Yellowstone National Park is a true “hot spot” making it a really cool
place to visit. The thermal features (like Old Faithful) are
certainly among the reasons that make Yellowstone such a spectacular
and special place. Old Faithful may grab the spotlight but the
travertine terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs should not be missed.
Mammoth Hot Springs Trail Guide Map
What I love about the Mammoth
Hot Springs area is the ever changing landscape. Each time we come
here we see something new or different. That’s because the rapid
build up of travertine can create obstacles for the water’s flow.
Water takes the path of least resistance. So, while one terrace may
become drier and appear a chalky white another terrace may spring
back to life in a colorful display.
I’m going to start with the
Upper Terrace. The Upper Terrace Drive is located two miles south
of Mammoth Hot Spring Visitor Center. The drive through the Upper Terrace area is on a narrow winding
paved road which makes it unsuitable for oversized vehicles.
We turn off the Grand Loop
Road to begin the 1.5 mile, one way scenic drive. At the second
parking area, we begin hiking the boardwalk trail to Canary Spring.
An exhibit sign identifies what we are seeing.
Exhibit Sign
Panoramic View
The boardwalk trail leads us
passed Grassy Spring.
Boardwalk Trail
Grassy Spring
After we pass Grassy Spring,
the boardwalk turns and joins with the handicap accessible trail to
Canary Spring. Along the way is Trail Springs. I take some of my favorite photos
of the area here.
Trail Springs Overlook
View from Trail Springs Overlook
There are lots of
photo opportunities. Sometimes I want to capture the ‘”big
picture” and other times I like to focus on a small area that
creates a hint of what the area has to offer.
Close-Ups in Nature
At the end of the boardwalk
trail is Canary Spring. We continue down a short set of stairs. It
is from this viewpoint that I photograph the beautiful golden yellow
of Canary Spring.
Canary Spring
We return to our car and
continue our drive. We haven’t had lunch yet. We eat a few snacks
but decide to skip Prospect Spring and New Highland Terrace.
They will have to wait for a future visit.
Orange Spring Mound is located
very close to the road. Many people slow down as they drive by it; but
I think it is worth what
we call “a two-minute
photo stop”. For us, that
means something has caught our attention and deserves a quick
stop – not just a drive-by.
Orange Spring Mound
The “spring” is located at
the top of Orange Spring Mound. We get out of the car and walk the
short trail that parallels it. I think the top of the mound looks
like giant scoops
of
orange sherbet with shredded coconut mixed
in it. Okay,
that’s it. I am definitely ready for lunch.
Ice Cream, Anyone?
We drive by Bath Lake and White Elephant Back Terrace. It’s another reason to return here.
The name “Angel Terrace” sounded too heavenly to skip by it. Apparently it had been inactive until recent years. Hmm, why am I suddenly thinking about a slice of angel food cake?
Angel Terrace
We exit the scenic drive and head
north to Mammoth for a late lunch at the Terrace Grill. Bummers! I didn't see any angel food cake or orange sherbet on the menu. That’s okay. We enjoyed a
quick meal before getting ready for our walk around the Lower Terraces. You
can read all about them in my next blog post.
No matter how many times I visit Yellowstone, I never get tired of
seeing its ever-changing scenery. I invite you to view my other blog
posts on Yellowstone National Park by clicking on the following
links:
Yellowstone: Fountain Paint Pot Nature Trail
Yellowstone: Fountain Flat Drive & Beyond
Yellowstone: Mammoth Hot Springs is Really Cool (lower Terraces)
Yellowstone: Fountain Flat Drive & Beyond
Yellowstone: Mammoth Hot Springs is Really Cool (lower Terraces)
Yellowstone: Mud Volcano - Stop and Smell the...Sulfur?
Hiking Yellowstone: NW Corner - More Space; Less Crowded
Hiking Yellowstone: NW Corner - More Space; Less Crowded
Planning a visit to Yellowstone? Food and lodging options are
available inside the park and in towns just outside the park (West
Yellowstone, Gardiner, and Cooke City/Silver Gate – all located in
Montana). I highly recommend making lodging reservations in advance.
Yellowstone is a popular destination and “No Vacancy” signs are
common especially during the peak summer months. Since opinions,
preferences, and budgets vary, I suggest checking a trusted travel
source for current reviews.
My best advice is this - don’t just drive through Yellowstone –
experience it!
The National Park Service has created a series of short videos titled
“Inside Yellowstone”. It’s a fast and fun way to learn about
the Park. Click on the following link to begin this Yellowstone
experience.
Inside Yellowstone – A Series of Short Videos
Family vacations created some of my favorite memories. To start
planning your memorable trip to Yellowstone, please click on the
following link:
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