Animal Viewing

We dedicated the rest of the day to animal viewing. Here is Ali's list:

Bison, elk, deer, mama bear and 2 cubs, coyote, fox, pronghorn antelope, pika, and mountain goat.

We were well rewarded with herds of bison and many other great spots. There are big herds in the north eastern part of the park. 

The pronghorn were close to the road and posed well for photos! The elk population in the park seems to have dwindled since we were here last. We saw the most just after dusk when we were on our way back from dinner in Gardiner. We saw a fox trotting down the road and a mountain goat hanging out on the shoulder. 

The bears were the highlight of the day! We saw a female black bear and her two cubs. They were not phased by all the people and as we stood and watched they got quite close to us. We were very careful not to get between the mother and her cubs. The cubs put on quite a show as they scampered through the meadow and over a log. They followed mom across the road so we could see them clearly. They scrambled up the hillside and out of sight. This was one of our  closest and best bear encounters ever! A lucky first sighting for Sam and Ali!!

All the animals were fantastic, but the bears were definitely the best!!

Sam: I liked the fox best.

Ali: I liked the coyote, fox, and bears best.

Tower Falls

We hiked down to the falls.

And then past the "hike at your own risk" sign to the Yellowstone River. There is much less water at this point so the girls played and threw rocks (one of their favorite pastimes). The rocks were interesting- the yellow rubs off the rocks. There must be sulphur in the water. It's like powder on the dry side. 

This adventure got a bit more exciting when a coyote wandered out of the woods and walked up the beach. He was less than 20 feet away and had no interest in us. He walked up the trail, cutting the switchbacks (I guess he can't read the "stay on the trail" sign). He went straight for the trailhead and the falls overlook. By the time we hiked back up he had a big crowd. We got the best view!!

Petrified Tree

This is a petrified redwood tree. It is the same species as the ones found in California.

Undine Falls

Golden Gate Canyon

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Breathtaking from all directions!!!

Upper Falls

Lower Falls

View from Uncle Tom's Trail. 338 steps down the canyon wall.

Yellowstone Canyon

Hiking along the south rim trail.

View from Artists Point- South Rim

Brink of the upper falls

View of Uncle Tom's Trail

Brink of the lower falls

Inspiration Point

Norris Geyser Basin

This whole park is a lesson in geology and chemistry! The short version... Underground thermal activity causes the geysers, springs, steam vents, and mudpots. Some are gas, some are gas and water. Temperatures and acidity vary widely. The colors are caused by different minerals and organisms called Thermolites. They can also mix to make even more colors. Put it all together and this  is what you get!

Emerald Pool

Steamboat Geyser- the tallest in the park. It blew a little water for us, but no major eruption!

We came upon this cool looking dry geyser hole.

As we were walking away, this happened!