The next day we went back to Yellowstone and took a different route through the park. This time we went south from Mammoth Hot Springs. We ran into a little road construction and had to wait for our turn to go through the single lane that was still open. It was a little frustrating until you realize this: Summer is the only time of year the park has to make improvements to roads, campsites, observation decks and lookouts, trails, etc. It just so happens to coincide with the peak tourist season. It can’t be helped, so, if you visit, please be patient.
We traveled south and saw beautiful landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, a geyser and other thermal features, Sheepeater Cliff, and Norris Geyser Basin. We saw some animals, of course! Then we took the road that headed east towards Canyon Village and saw the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. From there we headed north towards Tower Fall (which we had seen the day before) to head back to the RV.
The distances on roads in the park may not be very far (18, 21, 12, and 19 miles, etc.), but it takes longer than normal to traverse them for several reasons: slow traffic, stopping to get out and enjoy views, stopping to see animals (you KNOW where those spots are because there are A LOT people pulled over and usually a park ranger there, too), and very curvy roads that are only two lanes and narrow. The speed limit in the park is 45 mph unless lower speeds are posted, and, believe me, if a lower speed is posted, there is a very good reason!
Pictures are worth a thousand words, so here is your “picture overload” for the day.
When you enter at the North Entrance, you travel about 4-5 miles before you arrive at Mammoth Hot Springs and a huge Visitors Center. Look at ALL the elk that were in that area to greet us on our second day in the park!
Well, another exciting day at Yellowstone Park. Stayed tuned for more Yellowstone adventures.
So, for now ….. “On the Road Again!”
Betty