Yellowstone: then and now

Yellowstone was the first National Park that I visited as a child and it remains an American favorite today. 

Haven't visited Yellowstone yet?  I can get you there.   Email me to start planning today. 

on the top bunk of our beloved Shasta

I first visited Yellowstone as a 7-year-old.  I was with my family in a Shasta camper - one of those white boxes with an orange stripe down the side (I'm the cute one in red).   We drank warm Tang, gathered with the crowds around Old Faithful geyser, and - believe it or not! - cracked the windows of our Rambler station wagon to feed oreos to the bears.  Yes, our parents instructed us to do this, and the rangers stood by and watched, to make sure it all went smoothly.   That was 1971.

Now, it's 2014 and I'm 47 (about).  Now, the wildlife is well protected by rangers who enforce strict food storage rules and the national park service has launched campaigns, like this one: 

Don't make your car into a bear lunchbox!

Yellowstone's BIG attraction:  
Old Faithful
In 2014, you can plan your trip to watch Old Faithful do its thing by tracking the eruptions on your phone's app, Geysertimes.   

Sleeping and hiking in Yellowstone
And you don't have to sleep in a Shasta.  Stay at the Roosevelt cabins (although they might not be much more luxurious.  They describe their Roughrider cabins as "sparsely furnished" and one visitor walked in and said "Is this even legal?")
At the other end of the luxury spectrum, consider Yellowstone National Park's Old Faithful Inn, the largest log structure in the entire world.  On the list of Historic Landmarks, offering a towering lobby with giant stone fireplace, decorated with copper and iron features, this 1903 lodge is so popular that they offer daily tours. Stay in one of the 350 rooms for about $350/night.

Things to do in Yellowstone National Park

Favorite activities include hiking the steep but short trail down Tower Falls, or driving up to the Mammoth area to view the hot springs.

Wondering how to spend 1-day in Yellowstone, on daytrip up from Jackson?   Start at Old Faithful's geyser, grab a quick snack in the classic Old Faithful Inn, head over to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and stop by Hayden Point (a lookout over Hayden's sub-alpine Valley, which is along the Yellowstone River between the lake and the Falls) for a chance to peek at bison (and maybe even a bear) -- dusk is best!

Secret Swimming hole at Yellowstone? 

3 miles into Yellowstone NP from the north entrance, before you reach Mammoth Hot Springs, there's a small parking lot on your left.  Park and walk down the trail 400m to the confluence of the Gardiner and Boiling River, and you'll find a small swimming hole known mostly to locals. It's a rejuvenating mix of hot Boiling water and chilled Gardiner water.  This is what it looks like: 

Off-the-beaten-path in Yellowstone?

With over 3 million visitors last year in Yellowstone, you might be thinking "How do I get away from it all to really SEE the park?" 

You can llama trek, horsepack, or even sea kayak to the outer reaches of the wilds, and I have just the guide to escort you. (email for details)

Want a map of the park?

Want to see ALL the highlights? 

Call Melanie's custom design service to make it happen!
(609)923-0304

And stay tuned to my next post about a different season in Yellowstone:  WINTER!