Welcome to Yellowstone National Park! Because there is so much to
see and do in Yellowstone, I have created a series of posts. Each
one features a specific area of Yellowstone. This blog post is about
Firehole Canyon Drive. It is a short but scenic drive through a
canyon to a one of Yellowstone’s many waterfalls. The entrance to
the Firehole Canyon Drive is located south of Madison Junction just
off the Grand Loop Road.
NPS Map
While it is a short two-mile road, Firehole Canyon Drive is not short
on scenery. The narrow, one-way paved road twists through the canyon
following alongside the Firehole River.
Firehole Canyon Drive
How much time it takes to do this scenic drive depends on how often
you stop along the way, how long you stay at a scenic spot, and
traffic conditions. The average visitor might allow 15-20 minutes to
do this drive but we are not your average visitor. We tend to linger
to truly experience the sights and sounds of the canyon. Listen to
the rush of the water tumbling over the rocks, feel the texture of
the canyon walls, and watch for wildlife (big or small or stuffed
like Ursula the Black Bear – available at Park Gift Shops).
Cascades along the Firehole River
Ursula at Firehole Falls
Firehole Falls (40’ high) is the highlight of this drive. Due to the topography of the area, there is limited parking here. We find a parking space and cross the road to view this roadside waterfall. A word of caution - this area can get congested and the road is curvy. So, please watch for vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Firehole Canyon Drive near Firehole Falls
As I
have said many times before – I am not a geologist. But that
doesn’t stop me from wondering about what I am seeing here at the
falls. So, I went to the Internet for some answers. Quite simply
put – these rocks are the result of a rhyolite (volcanic) flow.
That makes sense since most of the Park is volcanic by nature.
Firehole Falls
There isn’t any historical record about who named Firehole Falls. However, by the mid-1880’s, Firehole Falls appeared to be the accepted name.
Near the end of the scenic drive is the Firehole River Swimming Area.
It is one of two places in Yellowstone where you can legally swim. The other designated swimming spot is Boiling River on the North Entrance Road. Here at the Firehole River swimming area, parking is available along the road near a stairway to the river. We walk
down the 30 wooden steps to an overlook of the swimming hole.
Stairs to Firehole River Swimming Area
During our October visit, it’s too cold for swimming. However,
when conditions are right (check with any visitor center in
Yellowstone), you can swim here at your own risk (no lifeguard
is present).
Firehole River Swimming Area
A cormorant is resting on a rock near the river with his black wings opened away from his body I have seen this bird
behavior on other occasions and wondered what the purpose was. So, I
did a little research and found a couple interesting possibilities.
The most common is thought to be a means of drying its feathers after getting wet diving for fish. Other theories indicate it might be an aid to
swallowing and digestion or regulating body heat. Regardless of the
reason, I like seeing this statuesque pose.
Cormorant Spreading Its Wings
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: A to ZIntroduction to Yellowstone: Basic Park Highlights
A Geyser Gazers Guide to the Upper Geyser Basin
It's Cookin' in the Biscuit Basin
Touring the Black Sand Basin
Backpacking Yellowstone: Quiet Wild Moments in the Cascade Lake Area
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Fairy Falls & Imperial Geyser Hike
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 the towns just outside the park
(West Yellowstone, Gardiner, and Cooke City/Silver Gate – all 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.
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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