the falls: Brink of Lower Falls, Lookout Point, Uncle Tom’s Trail and Artist Point. Check out the stadium seating at Old Faithful for a front row seat of this geyser that erupts every 35 to 120 minutes. The park’s Twitter account, @GeyserNPS, the Geyser Activity Page on their website or the Geyser App lists the predicted times for Old Faithful.
Length of Visit: Three days is recommended to see all of the attractions at Yellowstone.
Tips for Your Visit: The park is open year around, but winter time can be a challenging during snow and ice. If you are looking for animals, winter is the time that they hibernate. Spring is a wonderful time to visit because you can see newborn babies. When viewing wildlife, you must stay 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yard from all other animals in the park. For photographers, you may already know that dawn and dusk are the best times to photograph animals and you will want to bring a telephoto lens for capturing them from far distances. Summer is the busiest time for the park you may find road construction and traffic.

Where to Stay:

I was fortunate enough to stay at one of the lodges at Yellowstone. I absolutely loved staying at the park and have Melba Coleman to thank for assisting me in my reservation.

Where to Eat:

Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room
Yellowstone Park, WY 82190
Telephone: 307 344 7311

The Exit Sign as Leave the Park Towards Gardiner, Montana

Cabin at Yellowstone National Park

Inside my Cabin at Yellowstone National Park

The somewhat dormant Old Faithful at Sunset

Searching for the Needle Among the Abstract

29 September 201816 September 2024

Granite spires towered over the thick forest of fir trees as I approached Needles Highway. Also known as South Dakota Highway 87, this scenic byway lies within Custer Park, just outside of Rapid City. This road, winding through some of the most unique formations in the United States, is a part of the park’s Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway. I prepared myself for amazing views, interesting geological features and a crazy drive of switchbacks over the next 14 miles.

As the night began to fall, I had a few miles until I reached The Needle, but the abstract formations continued to fascinate me and I couldn’t resist pulling over for a moment to photograph them. I enjoyed finding images in the interesting rocks such as animal figures or even human likenesses.

Several tunnels, hairpin turns and tight spaces make up the scenic course that was completed in 1922. As the night began to fall, I had only a few miles until I reached The Needle, but I was distracted by the peculiar formations which continued to fascinate me, peering between the pines.

I noticed the highway to beautiful Sylvan Lake and several trails before reaching the Needle’s Eye. At one moment, I wondered if my car would fit between the large boulders flanking the highway. According to the map, the Needle should appear at any moment and as the sky was darkening, I was concerned there was a chance that I may not be able to see it.

I finally made it to the Eye of the Needle and was so saddened that it was too difficult to see in the darkness. I could not have driven all of this way without a clear view of the Needle’s Eye, so I decided to make the trip back up the byway the next morning. Without a doubt, it was one of the most fascinating attractions in the park. I wished I would have set aside some time to enjoy an afternoon of rock climbing or hiking the Cathedral Spires, but it was on to my next stop for some well-awaited animal viewing at Custer State Park.

Have you taken The Needles Highway? What did you think about the drive? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading my post and Happy Travels!

For more information about the Needles Highway, check out South Dakota’s state park website atwww.gfp.sd.gov.

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Yellowstone National Park: Where the Buffalo Roam

22 September 201817 September 2024

Early afternoon, I left Mammoth Hot Springs to drive towards Hayden Valley. The valley, known for its abundance of wildlife, is most popular during the spring and fall seasons. I was looking forward to taking in the surrounding landscape and hoping to see some amazing animals on my drive.

Quickly into my road trip, I caught my first glimpse of a herd of bison. Stretching for miles, I was impressed with their large number. With stocky bodies and thick fur, I was amazed at how beautiful they were. Attempting to cross the road, they seemed to know that they had the right of way and took charge when trying to do so.

I was thrilled to watch the calves chasing after their mothers. The herd was moving slowly on each side of the road until they decided to cross, seeming a little hesitant and looking both ways.

Bison Stopping Traffic in Yellowstone’s Hayden Valley

Herds of Bison at Yellowstone National Park

A Bison Calf Among the Herd, Yellowstone

Sightings of Bison in Yellowstone National Park’s Hayden Valley

Along the roadway, the river appeared at random intervals. Slowing down at the bends and curves, I was hoping for the chance to catch a glimpse of a bear or wolf, which make this valley their home. Unfortunately, they were nowhere to be found, but I was more than happy seeing all of the bison in Hayden Valley.

I was so close to the Montana border when I decided to drive a small portion of the Beartooth Highway, entering Gallatin National Forest.

Glimpses of snow appeared along the shadowed crevices on the mountainside.

My first pronghorn antelope sighting!

An Elk Bull at Yellowstone

I hadn’t ventured too far along the Beartooth, knowing that I needed to make it to Grand Teton National Park, but I was happy that I stepped over the state line to explore more of this gorgeous scenery.

What animals did you spot while vacationing at Yellowstone? Is there another US National Park that you recommend for wildlife sightings? I would love to hear your recommendations or about your experience vacationing at Yellowstone if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading my travel blog on Yellowstone and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Yellowstone National Park
PO Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Telephone: 307 344 7381

Admission Fee: Each entrance fee covers 7 days of park entry. Private Vehicle: $35; Motorcycle: $30 and Hiker/Biker: $20 which only applies to visitors 16 years old and older entering the park by foot, bicycle, etc. An annual Pass for Yellowstone National Park is $70 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. The Yellowstone National Park accepts the America the Beautiful Pass which allows access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites for a cost of $80 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. Check out their website for more information: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
Hours: Open daily, 24 hours; Refer to the Yellowstone National Park website for the operating hours of the Visitor Centers.
Amenities: camping, hiking, boating, skiing, biking, bird watching, climbing and mountaineering, fishing, horseback riding and llama packing, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, Visitor’s Centers which provide interpretive exhibits and park information and Ranger programs. Guided tours are also available in the park.
Scenic View: Take in the view of Grand Prismatic Spring from the Overlook off of the Fairy Falls Trailhead. For the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, you can see this beautiful waterfall from several locations offering different views of the falls: Brink of Lower Falls, Lookout Point, Uncle Tom’s Trail and Artist Point. Check out the stadium seating at Old Faithful for a front row seat of this geyser that erupts every 35 to 120 minutes. The park’s Twitter account, @GeyserNPS, the Geyser Activity Page on their website or the Geyser App lists the predicted times for Old Faithful.
Length of Visit: Three days is recommended to see all of the attractions at Yellowstone.
Tips for Your Visit: The park is open year around, but winter time can be a challenging during snow and ice. If you are looking for animals, winter is the time that they hibernate. Spring is a wonderful time to visit because you can see newborn babies. When viewing wildlife, you must stay 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yard from all other animals in the park. For photographers, you may already know that dawn and dusk are the best times to photograph animals and you will want to bring a telephoto lens for capturing them from far distances. Summer is the busiest time for the park you may find road construction and traffic.

Where to Stay:

I was fortunate enough to stay at one of the lodges at Yellowstone. I absolutely loved staying at the park and have Melba Coleman to thank for assisting me in my reservation.

Where to Eat:

Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room
Yellowstone Park, WY 82190
Telephone: 307 344 7311

What to Eat:

Bison Burgers
Buffalo Steak
Chicken Fried Steak
Chuck Wagon-Style Dinners which usually include hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, baked beans and corn bread
Cowboy Cookies: cookies made with brown sugar, cinnamon, oats, chocolate and nuts
Elk Steak
Fry Bread is similar to puff pastry and is the base for taco salads.
Jerky
Morels
Old Fashioned Soda
Pig Candy: Applewood smoked bacon covered in brown sugar and spices
Prime Rib
Rocky Mountain Oysters: deep-fried calf testicles
Soda Bread: Discovered by American Indians, this bread is made from a mixture of flour and soda (naturally found in wood ashes) creating a quick-rising bread
Trout
Wyomatoes are a type of tomato found in Wyoming. Known for their sweet taste, they are unlike any other varietal
Wyoming Whiskey

What to Read:

The Stories of Yellowstone, by Mark M. Miller
Mountain Spirit, by Lawrence L. Loendorf
Decade of the Wolf, by Douglas Smith
Bring Jade Home, by Michelle Caffrey
Letters from Yellowstone, by Diane Smith
Yellowstone Has Teeth, by Marjane Ambler
Dangerous Beauty: Encounters with Grizzlies and Bison in Yellowstone, by Carolyn Jourdan
Death in Yellowstone by Lee H. Whittlesey
Empire of Shadows, by George Black

Photo Guide for Yellowstone:

Artist Point
Artists Paintpots
Black Pool
Brink of the Lower Falls
Dunanda Falls
Dunraven Pass
Excelsior Geyser Crater
Fairy Falls
Firehole Falls
Firehole Lake
Fountain Paint Pots Trail
Grand Prismatic Spring
Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook
Great Fountain Geyser
Hayden Valley
Inspiration Point
Lamar Valley
Lewis Falls
Lookout Point
Lower Lookout Point
Madison River
Mammoth Hot Springs
Minerva Terrace
Morning Glory Pool
Norris Geyser Basin
Old Faithful
Point Sublime
Roaring Mountain
Roosevelt Arch
Snake River Overlook
Tower Falls
Trout Lake
Upper Falls View
West Thumb Basin
Yelloowstone Entrance Sign
Yellowstone Lake

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Finding Solitude at Sylvan Lake

15 September 201815 September 2024

After a restful night, I woke up bright and early at the Best Western Buffalo Ridge Inn in Custer, South Dakota. It was a perfect overnight stay where the hotel staff were friendly and helpful. At the breakfast bar, there was a large selection of food items and the dining area was very clean with modern furnishings. The hotel was centrally located (about 20 minutes) from the attractions I wanted to visit and I couldn’t wait to check out and explore.

It was Sunday morning and I wanted to visit Lake Sylvan to read my Bible and devotional before reaching my next stop, Deadwood. In awe of God’s creation, I started along the path where I could circle the lake, taking in the beauty of my surroundings. With my camera in hand, I captured the reflection of the rock formations on the water. The walking path continued along the banks with an additional route where one could walk the main thoroughfare for a shorter hike.

Sylvan Lake is one of five mountain lakes within the Custer State Park and is the one most visited. Used as a scene in “National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets”, it is also popular with photographers and nature lovers. For those who like to fish, the lake is fully stocked with trout, crappies and perch and canoes and kayaks are available for rent as well. Although I could have stayed to enjoy a few of the amenities at Sylvan Lake, I came for the solitude. And as I finished my hour of devotions, I prayed for safety and began my drive towards Deadwood.

Have you visited Sylvan Lake while touring Custer State Park? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading by post and Happy Travels!

For more information about Sylvan Lake and Custer State Park, visit South Dakota’s state park website at www.gfp.sd.gov.

For those of you that may be interested in my hotel evaluation at Custer, South Dakota, I have provided a very brief opinion of my experience at the Best Western Buffalo Ridge Inn located at West Mount Rushmore Road.

Hotel Information:

Best Western Buffalo Ridge Inn
310 W. Mount Rushmore Road
Custer, South Dakota 57730
Phone: 605 673 2275
Rate: 80.90 (AAA rate) + tax = 89.87 (includes $2 lodging tax)

Hotel Rating:

The hotel is a great hotel with friendly, helpful staff. There were great food options for breakfast including omelets, yogurt, hot oatmeal, cereal, toast, fresh fruit and danishes. The only fast food option in the area was Dairy Queen, but there were several places to eat along Mount Rushmore Road. Perfect location…about 20 minutes from each of the attractions. Very, very clean with modern furnishings. The television did not work that night, but I was too tired to watch it. I would highly recommend the Best Western Buffalo Ridge Inn. There is also wi-fi service available as well.

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A First Impression of Yellowstone National Park

8 September 201816 September 2024

The sky was a bountiful blue and the air smelled fresh and pure. The drive from Cody to the entrance of Yellowstone National Park took only about an hour, but there were a couple of stops in between. The sun was just rising as I passed through tunnels, taking in the hills, trees and streams of the countryside. It was a perfect day to explore Yellowstone and I was thrilled beyond measure for the adventure ahead.

As the entrance sign came into view, I couldn’t believe I had finally arrived. I was excited to take my place in line with fellow travelers for my first photograph of America’s First National Park, Yellowstone. Forging on, I was prepared for my first stop at the Fishing Bridge, when I noticed the beauty of Sylvan Lake as I pulled over to the side of the road to map out my day. Yellowstone Lake was not far in the distance and soon I would be exploring one of the most amazing national parks in the United States. With its vast geological features and abundant animal sightings, this trip was sure to provide endless memories in the making.

Known as the “largest high-altitude lake in North America”, Yellowstone Lake measures 136 square miles. Because the southern road of the park was closed for the season, I had to drive north towards Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon. Just inside LaHardy, I saw my first large bull elk wandering through the brush on the side of the road.

The pungent scent of rotting eggs, caused by the sulper springs, filled the air, far in advance of my approach to Mud Volcano. The bubbling mud pots, considered one of the most unstable properties within the park, was proof of the park’s volcanic power. With names such as Dragon’s Mouth Spring or Sulphur Cauldron, the 2.3 mile boardwalk winds through several active thermal features. It was a reminder that I was standing on a volcano that could erupt at any moment.

Looking forward to reaching the park’s most impressive waterfall, I passed through Hayden Valley. I stopped at several lookouts for wildlife as well as random falls throughout the park when I had finally reached the Falls of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. It was a breathtaking scene as the cascade, with its 308 foot precipice, could be heard long before reaching the overlook.

I arrived at a split in the road, with one leading to the North Rim and the other to the South. I had decided to hike Uncle Tom’s Trail for a closer look at the Upper Falls as well as Crystal Falls, plummeting 129 feet. Since the late 1800s, visitors to Yellowstone have made this trek with help from Tom Richardson, independent tour guide. As a part of his full day excursion, the rim of the falls included a “trail of wooden ladders and handrails to the mist of Lower Falls”. Today a metal staircase with 329 steps has replaced the ladders that once led to the lookout.

I stood at the overlook for several minutes admiring the mesmerizing beauty of the cascades. The water violently flowed beneath into the canyon. While this was the first excursion I had taken within the park, I realized I had not even begun to explore Yellowstone. This amazing national park offers so many opportunities to see nature in its own habitat, from geysers, waterfalls, wildlife and wonder.

Have you had the opportunity to travel to Yellowstone National Park? What were some of your favorite sites that you explored? I would love to hear from you if you will kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading my post about Yellowstone and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Yellowstone National Park
PO Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Telephone: 307 344 7381

Admission Fee: Each entrance fee covers 7 days of park entry. Private Vehicle: $35; Motorcycle: $30 and Hiker/Biker: $20 which only applies to visitors 16 years old and older entering the park by foot, bicycle, etc. An annual Pass for Yellowstone National Park is $70 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. The Yellowstone National Park accepts the America the Beautiful Pass which allows access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites for a cost of $80 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. Check out their website for more information: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
Hours: Open daily, 24 hours; Refer to the Yellowstone National Park website for the operating hours of the Visitor Centers.
Amenities: camping, hiking, boating, skiing, biking, bird watching, climbing and mountaineering, fishing, horseback riding and llama packing, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, Visitor’s Centers which provide interpretive exhibits and park information and Ranger programs. Guided tours are also available in the park.
Scenic View: Take in the view of Grand Prismatic Spring from the Overlook off of the Fairy Falls Trailhead. For the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, you can see this beautiful waterfall from several locations offering different views of the falls: Brink of Lower Falls, Lookout Point, Uncle Tom’s Trail and Artist Point. Check out the stadium seating at Old Faithful for a front row seat of this geyser that erupts every 35 to 120 minutes. The park’s Twitter account, @GeyserNPS, the Geyser Activity Page on their website or the Geyser App lists the predicted times for Old Faithful.
Length of Visit: Three days is recommended to see all of the attractions at Yellowstone.
Tips for Your Visit: The park is open year around, but winter time can be a challenging during snow and ice. If you are looking for animals, winter is the time that they hibernate. Spring is a wonderful time to visit because you can see newborn babies. When viewing wildlife, you must stay 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yard from all other animals in the park. For photographers, you may already know that dawn and dusk are the best times to photograph animals and you will want to bring a telephoto lens for capturing them from far distances. Summer is the busiest time for the park you may find road construction and traffic.

Where to Stay:

I was fortunate enough to stay at one of the lodges at Yellowstone. I absolutely loved staying at the park and have Melba Coleman to thank for assisting me in my reservation.

Where to Eat:

Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room
Yellowstone Park, WY 82190
Telephone: 307 344 7311

What to Eat:

Bison Burgers
Buffalo Steak
Chicken Fried Steak
Chuck Wagon-Style Dinners which usually include hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, baked beans and corn bread
Cowboy Cookies: cookies made with brown sugar, cinnamon, oats, chocolate and nuts
Elk Steak
Fry Bread is similar to puff pastry and is the base for taco salads.
Jerky
Morels
Old Fashioned Soda
Pig Candy: Applewood smoked bacon covered in brown sugar and spices
Prime Rib
Rocky Mountain Oysters: deep-fried calf testicles
Soda Bread: Discovered by American Indians, this bread is made from a mixture of flour and soda (naturally found in wood ashes) creating a quick-rising bread
Trout
Wyomatoes are a type of tomato found in Wyoming. Known for their sweet taste, they are unlike any other varietal
Wyoming Whiskey

What to Read:

The Stories of Yellowstone, by Mark M. Miller
Mountain Spirit, by Lawrence L. Loendorf
Decade of the Wolf, by Douglas Smith
Bring Jade Home, by Michelle Caffrey
Letters from Yellowstone, by Diane Smith
Yellowstone Has Teeth, by Marjane Ambler
Dangerous Beauty: Encounters with Grizzlies and Bison in Yellowstone, by Carolyn Jourdan
Death in Yellowstone by Lee H. Whittlesey
Empire of Shadows, by George Black