DAY 7 {P1} OF 10 OF OUR EPIC SUMMER JOURNEY

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK ~ DAY 2 {P1}!

DAY 7 - Yellowstone National Park Upper Loop ~ Grand Canyon Area

I'd researched a lot about Yellowstone's Upper Loop and read that there were so many beautiful stops throughout the Park (note the map above). We knew we wanted to visit the Canyon Village, hike the Tower Fall and spend time at Mammoth Hot Springs. From the map above, you can see that there isn't much on the left side of the Upper Loop, so we decided to skip it. 

We again entered through the West Yellowstone Entrance from Island Park, hit the majority of must-sees in the Upper Loop and then headed out through the North Entrance since we were heading on to Bozeman, MT for the remainder of this Epic Summer Journey.

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We started the day with breakfast in West Yellowstone at the Old Town Cafe and it was amazing! Our first taste of anything Huckleberry happened here, in the form of a fountain drink. It was pastel in color with a more-sweet than tart flavor. ~ It's hard to describe the taste of a huckleberry, but it was really good! 

My dad used to make these 3-D wooden towns. I love them! 

After we filled our tummies with some serious yumminess from Old Town, we were on our way to enjoy Day 2 in Yellowstone National Park. After spending 2 days here, it's easy to see why it's arguably the most famous of all the national parks in the US. There are so many natural wonders within its 2 million acres that cover 3 states!

According to the National Park Service, the 5,500 bison that live in Yellowstone are the largest and oldest free-range herd in the nation. During the late 19th century, the Park's herd was on the brink of extinction after it dwindled down to only 23 due to overhunting. 

There are quite a few hiking trails in the "Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone" and we chose to trek the "moderate" Brink of the Lower Falls Trail. It's a heavily trafficked trail with pretty steep switchbacks.

The trail is mostly forested and has fantastic views at several observation points.

The switchbacks were many, sharp and steep!

 

The trail is only .08 miles, but due to the altitude and all the switchbacks, we were pretty worn out by the time we finished. But oh my goodness... talk about beautifully breathtaking views!

Have I mentioned how afraid of heights I am?!

Resting our weary legs.

Wagon rides for the Old West Dinner Cookouts. The rides take about 30-45 minutes through the sagebrush flats to the cookout site, using the same route as the stagecoach rides.

The Petrified Tree ~ Once a giant redwood

We also spent a few hours at Mammoth Hot Springs. The whole day was completely perfect and we took SO many photos and videos that I decided to dedicate single posts to both the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Mammoth Hot Springs. 

Be sure to check that post out HERE. Includes advice and what I learned for traveling in Yellowstone.

On the way out, we stopped at the Yellowstone General Store and saw a heard of elk just enjoying the little town of Gardiner like we were.

Yellowstone was absolutely awe-inspiring. We were surrounded by majestic mountains and big skies... and EVERYTHING huckleberry! 

One thing is for certain: these folks sure love their huckleberry ~ from lip balm to wine with everything in-between! I wouldn't be surprised if there was a huckleberry meat rub somewhere out there. On our menus, we had huckleberry fountain drinks, ice cream and beer. They were all delicious! One of my most favorite movies is Tombstone and the movie line, "I'm your huckleberry" now has new meaning for me. 

I had to try some Huckleberry beer!!

And here's a Fun Fact about this hard-to-find tasty treat: Huckleberries are an official state fruit... just not in Wyoming or Montana. Believe it or not... in Idaho! 

Another fun fact is that Yellowstone was originally named "Wonderland" and it's easy to see why. It was a day well spent for sure.

The Roosevelt Arch that marks the North Entrance to Yellowstone. Constructed in 1903 and dedicated to then-President Theodore Roosevelt. 

We were famished by the time we finished up Day 2 explorations at Yellowstone and stopped for dinner at the Iron Horse Bar & Grille in Gardiner for a bite to eat before heading to Bozeman. The restaurant overlooks the Yellowstone River and the food was fantastic! There's even an old jail on the property. If you're traveling through the area, I highly recommend treating yourself there.

 

We had a sunset dinner!

Can you believe this night sky?! 

Unbelievably, these photos were taken around 10:30 p.m. and the sky was still sapphire blue. I was amazed, because at home in North Cakalaky, it would've been {beyond} pitch black by this time.

Down the dirt road to our AirBNB in Bozeman, MT.

Be sure to read about our mind-blowing Mammoth Hot Spring experience HERE.

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away like autumn leaves." ~ John Muir

Cheers, y'all!!

xoxo

(See Day 1, Day 2 {P1}, Day 2 {P2}, Day 3 {P1} Day 3{P2}, Day 3{P3} Day 4, Day 5 and Day 6)