1. The buffalo are in charge. That's right they control all the thoroughfares. You think we are kidding? Can't tell you how many times we came to a dead stop on the park roads because the buffalo decided to go for a walk. These beasts are huge and can do damage, so don't take these "traffic cops" lightly.
Yep, right in front of us, we weren't going anywhere.
Looking at us as if saying "come on, go ahead and make my day".
2. You need more then a few days to see this park. It covers over 2 Million acres! We spent two 8 hour days driving and sightseeing within the park, only covered about 1/3 of it. A full week would probably give you enough time to visit all of the locations around the park.3. Yellowstone has it all, mountains, lakes, rivers, hot springs, geysers, waterfalls, wildlife (we saw buffalo, black bear and pronghorn) there is also supposed to be elk, moose, and wolves.
4. They were smart when they laid out the design for visitors. The park has one main circle road with side roads, like spokes on a wheel, that lead to the 6 major areas. Each area has a visitor center, lodge, gift shop, grocery and most have a gas station. Guess they don't want any visitors running out of gas while they are waiting on a buffalo.
We highly recommend adding Yellowstone to your lists of places to visit.
Now, here are some of our favorite pictures from our two days in the park.
Had to check out Old Faithful
Shot at least 100 ft up into the air
The color of these hot springs is such a beautiful shade of blue!
Steam just rises off of it
Can you believe these flowers blooming in the middle of it
Geysers everywhere.
We found 4 different waterfalls
Yellowstone River
I believe the tallest mountain peak was 12,000+
and then there were the animals...
buffalo everywhere
a baby elk with a homing device on his neck
Before you look at the bear pictures, we need to tell you about our search of the elusive creature.
On our second day going into the park, our main goal was to see some bears. We had asked a ranger the day before where we might find some. They kindly told us on the north eastern edge of the park. So the next day we took off bright and early. Drove 2 hours, spent about 1/2 hour waiting on a buffalo herd crossing the road to this area of the park they had recommended. No bears, only buffalo and pronghorns. We decided to turn around and head for home, feeling quite bummed about not finding bears. Well, about 1/3 of the way back, Boom! There they were! Momma bear and 2 cubs, right beside the road. Not more then 20 feet from our truck. We were very happy! Goes to show you shouldn't give up when you are on a quest.
momma bear
baby bears
pronghorn
We really enjoyed the campground we stayed at, Henry's Lake State park, which was about 15 miles from the far west entrance of Yellowstone.
morning fog on Henry's Lake
American white pelican
lake on one side and mountains on the other, just gorgeous
Sandhill cranes
with baby chick!
After we left Yellowstone, we stopped in Hardin, Montana. We wanted to visit the Battle of Little Bighorn National Park. What a true history lesson this park is. We learned everything you see in the movies isn't always true. The park ranger gave an hour talk on the battle and gave a true insight to the true battle between the Indian nations and the US government. Col. George Armstrong Custer and over 200 of his man lost their lives during this battle that lasted just over 2 hours. If you are in this area, we would recommend you stopping here as well.
Monument to the 200 men who died with Col George Custer at the Battle of Little Bighorn, their names are engraved on the stone.
The markers are placed where the men fell.
Custer's marker, although he is not buried here, his body way moved to West Point
There is also a monument here dedicated to the 7 Indiana tribes that were in conflict with the American government and fought at Little Bighorn in an effort to maintain their nomadic way of life instead of being forced to move onto a reservation.
There was a driving tour of the area in which this battle was fought, just over 5 miles surrounding this hill
Also on location is a national cemetery that holds those lost from as far back as the Civil War through Vietnam. It was a very moving, thought provoking national park.
Now we are just outside Rapid City, South Dakota. We visited the Badlands today. Amazing place too. Not sure what tomorrow brings.
Beware of rattlesnake sign :)
We actually caught sight of some mountain goats too, with all their kids.
A picture of the photographer
Can't believe our journey is almost over. By the time we get home next week we will have traveled over 9000 miles in just over 2 months! Crazy aren't we :)
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