I have a created a list of “things to see and do” in Yellowstone
National Park. It’s a big park (2.2 million acres) and my
list is quite long. Over the years, I’ve checked-off the “must
see” attractions like Old Faithful (Upper Geyser Basin) and Mammoth
Hot Springs (Upper and Lower Terraces), toured the North and South
Rim along the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone (including the trek
down Uncle Tom’s stairway), drove the Grand Loop Road, and
photographed numerous waterfalls in the park. I continue to return
to these park features because nature is constantly changing the
landscape of Yellowstone. The time of the year, time of the day, and
weather conditions also play a role in creating the many moods of
Yellowstone.
However, there are times when we want to see something brand new for
us. So, today, we’re going off-the-beaten path and hiking in the Gibbon Geyser Basin area (a large region along the Gibbon River). The Gibbon Geyser Basin includes the Chocolate Pots, Artist Paint Pots, and Monument Geyser Basin..
Located on the west side of the Grand Loop Road about five miles
south of Norris Junction is a small parking area (near the Gibbon
River Bridge) where we find the trailhead to the Monument Geyser
Basin.
NPS Map
Monument Geyser Basin was discovered, and named, in 1878. In those
early years, this geyser basin was a favorite tourist attraction.
The standing tree-trunk like cones and features were given imaginative names like Dog’s
Head, Sperm Whale, and Sunning Seal.
Times have changed. Today, Monument Geyser Basin gets few visitors.
To those of us who do go, it offers an opportunity to get away from
the crowds and experience the quiet wild of a desolate backcountry thermal
area.
The two mile (round trip) trail begins with an easy walk along a
placid stretch of the Gibbon River. This 4/10’s of a mile
leg-stretcher is a good warm-up for what comes next.
Trail along the Gibbon River
The trail begins a steep ascent (500-700 feet depending on the source
you read). For the next half mile, we climb steadily through a
predominately lodgepole pine forest.
Forest Trail
It’s a lot harder than it looks. Along the way, we stop to catch
our breath and enjoy the views of Gibbon Meadows and the meandering
Gibbon River. At the top of my photo is a distant view of the steam
rising from the Norris Geyser Basin.
View from Trail
For us, it’s not about how fast we can hike the trail, but rather
taking the time to enjoy the journey that leads us to our
destination. Soon, we emerge from the forest trail and find
ourselves at the edge of the Monument Geyser Basin.
Monument Geyser Basin
These ancient geyser cones look like smoking chimneys. On the
hillside, steam vents huff and puff.
Hillside Steam Vents
A well-worn path indicates the trial might continue but we don’t go any further.
Trail Continues ...
We see the basin’s namesake – Monument Geyser (aka Thermos Bottle). It is ten feel
tall and two feet wide. It regularly emits steam and occasionally
boiling water. Which leads me to my next statement ...
Monument Geyser
Here in the backcountry, there aren’t any boardwalks to protect you
from unstable ground. For your own safety, please be aware of your
surroundings and watch where you walk. A good rule of thumb is to
stay on well-worn paths and away from any areas without vegetation.
My camera’s telephoto lens allows me to take pictures without
harming me or the landscape. Having said that … let’s continue
out tour.
To the south, we get a bird’s-eye view of the Grand Loop Road
paralleling the Gibbon River. Also, we can see the steam from Beryl
Spring rising above the treetops.
View Looking South
If you are interested, you can get a closer look at Beryl Spring by stopping at the parking area along the Grand Loop Road and walk the short boardwalk trail to it.
Beryl Spring
During our visit to Monument Geyser Basin, we were completely alone.
Our mission was accomplished – see something new and get away from
the crowds. We return the way we came. Thankfully, it’s
not as strenuous going downhill!
Anothe popular area in the Gibbon Geyser Basin is the Artist Paint Pots (named after the pastel multi-colored mud pots). The half mil trail leads to an overlook of the basin.
Overlook at Artist Paint Pots
Artist Paint Pots
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: Mud Volcano - Stop and Smell the...Sulfur?
Hiking Yellowstone: NW Corner - More Space; Less Crowed
Hiking Yellowstone: NW Corner - More Space; Less Crowed
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.
Family vacations created some of my favorite memories. To start
planning your memorable trip to Yellowstone, please click on the
following link:
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for taking the time to comment on my travel blog. I review comments on a regular basis and appreciate any feedback offered.