There's something truly magical about waking up to the crisp mountain air, surrounded by the raw beauty of one of the most iconic natural landscapes on the planet. Our latest escapade took us to Yellowstone National Park—our second UNESCO World Heritage site in just two weeks. As we pulled into West Yellowstone on a serene Friday evening, we were greeted by some of the most breathtaking campsites imaginable, nestled right against the National Forest and Yellowstone itself.

Imagine waking up to the sight of towering pines and the distant calls of wildlife. Our campsites were perfectly positioned, offering direct access to a network of trails that wove through the park, frequented by all sorts of creatures, including bear. This trip was made even more special, being joined by Kelly and Shawn, who managed to snag a spot right beside me, making this an adventure to remember.

River Adventures and Earthquake Lake

The next morning, we all cooked a big breakfast and I caught the USWNT quarter-final game before we headed out. With full stomachs, we spent the day cooling off in the refreshing mountain rivers, a welcome reprieve from the summer heat. Shawn, our resident angler, managed to catch a few fish, adding to the day’s excitement.

On our way back to camp, we stumbled upon Earthquake Lake, a site that left us in awe. The lake, formed by a massive earthquake in 1959, is a haunting reminder of nature's raw power. Standing on the shore and reading about the event gave us chills—an experience that added depth to our Yellowstone journey. Read about it here.

Back at camp, we enjoyed another evening of delicious cooking, followed by roasting marshmallows and crafting epic s’mores under the clear, star-filled sky. The cool mountain weather was the perfect end to a perfect day.

Cycling Through Yellowstone’s Wonders

Sunday marked the start of our first major adventure—a 70-mile cycle through Yellowstone National Park. We rose early, eager to hit the trails. After a quick breakfast, we entered the park through a backway that led us along the Madison River. The ride was serene, with the occasional sighting of elk adding to the sense of wonder.

Our route took us up Firehole Canyon, where we were treated to stunning views of the falls and canyon. We then veered off the main road onto an old dirt path, now closed to vehicles, which led us through some of the park's untouched landscapes. It was here that we had our first (joking) Grizzly encounter—though thankfully, we only encountered the park's famous hot springs. We cycled right up to Maidens Grave Spring and my personal favorite, Ojo Caliente Springs, where the spring water flowed directly into the Firehole River.

As we continued our journey, we reached Grand Prismatic Spring—the third-largest hot spring in the world. The vibrant colors and sheer size of the spring were awe-inspiring. We dismounted our bikes to walk the boardwalk, taking in the surreal landscape that seemed to belong to another world.

The ride through Yellowstone's geothermal wonders continued as we cycled past Biscuit Basin (which was unfortunately closed due to a recent explosion) and through the Upper Geyser Basin, home to countless geysers. Although we missed Old Faithful's eruption this time, we made a point to return later in the week to catch it in all its glory, along with the world's largest active geyser.

Our day concluded with a well-deserved meal at the Old Faithful Inn, the largest log hotel in the world, built in 1904. The rustic charm of the inn, combined with its history, made for a dining experience like no other. As we cycled the 30 miles back to West Yellowstone, we were caught in a refreshing rainstorm—a fitting end to an epic day of adventure.

Midweek Explorations and The North Loop

The following week was a mix of work and evening relaxation before we set off for Grand Teton National Park and Jackson on Thursday. On Friday we explored more of Yellowstone, focusing on the North Loop, known for its abundant wildlife and historic sites.

Our morning began at Gibbon falls along the Gibbon river where the water drops over the continental divide.
International friends:
The Continental Divide is a ridge that runs through North America, separating the watersheds that drain into the Pacific Ocean from those that drain into the Atlantic Ocean (including the Gulf of Mexico). In Yellowstone, the Divide twists and turns, crossing the park multiple times, creating a landscape of high peaks, deep valleys, and breathtaking vistas.

Norris Basin Geysers

Next up was Norris Geyser Basin, where we embarked on a 2-mile loop as the sun rose, illuminating the otherworldly landscape of Steamboat Geyser, Porkshop Geyser, and Porcelain Springs. The desolate, acidic terrain was like stepping onto another planet, a stark contrast to the lush forests we had cycled through earlier in the week.

Norris Geyser Basin is the hottest and most dynamic geothermal area in Yellowstone. The basin is a place of constant change, where new geysers and hot springs are born and old ones fade away. As we walked along the trails, we passed by Porcelain Basin, with its otherworldly landscape of steam vents and colorful pools.

Yellowstone Canyon & Falls

After that, it was a short drive towards Yellowstone Lake where we hiked down into the Yellowstone Canyon, and were rewarded with breathtaking views of the Lower Falls. The canyon, with its vibrant yellow stone and towering falls, truly lives up to its nickname—the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

The river plummets 308 feet at the Lower Falls, making it nearly twice the height of Niagara Falls. This is the most famous of the two falls and one of the most photographed spots in the entire park. The view from the various vantage points around the canyon is nothing short of spectacular, with the waterfall framed by the vibrant, multi-colored walls of the canyon.

The falls are set within the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, a 20-mile-long chasm carved by the Yellowstone River over thousands of years. The canyon itself is a geological wonder, with its steep walls painted in hues of yellow, red, and orange—colors that give Yellowstone its name. These striking colors are the result of chemical weathering of the volcanic rock that makes up the canyon walls, further adding to the surreal beauty of the landscape.

There are several key vantage points and trails that offer stunning views of Yellowstone Falls and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone; however, we feel the best is:

Lookout Point and Grand View: Both of these vantage points offer excellent views of the Lower Falls and are easily accessible. They provide a perfect opportunity to take in the majesty of the falls without the strenuous hike.

Our visit to Yellowstone Falls was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our trip to the park. The combination of the towering falls, the colorful canyon, and the rich history of this landscape left us in awe. It’s a place where the forces of nature are on full display, and where the beauty of the natural world is captured in every view.

For anyone planning a visit to Yellowstone, Yellowstone Falls is an absolute must-see. It’s more than just a waterfall; it’s a natural wonder that encapsulates the essence of Yellowstone National Park—a place of incredible power, beauty, and endless discovery.

The North Loop

Our day continued with a 70-mile drive around the North Loop where we encountered dramatic waterfalls, sweeping valleys, and an abundance of geothermal activity. This loop was less crowded than the southern part of the park, offering a more tranquil and intimate experience with Yellowstone's wild beauty. We stopped at Tower Falls, Lava Creek Canyon, and the Petrified Trees before finally arriving at Mammoth Hot Springs.

After leaving the canyon, the North Loop takes you to Tower-Roosevelt, an area known for its rugged beauty and wildlife sightings. This section of the park is less developed than others, offering a true wilderness experience. As we drove through the area, we were on the lookout for the park's famous residents—bison, elk, and even the occasional bear.

One of the highlights of this area is Tower Falls, a 132-foot waterfall that plunges into the Yellowstone River below.
The waterfall is framed by towering rock spires that give the area its name, creating a dramatic and picturesque scene. A short hike takes you to a viewpoint where you can take in the full beauty of the falls, surrounded by the dense forest that characterizes this part of the park.

Our journey around the North Loop ended at Mammoth Hot Springs, one of Yellowstone’s most distinctive geothermal areas. Unlike the geysers and hot springs in other parts of the park, Mammoth is known for its terraces—cascading formations of travertine that create a surreal, almost alien landscape.

As we walked along the boardwalks that wind through the terraces, we were captivated by the sight of Palette Spring, with its delicate cascades of water trickling down multicolored terraces. The impressive Jupiter and Cleopatra Terraces towered above us, their vibrant hues of white, orange, and yellow a testament to the mineral-rich waters that flow from deep within the Earth. The sight of steam rising from the terraces in the cool morning air made Mammoth Hot Springs feel like a scene from another world.

The North Loop of Yellowstone is a journey through some of the park’s most wild and untamed landscapes. From the alien terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs to the wildlife-rich plains of the Lamar Valley, this loop offers a diverse and immersive experience of Yellowstone’s natural wonders.

As we completed our circuit of the North Loop, we felt a deep sense of connection to the park’s wild beauty. The North Loop may be less visited than other parts of Yellowstone, but it’s a route that offers some of the most unforgettable sights and experiences in the park. For those looking to explore the true heart of Yellowstone, the North Loop is a journey that should not be missed.

A Final Sunrise

On our final day in Yellowstone, we rose early once again to witness the sunrise eruption of Old Faithful. Afterward, we indulged in a full brunch at the Old Faithful Inn, soaking in the history and charm of the grand lobby's terraces. A walk around Geyser Hill rewarded us with the sight of Anemone Geyser in mid-eruption and a surprise eruption of Grand Geyser, the tallest predictable geyser in the world.

In a park renowned for its geothermal wonders, Grand Geyser stands tall—literally and figuratively. As the tallest predictable geyser in the world, Grand Geyser is a must-see for anyone visiting Yellowstone National Park. Its spectacular eruptions, which can reach heights of up to 200 feet, are a testament to the immense geothermal energy simmering just beneath the park’s surface.

As we made our way back to West Yellowstone, we took one last look at Grand Prismatic Spring, its vivid colors just as mesmerizing as the first time we saw it. For our final adventure, we tackled the high-ropes course in town before capping off the trip with some of the best pizza we've ever had.

But Yellowstone had one last surprise in store for us. As we packed up and hit the road early Sunday morning, we encountered a herd of buffalo, casually strolling down the road. It was a fitting farewell to a week of epic adventures, and we couldn't resist stopping for one last shot of the rig with the geysers steaming in the background (picture on the homepage header).

Yellowstone, you were a 10 out of 10. Onward to the next adventure!

For more pictures of Yellowstone National Park click here.

Yellowstone National Park