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Monday, July 3, 2017
This morning we got off to a little later start, though not as late as we had hoped. Fionnuala (5) was up and ready to go just after dawn! We ended up leaving about 10:30 today. One thing we have learned since our arrival is that the North Entrance goes from one entrance lane to two lanes at 10 AM.
Hoping to avoid the congestion that we experienced yesterday, today we headed east from Mammoth (where we saw more elk) with our ultimate goal being the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Just out of Mammoth we stopped at Lava Creek picnic area hoping to find a 1/2 mile path to Wraith Falls. Though Sarah put forth a valiant effort, we couldn’t find it. It is a very beautiful place for a picnic though.
Feeling slightly defeated, we headed on. Almost as soon as we got back on the Grand Loop Road we saw a pullover with a sign for the trail! We filed that away and headed on to the Petrified Tree further up the road to Tower-Roosevelt. There is a sign on the road and it was easy to find. The tree was cool to see but the sun was already hot even though it was only about 70 degrees!
Petrified Tree, Yellowstone National Park
After we finished looking at the tree we took a look at Tower Falls and saw it was amazingly crowded and so continued on to find a picnic area (it was noon). On the way we drove across the impressive Mount Washburn. The road rises to about 9000 feet above sea level! The views are also very nice and we got out at the pullover to take a look.
The view off Mount Washburn, Yellowstone National Park
Looking out from Mount Washburn, Yellowstone National Park
The pullover on Mount Washburn is just south of Chittenden Road
Not long after we got back in the car, Fionnuala went to sleep!
First, we pulled into Dunraven Rd picnic area and a bison was lying down having a picnic too! It was really crowded due to people watching the bison, so we thought that we would continue to the next picnic area.
Just up the road we stopped at Cascade picnic area which is nicely shaded and has fire grates. We finished eating about 1:30 PM and headed to the Grand Canyon. Fionnuala (as you can see) was asleep and didn’t wake up until we all got back into the car! On the way to the Grand Canyon, we made a brief stop at the Canyon Visitor Center to get Liam’s Passport stamped. From there we stopped off at Brink of the Upper Falls before heading to Artist Point.
There is a hiking path that begins in the picnic area
The view from our picnic table, Cascade picnic area, Yellowstone National Park
The bear attack sign that is posted throughout the park
The Brink of the Upper Falls was beautiful, but to be honest I was not prepared for the incredible view of the Grand Canyon from Artist Point.
Brink of Upper Falls, Yellowstone National Park
The Brink of Upper Falls was wonderful, but nothing when compared to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone! We did have to wait in a line of traffic to get to see it, but it didn’t take too awfully long.
Waiting to get into the Artist Point parking lot
The first view of the canyon as you leave the parking area
The view from Artist Point, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park
The classic shot of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park
We left Artist Point at 3:15 PM and headed back to Gardiner. On the way we got to see a couple of bison. The closest to us was wearing flowers on his head!
We arrived at Gardiner about 5 PM, ate dinner and called it a night.
Liam’s Highlight of the day: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
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nice shots!!