Yellowstone and Grand Tetons
Our Fabulous Family Camping Adventure
Late in the summer of 2009, our intrepid family packed up the old van, and headed off for Yellowstone National Park, Driving east along I-90, destined for Montana, and after a couple long days, pitched our tent just outside Gardiner MT. We were finally within sight of the grand basalt Roosevelt Arch, a welcoming sight for visitors as they enter the North Gate of the park.
With our good friend Dr Rabbit showing the way, we passed beneath the great North Gate, and began our fabulous journey. The adventure starts with a sightseeing tour of the amazing geological formations of the Mammoth Hot Springs, were we encountered a stunning panorama both strange and beautiful. The next day we set out on our own, taking the twisting road up to the Sheepeater Cliffs and visiting Indian Creek, followed by a stop alongside the steam vents of the Roaring Mountains. Then continuing south, we saw a our very first bison beside the road, and went on to encounter a small herd wallowing at the Sulphur Caldrons. Later we took a short hike to the roaring Dragons Mouth Cave, where we saw (and smelled) boiling Mud Volcanoes.
Then south we went, on down and out of the park entirely, following along the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway, heading for our reserved Colter Bay campsite. As we arrived hot and tired along the east shore of Jackson Lake, were we could see the majestic Grand Tetons rising up before us, beautifully filling the horizon. Once camp was made, took a short hike around Jackson Lake Lodge just to catch the view, then drove to the southern most point of Jackson Lake, to watch the majestic sunset drop behind the Grand Tetons.
In the first light of a warm sunrise, it was discovered that overnight the van had suffered a minor failure. It required the better part of that morning to reach the local Jackson Lodge Service Station, where a errant piece of sharp metal was removed from the tire. Making our return course north again, entering Yellowstone we stopped for a utterly delightful lunch on the banks of the Lewis River, while viewing the cascades of Lewis Falls.
Next to Yellowstone Lake, we traverse the length of the West Thumb Geyser Basin boardwalk, encountering scenes with mesmerizing colored hot pools. Afterward made a quick hike over the ridge to Duck Lake, discovering we had the entire lake all to ourselves. From there a short drive along the shoreline of Bridge Bay, with a hike up to see the Natural Bridge of Yellowstone. There was a stop at famous Fishing Bridge (no fishing allowed) as well as Indian Pond, and Steamboat Point Thermal Vents. Finally we depart Yellowstone via the East Gate, wanting to meet up with our friend in Wapiti.
Stayed overnight in a comfortable, rustic cabin hosted at Wapiti Lodge, which is about the only thing in Wapiti Wyoming. Next day our little group stopped by the Buffalo Bill Dam, then continued on to Cody WY. While there we visited a Miniature Western Village, the truly amazing Buffalo Bill Historical Center, and even checked out the Cody Rodeo Stampede. Leaving Wapiti, we continued our loop north across the Beartooth Mountains, with a breathtaking view at the top of Rock Creek Vista Point, then back again into Yellowstone Park via the Northeast Gate entrance.
Our return drive took us back through the incredible Lamar Valley, where soon after we arrived at Yellowstone Canyon, with a walk down the trail to Tower Falls. We climbed to the summit vista of Mount Washburn, and later during a sudden hail storm, encountered a herd of bison on the way to soggy camp. The following day our Bridge Bay campsite was truly delightful, with local deer frequenting as guests.
Saving best for last, we finally made our way to the magnificent Yellowstone Upper Geyser Basin. Once there, we explored numerous active geysers and hot springs, including the required stop at the always popular Old Faithful. After setting up our final camp site, we took a short drive through Firehole Canyon, and rested beside Firehole Falls, to depart the next morning out the same North Gate we entered at Gardiner.
Of course, these images only represent a few captured highlights, and simply can not do justice to these spectacular natural wonders. I would encourage you to please visit Yellowstone with your own family, and you’ll be be totally impressed too!
There can be nothing in the world more beautiful than the Yosemite, the groves of the giant sequoias and redwoods, the Canyon of the Colorado, the Canyon of the Yellowstone, the Three Tetons; and our people should see to it that they are preserved for their children and their children’s children forever, with their majestic beauty all unmarred.
– Theodore Roosevelt
