Wondering around the Yellowstone

Ask me if you know, our camper van is an LTV Wonder. We purchased it in late 2019 just before COVID, and have been traveling around the west ever since.

After the Tetons and a family gathering in Eastern Idaho we wandered, or “Wondered” up to the Yellowstone. We had scored a 3 day campsite reservation in Canyon Village near The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Many of you have read of our hikes and travels in the “real” Grand Canyon but there are several others, not the least of which is the one in Yellowstone National Park. Much of the canyon is actually yellow or hues of yellow, hence the name.

Of course we had to visit Old Faithful. In the past we had cruised by, stopping briefly but decided to make it a go-to place this time. Found a great parking spot way in the back. Pro Tip — Arrive early and have the pick of a spot. We had afternoon shade. Spent 2 days here, including our own breakfast.

We spent a several hours admiring the lodge and even took the 45 minute tour. Unfortunately the photographer of our group spent too much time ogling and not enough time taking photos. Trust me when I say this is one of the most amazing and original lodges in the national park system. Worth a visit. Sraddha did score a pair of earrings tho. They are amazing.

Another day we spent on bikes and foot around old faithful. The riding is slim unless you dare venture out onto the main road, which we didn’t. A 3 mile trail exists to ride down tov the north end of the main geyser area which we did, then we walked around some of hte other areas. Here are a few photos and maybe a video.

We also visited the grand prismatic spring but it was too early and cold so mostly steam. That’s what photographers do…find the shot when the one you wanted wasn’t there.

We didn’t spend a lot of time in the campground. Pretty boring with lots of lodge pole pines. We just chilled. We did walk around the visitor center and village area.

The last morning we departed for points north, we decided to to check into Norris Geyser basin and WOW. We arrived like 630 in the morning. We were the only people out in the basin for at least 30-40 minutes. Truly amazing. Like being back in millions of years ago. And no humans except us.

On the way out to West Yellowstone we stopped to gander at Gibbons Falls

The Yellowstone is so vast it is hard to conceptualize and really describe. We can only hit a few highlights, however, when we are up in 7000-8000 ft elevation, it is very psychically clear. Peaceful, even in in mid summer. We hardly noticed the crowds.

Heading north to Bozeman to visit a family member and “moochdock for a few days including a real shower….