Hike the Fairy Trail at Yellowstone for an Amazing View of Grand Prismatic Spring

8 December 201825 October 2024

From the trailhead of Fairy Trail, I checked my backpack, tightened my boots and took out my water bottle in preparation for my hike. I could see the steam coming off of the multiple springs to my right and would soon be able to climb above the Middle Geyser Basin for a spectacular view of Grand Prismatic Spring. Distracted by my surroundings, I hadn’t notice the furry Bison standing within a few feet from me. While he appeared to be docile and more interested in grazing, I quickly passed, giving him plenty of space.

Within about twenty minutes, I reached a path leading upwards through the woods but I wasn’t quite sure if I was heading in the right direction. The woods were thick with fir trees that had fallen and blocked the trail but I decided to push forward. The climb was intense, but soon I noticed a small clearing and what seemed to be a natural bench of rock. I took a seat and looking out towards the spring, I was not prepared for the beauty of one of the most surreal sights I had ever seen.

One of the most surprising features of the Grand Prismatic Spring was the colorful rainbow of rings bordering the circular pool. Not visible from ground level, the vibrant primary colors and the orange-flamed runoff radiated like the sun.

I sat in amazement of the largest hot spring in the United States and realized I was looking down on a dormant volcano. I watched the steam slowly leave the geyser, disappearing into the air. Understanding that the mist is due to the boiling water reaching temperatures of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, I also thought about how this silent volcano could explode at any moment. What an eerie thought.

Leaving this peaceful place on the hill, I returned back to the trailhead, curious to find the bison I saw at the start of my hike. I was surprised to notice that he was standing in the midst of Middle Geyser Basin. Concerned for his safety, I said a little prayer and hoped that he would escape from any harm and make it home safely.

Did you know that the Fairy Trail leads to a beautiful view of the Grand Prismatic Spring? Have you hiked the trail? 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 my visit to 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

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.

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

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

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

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.

First Wild Animal Sightings in The Badlands

25 August 201821 September 2024

Approaching the Badlands on Interstate 90, I began to notice the fascinating geological formations that makes up this unique region of the United States. I realized soon that I would be reaching the highway exit to the entrance of Badlands National Park, one of the several national parks I would be visiting on my ten-day vacation.

The exit to access the Badlands heading west on I-90 is Exit 131 (Interior) which leads to Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240), one of the country’s most beautiful drives. My plan was to purchase the annual National Park Pass which would allow me entrance to several of the national parks I had scheduled to visit on this trip.

Within minutes upon entering the Badlands National Park, I noticed the scenic trail providing 180 degree views of the Badland’s geology. A fairyland of soaring spires and pinnacles, the landscape is layered in spectacular color as a result of years of water erosion and is best viewed from the White River Valley Overlook. Running more than sixty miles in length, I had come across “The Badlands Wall”. Dividing the upper and lower prairies, the wall is in a state of attrition, washing away into the White River Valley. I followed this wall along The Loop Road making frequent stops along the route and taking in the magical scenery and enjoying its short hikes.

The temperature continued to drop, and with a mist in the air, the park gave off an eerie vibe. The boardwalk to the first overlook had a thin layer of ice and I noticed tourists sliding along the wooden planks careful not to lose their balance. I had expected more visitors at the park by mid-morning, but realized that the weather may have kept them away and although the weather was to reach a high of 70 degrees, there was a threat of thunderstorms ahead. The Badlands are known for its unpredictable hailstorms and sudden rain during the summer.

Taking in the view, I imagined the region during prehistoric times when the area was submerged beneath an ancient sea. Over time, the sea receded and the land would become inhabited by saber-tooth tigers and three-toed horses. Today, its rolling, rounded hills look like the perfect backdrop for a Star Wars movie with its colorful hues and sparse vegetation.

Looking out onto the horizon, I could hardly see the group of hikers relaxing on one of the Badlands’ formations. The contrast between man and rock provided a new perspective of my surroundings where everything looked miniature. This view brought about a realization of just how small I was against this vast, amazing landscape.

I had planned on spending at least three hours touring the park and hiking some of the trails. I estimated that it would take about an hour to drive the loop road while most of the hikes were no longer than a mile, ranging from easy to moderate in level of difficulty.

As a result of years of erosion from wind and rain, the Badlands contain a large number of spires, hoodoos, canyons, bluffs and other interesting formations. Once inhabited by the Lakota Indian tribes, it was the French Traders who gave this area its name, “mauvaises terres”, which translates to “Bad Lands”.

Scientists have found fossils of prehistoric mammals throughout the park, many of which were displayed on the Fossil Exhibit Trail. Several other trails lead into the interior for an up close exploration of the Badlands ecology and ecosystems. My favorite trails included the Door Trail, a .75 mile boardwalk path leading to a break in the Badlands Wall and the Window Trail departing from the same trailhead passing a natural window in the Badlands Wall opening up for a view of the canyon.

I enjoyed the short jaunts and continued my drive on Dillon Pass where I noticed several cars pulled over to the side of the road. I was so surprised to notice a bighorn sheep resting a short distance from where we had parked and it was one of the most beautiful sights I had ever seen. Seeing wildlife in its natural habitat is exhilarating, but I knew I had to keep my distance.

Bighorn sheep are not the only animals that make the Badlands their home. According to the National Park Service, there are coyotes, porcupine, bobcat, black-tailed prairie dog communities, herds of American bison, pack of red wolves, prairie rattlesnakes, mule deer, black-billed magpies, swift fox and black footed ferrets.

I found it difficult to break away from the bighorn sheep, but the Yellow Mounds Overlook was just around the bend where I would be able to see the spectacular striations of colors on the Badlands formations. From blue coal to red scoria, my favorite colors among the stria were pink and gold.

Located off of Sage Creek Rim Road, I looked forward to visiting Roberts Prairie Dog Town. I immediately fell in love with the active prairie dogs and their cute little mannerisms. They were energetic, hopping in and out of their dens, mounds of dirt with entrances on the top. Kicking up dust while digging holes, these little critters would pause only for a moment to let out a little chirp to warn of danger. Posted signs warn humans that these seemingly docile little animals carry disease and touching them is prohibited.

It was an exciting visit to Badlands National Park and I was most excited about seeing all of the wildlife and ecological formations. Geologists predict that, in a half a million years, the Badlands will be gone. I was so glad to have the opportunity to explore this spectacular park and overjoyed with the animal encounters.

For more information about the park, visit the Badlands National Park website and stop by the Ben Reifel Visitor Center to browse the displays.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Badlands National Park? Did you hike or see any of the wildlife that live here? I would love to hear about your adventure if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading my post about my day at Badlands National Park and wishing you many and Happy Travels!

Badlands National Park is located in the state of South Dakota. Entering the Badlands from the East, I was able to program the following address into my GPS: 21020 SD Highway 240, Interior, South Dakota 57750. For more information about the park, visit the National Park Service website at www.nps.gov and search for the Badlands National Park.

What to See and What to Do:

Badlands National Park
25216 Ben Reifel Road
Interior, SD 57750
Telephone: 605 433 5361

Admission Fee: All fees are valid for 7 days which includes a $20 fee for private vehicle, $10 for motorcycle, and $10 per person for individuals hiking, biking, etc.
Hours: Open daily, 24 hours; The Ben Reifel Visitor Center is open from 8AM – 4PM during winter hours; open from 8AM – 5PM April & May; open from 7AM to 7PM during the summer hours and open 8AM – 5PM early September to late October. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Amenities: visitor center, scenic drive, ranger programs, guided hikes, exhibits, campground, scheduled tours, audio guides are provided in 10 languages, special exhibitions, restaurant, cafes, shops
Scenic View: The incredible geological formations throughout the park are incredibly scenic along the 38-mile Badlands Loop Road (Hwy 240) as well as the wildlife. For a panoramic view of the White River Valley, hike the mile and a half Notch Trail. Climb the log ladder up a cliff which leads to the top of a butte. A notch in the canyon allows photographers the opportunity to capture the perfect photo. Stick around for sunrise or sunset to photograph the beauty of the Badlands’ strata of color. Other trails include the Fossil Exhibit Trail and the two-day Sage Creek Trail.
Length of Visit: At least 2 hours but up to 2 days to explore the whole park.
Tips for Your Visit: The best time to visit the park is during the spring and fall months when the number of visitors is much lower than summer. The South Unit’s White River Visitor Center is only open during the summer months, so check its hours of operation at the Ben Reifel Visitor’s Center. Wear comfortable shoes for hiking and be on the lookout for rattlesnakes. The restrooms are scattered, so use them when you can. Stay on the trails and be careful when walking out into the formations. Trails can be slippery after rain or snow, so proceed with caution along some of the park’s sheer cliffs.

Where to Stay:

Days Inn, Sioux Falls Airport
5001 North Cliff Avenue & 1-90, Exit 399
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Phone: 605 331 5959
Rate: 66.56 (AAA rate) + tax = 76.88 (includes $2 lodging tax)

Hotel Rating:

The hotel is acceptable for a short stay. Although the rooms are very dated and the furniture is stained, the rooms are clean. Smelled like cigarette smoke, but the air conditioning worked great. It is close to Falls Park and various fast food and dining in restaurants. Did not stay late enough for breakfast.

Badlands Inn, located at the park near the Ben Reifel Visitor’s Center, is the perfect front row seat for Badlands sunrises and sunsets.

Where to Eat:

Red Rock
506 Glenn Street
Wall, SD 57790
Telephone: 605 279 2388

A steakhouse with specialties such as Buffalo Steak, Prime Rib and Walleye Dinner. A little on the pricey side, but there are several options.

Badlands Saloon & Grille
509 Main Street
Wall, SD 57790
Telephone: 605 279 2210

I hear the steak with whiskey glaze is worth a try and the Angus burgers come highly recommended.

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.

What to Read:

Death Where the Bad Rocks Live, by C.M. Wendelboe
Badlands, by C.J. Box

Photo Guide for the Badlands:

Photograph the sunrise at Badlands Overlook
Hike the short trails for beautiful views
- Badlands Wall on the Door Trail
- Notch Trail: climb the ladder for outstanding views
- Natural window on the Window Trail
White River Valley Overlook
Panorama Point for the sunrise
Yellow Mounds Overlook for phenomenal colors

Stay tuned as I explore Mount Rushmore, Custer’s Wildlife Loop Road and the Peter Norbeck Scenic Highway!

Entering Badlands National Park

Spotting my First “Bison” at Sioux Falls, South Dakota

11 August 201821 September 2024

It had been a long day of driving (close to 1,000 miles), but I was on a high having reached Sioux Falls, Idaho. With plenty of energy to explore the Sioux Falls Park, I knew this would be the perfect opportunity for some exercise and a moment to stretch out my legs. The park was around the corner and the sun was beginning to set.

I could smell the mist of the falls long before they came into view. The sun felt warm upon my face and I could hear the spray from the water close by as I began making my way towards the roaring sound. From the parking lot, a paved walkway gave start to the art trail winding its way through the woods. Along the path were placards offering a brief overview of the park and its history. Magnificent sculptures were set up along the trail which was a part of “SculptureWalk”, a local event held annually, designed to help “keep the arts alive”. The small hike ended at the spectacular falls, observation deck and café.

Situated in the midst of town, this amazing attraction has been drawing visitors to its location since 1856. Photographs from the late 1800s document the popularity of this site and show how the park has evolved over time. Falls Park sits on 123 acres to include the falls, the cafe as well as the observation tower.

The park requires no entrance fee and accessing the observation tower is also free of charge. An elevator lifts visitors to the top to spend an unlimited time on the platform and it is definitely worth the view.

Known to the Lakota Sioux Indians as “Laughing Waters”, it was the Big Sioux River that wound its way through the town of Sioux Falls. It took over 7,400 gallons of water to drop 100 feet to create this beautiful cascade. During certain times of the day, the sun reflects off of the falls creating a beautiful scene of rainbows.

The “SculptureWalk” statues remain along the path until the next year when the new installments are presented on the lawn. A 20 mile path started at Falls Park and wound its way through the city providing areas of rest for those enjoying the trail.

The Monarch of the Plains, a permanent sculpture, was my first “bison” sighting of my trip.

I was happy to have a nice stroll after driving over 13 hours and this was a perfect way to wind down for the day. The park was busy with visitors and locals, fishing and enjoying the falls and a late afternoon meal at the cafe. There were several vantage points to enjoy the falls including the 5 story observation tower, offering a 360 degree view of the city’s skyline, the falls and the Big Sioux River.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Sioux Falls, South Dakota? Did you stop by Falls Park or can you recommend any additional sites in the area? I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Thanks for reading my blog post and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Falls Park, Sioux Falls
131 E. Falls Park Dr.
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Telephone: 605 367 7430

Admission Fee: There is no fee for visiting Falls Park.
Hours: Open daily from 5AM to 12AM
Amenities: waterfalls, observation tower, picnic shelters, sculptures, restrooms, restaurant, open air shelter, bike trail access point, historic displays, drinking fountains and visitor center
Scenic View: Spectacular views of the falls and an observation deck for incredible scenic views of nearby Sioux Falls.
Length of Visit: 1 hour
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes and be careful on the rocks.

Where to Stay:

Clubhouse Hotel & Suites
2320 S. Louise Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57106
Telephone: 605 361 8700

Where to Eat:

Taco John’s
1920 W. 12th Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57106

I ordered a couple of tacos and they reminded me of Taco Bell, but with more of a spicy kick.

What to Eat:

Chislic: Similar to shish kabobs, this local food is made of cubed meat, usually fried while stacked on a stick. German and Russian immigrants are credited for bring this food to the US. Eat this amazing dish as an appetizer or a snack.
Indian Tacos: Similar traditional tacos, the only difference is that the filling is stacked on fry bread instead of tortillas.
Kolaches: Popular in Slavic countries, kolaches are mini pies filled with candied fruit or cream cheese.
Kuchen: Also hailing from Germany and meaning “cake”, this pastry is made with sweet dough and filled with custard, fruit or nuts.
Wasna: A food from the indigenous people of the Great Plains, the snack is made of dried buffalo meat, cranberries and grains.
Wojapi: Another Native American recipe, Wojapi is a dipping sauce made of chokeberries.

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