AboutJohn Expertise My greatest passion in the natural world is Yellowstone National Park. I have been going there regularly since I was 2 (that was in 1953). I make a minimum of two trips a year there, and have visited in both the summer and winter. My area of real joy is studying and observing the geysers, primarily in the upper geyser basin near Old Faithful. I belong to a group called GOSA (the Geyser Observation and Study Association) which has around 300 members. I have also acquired a passion for park history, much of it`s geology, I marvel every year at the wonderful canyon and experience such peace on the shores of Lake Yellowstone. I do love this park and if I can help make a families time there more fun and a greater learning experience I would love to do that.
Experience I am a founding member of both the Committee to Preserve Our Yellowstone Heritage, a group committed to preserving habitat and affordable accomodations, and I am a charter member of The Geyser Observation and Study Association (GOSA). This added to my years of study and enjoyment give me a valuable base from which to share what I have learned over the years.
Expert: John Date: 5/21/2008 Subject: Itinerary for 12 day trip
Question Hello! I will be in Yellowstone for 12 days in June. We will be flying into Salt Lake City and renting a car. We will go to the Tetons for 2 days and Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge for a day. We will be camping and staying in cabins in Yellowstone. Any recommendations for an itinerary to minimize driving? I'm not sure where and how long to stay in the different regions within the park.
Answer Hi Christine:
You have given yourself adequate time to visit Yellowstone which is great. The road system in the park forms a giant figure 8. The northern loop includes Mammoth Hot Springs where the park headquarters are as well as a decent museum. The Terraces there can be toured in 2-3 hours. Heading east Roosevelt offers a "western" experience with cook-outs, horse rides, stagecoach rides. Lamar Valley has some good hikes including specimen ridge. It is a bit steep. Also, the most frequently observed wolf pack is here. Early morning or dusk are best for viewing. Back on the main loop road heading south, Dunraven Pass has Grizzly bears sometimes and Mt. Washburn trail has mountain goats. It offers great views. Heading on south Tower Falls is beautiful and then you end up at Canyon. Best trials there...north rim: Brink of the Lower Falls and the Overlook. The South rim: Artist Point, Uncle Tom's Trail (485 steps on the staircase that drops you into the canyon) and brink of the Upper Falls (that may be on the North rim). A full day can easily be spent at Canyon. Heading south through Hayden Valley...great animal viewing. Take binoculars!! Mud Volcano is a strange place and well worth the 45 minute hike. Lake features a Grand Hotel...nice place to eat and look over the Lake. Near by Bridge Bay is a great place to rent a fishing boat and guide and get out on the lake itself. Fishing Bridge and east is interesting scenery and you can encounter a Moose or two. The drive along the shore of the lake heading south is wonderful. Next stop would be West Thumb Geyser basin. Prettiest pools in the park. an hour or two is warranted here. From West Thumb head to the Old Faithful area. Geysers are what set Yellowstone apart...they are found in only a few places around the world and 70% of them are here. Take a ranger walk and get familiar with the basin and it's features. Two days here is time well invested. Check at the visitor center for predicted times..especially GRAND Geyser...it is awesome. Side trips to Blacksand and Biscuit Basins are nice. Heading North stop at Midway and Lower Geyser basins. The Firehole Loop drive is great too. A drive on Fountain Flats drive is good too. Firehole canyon is another good side trip. From Madison Junction head north to Norris Geyser Basin...Gibbon Falls is great too. A short 10 mile drive returns you Canyon. This tour, if you take your time and explore will take 6 to 7 days. You should hit Grand Teton on your way in or on your way back to Salt Lake. Finally, buy a copy of Yellowstone Treasures by Janet Chapple...it is a great guide book.
