Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone has been on my list of places to return to for years. I went as a small child, which as we all know doesn't lend itself to the most accurate of memories. So, on a whim, I decided to road trip all the way back with help from a friend. It wasn't an easy drive, especially in the late fall, but boy was it worth it.

Where to Stay:
You have a few options when it comes to accommodations. Yellowstone is huge, so it has several entrances. There is no perfect place to stay, there will always be some sights that are a long drive from you. From experience staying in West Yellowstone, Montana is the most convenient location to get to interesting geothermal features and large quantities of animals. That being said, I spent my last trip in Jackson, Wyoming and I still saw all corners of the park. Cody, Wyoming also will allow for visitors to see the whole park and has a fun history of its own to learn about. Camping and lodging in the park is available, but highly coveted. You have to plan very far in advance to book these spots. In the summer they are all pretty much open (but full to capacity), but come fall most close and aren't an option.
For those on a budget, or are too young to rent a hotel (like me), the best solution I found was staying in a hostel. I know the immediate thought is reminiscent of a horror movie when I talk about this option, but it was actually quite nice. The Hostel, in Jackson Hole is where we stayed. I'm pretty sure its the only hostel anywhere near Yellowstone. The rooms are 4 bed rooms and pretty affordable even if you rent the whole room. This will position you on the south side of Yellowstone and near Grand Tetons, but like I said the drive is totally doable.

What to See:

• Old Faithful- the thing pretty much everyone is just dying to see. I definitely recommend going to watch Old Faithful because it is one of the most dramatic geothermal features which you can regularly see. Located in the middle of the park, most entrances will allow easy access to this attraction. 

• Geothermal Features- There are a lot, so I cannot possibly list them all for you. Most are positioned around where Old Faithful is. The way we broke up our day was to start at Old Faithful and then spent the rest of the day hiking around the different geothermal spots. I definitely think you can get hot spring burn out. If you feel like you have seen more than enough hot water for the day, remember you can always stop back on another day. There aren't a lot of roads, you are going to have to double back at some point 

• Yellowstone Lake- For a more peaceful day drive along Yellowstone Lake. It's nice to just spend time on the water. This part of the park tends to be a little less crowded.

• Artist's Point and Waterfalls- This was sort of a surprise when I drove up. We had a lot of road closures when I went so my plan was changed a ton. Artist's Point blew my socks off. The deep canyon and ridiculously perfect waterfall look like something out of an oil painting. Definitely go here!

• Mammoth Hot Springs- This is entirely different than the hot springs in the middle of the park. Located in the North this feature looks more like a series of steps. It is definitely a great stop and can be put on a day you spend in the north of the park

• Hayden and Lamar Valleys- This is the place to go if you want to see animals. I have been on a 10-year quest to see wolves in the wild. I'm pretty sad they have eluded me so far, but these are the places you are most likely to see them and other animals. Of course, it all depends on the season, but it is like a safari in these two valleys. Bears, foxes, coyotes, bison, deer, elk, etc.

Safety:

I feel like I need to include some general safety reminders for anyone who goes into the park. I know it can seem like the animals are friendly, but every year people are killed because they got too close to an animal. Animals do not thrive when in close contact with humans and if they are habitually fed by humans they don't often survive. Stay a safe distance from the animals, 25 yards for bison or deer, 100 yards for bears or wolves. If you plan on hiking buy bear spray. A bear doesn't have a glowing neon sign to alert you to its location. You could come around a bend and be face to face with a grizzly. It happens every year and people die.

Please stick to marked trails, not only is the park huge and if you get lost it will be hard to get out, but you might fall into boiling water. Yellowstone has a ton of geothermal features, what looks like cool water or solid ground might not be. you can easily fall into a boiling pot of water or mud. I looked up what happens to you if you fall in. Let's just say it is not fun and can result in your whole body dissolving. 

Weather:

Summer is the best weather wise. It does get extremely crowded around Old Faithful, but the park is very large and you can still enjoy your time here.

Winter is not the time to come. Almost all roads are closed because it gets extremely cold and the snow is deep. 

Fall and Spring can be hit or miss. Check opening dates for lodging and roads to make sure you can see everything. We were extremely lucky to have clear days when we went in October. We were sandwiched between two snow storms so roads were still icy. Be prepared and bring snow chains in case they are needed for your trip. 

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