Must-See Destinations in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks

Tracy Turner ~ June 22, 2024                    

Wolf Swimming Across Alum Creek in Hayden Valley

When visiting Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, several must-see destinations offer unique experiences and breathtaking views. Here are some of the top places to visit:

Madison River

The Madison River, a destination renowned for its fishing, rafting, and kayaking, offers a unique experience. The river is home to a variety of fish species, including brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. Visitors can also revel in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests, adding to the allure of this destination.

Firehole River and Tributaries and Confluences

The Firehole River is beautiful and flows through the heart of Yellowstone National Park. The Firehole is known for its hot springs, geysers, and other geothermal features. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing along the river's banks. The confluence of the Firehole and Gibbon Rivers forms the Madison River, creating a unique opportunity to see three rivers come together.

Yellowstone River

The Yellowstone River, the largest in the park, is a versatile destination offering a range of recreational activities. From fishing to rafting and kayaking, there's something for everyone. The river is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bison, elk, and bears. Exploring the river's banks provides a unique opportunity to enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.

National Forests and Wildernesses Surrounding Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks

There are several national forests and wildernesses surrounding Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks that offer excellent opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Some of the top spots include:

• Gallatin National Forest: This national forest offers over 1.8 million acres of stunning landscapes, including mountains, rivers, and forests. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing in this beautiful area.
• Bridger-Teton National Forest: This national forest covers over 3.4 million acres and offers various recreational activities such as hiking, camping, skiing, and snowmobiling. Visitors can also enjoy stunning views of the Teton Range and surrounding mountains.
• Shoshone National Forest: This forest covers over 2.4 million acres and offers various recreational activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Absaroka Mountains and other surrounding landscapes.
• Washakie Wilderness: This wilderness covers over 1.1 million acres and offers excellent opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. Visitors can also enjoy stunning views of the Wind River Range and surrounding landscapes.
• Gros Ventre Wilderness: This wilderness covers over 300,000 acres and offers excellent opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Gros Ventre Mountains and surrounding landscapes.

Must-See Lodging Destinations in Yellowstone National Park

Several must-see lodging destinations in Yellowstone National Park offer unique experiences and comfortable accommodations. Here are some of the top spots:

Lake Lodge (Hayden Valley)

Lake Lodge, nestled in the tranquil Hayden Valley near Yellowstone Lake, is not just a historic hotel. It's a haven of comfort and relaxation, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or simply enjoying the wildlife, Lake Lodge provides the perfect retreat after a day of adventure. Hayden Valley is one of two places where lucky you can see rarer birds and mammals.

Tower Roosevelt (Lamar Valley - American "Serengeti")

Tower Roosevelt is a rustic lodge in Lamar Valley near the park's northeast entrance. It offers comfortable accommodations and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Lamar Valley East of Tower is known as The Serengeti of America.

Old Faithful Inn:

• Guided Tours: The Old Faithful Inn offers ranger-led tours that provide insight into the area's history, geology, and ecology. These tours are a great way to learn about the park and its features.
• Hiking Trails: There are numerous hiking trails near the Old Faithful Inn, ranging from easy nature walks to more strenuous backcountry hikes. These trails offer opportunities to see wildlife, geysers, and other thermal features up close.
• Old Faithful Geyser: The Old Faithful Inn is named after the nearby Old Faithful Geyser, one of the world's most famous and predictable geysers. Visitors can watch eruptions every 60 to 110 minutes, providing a unique and memorable experience.

Signal Mountain (Jenny Lake Loop, Road to Moose, Wy. Snake River Rafting)

Signal Mountain is in Grand Teton National Park, not Yellowstone National Park. It is a popular destination for hiking, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing. The Jenny Lake Loop is a scenic drive that takes visitors around Jenny Lake, offering stunning views of the Teton Range. The Road to Moose is a scenic drive that takes visitors through the heart of Grand Teton National Park, offering views of the Teton Range, Jackson Lake, and the Snake River. Snake River rafting is popular in Grand Teton National Park, offering a unique perspective of the Teton Range and the surrounding wilderness.

Discover the hidden gems of Yellowstone National Park:

Mystic Falls. This beautiful waterfall is not a distant dream, but a reality accessible via a short hike from the Fairy Falls Trailhead. Get ready to be captivated by its beauty and the thrill of the journey.

Fairy Falls is another beautiful waterfall located in Yellowstone National Park. It is accessible via a short hike from the Fairy Falls Trailhead.

Delta Lake is a beautiful lake located in Grand Teton National Park. It is accessible via a short hike from the Jenny Lake Trailhead.

Phelps Lake Overlook is a scenic overlook located in Grand Teton National Park. It offers stunning views of Phelps Lake and the Teton Range.

Taggart Lake is a beautiful lake located in Grand Teton National Park. It is accessible via a short hike from the Taggart Lake Trailhead.

Experience Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks

Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks offer a wide range of activities for any nature enthusiast. From fishing to rafting, there’s something for everyone in these beautiful parks.

Fishing in Madison and Firehole Rivers

The Madison and Firehole Rivers in Yellowstone National Park are famous for their trout fishing. With crystal-clear waters and an abundance of fish, anglers of all skill levels will enjoy their time on these rivers. Make sure to obtain a fishing permit and familiarize yourself with fishing regulations before casting your line.

Water Sports: Kayaking and Rafting

For those seeking a more adrenaline-pumping experience, kayaking and rafting on the rivers in the parks are excellent options. The Snake River in Grand Teton National Park offers scenic views and exciting rapids, making it a popular choice for rafting. Meanwhile, the Yellowstone River in Yellowstone National Park is perfect for a relaxing kayaking trip, with opportunities to spot wildlife along the way.

Preserving the Parks for Future Generations

It’s crucial to practice responsible tourism when visiting these national parks. Follow park rules and regulations, dispose of waste properly, and respect wildlife. By doing so, we can ensure that future generations can enjoy the natural beauty of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

In conclusion, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks are must-visit destinations for any outdoor enthusiast. With their stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and exciting activities, these parks offer an unforgettable experience.

Elk on the Madison River. The Madison River is formed by the confluence of the Firehole River and the Gibbon River in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States. These two rivers join together at Madison Junction to form the Madison River.

After its formation, the Madison River flows westward out of Yellowstone National Park and continues through southwestern Montana, eventually joining the Jefferson and Gallatin Rivers near Three Forks, Montana. Together, these three rivers form the Missouri River.

Therefore, the Madison River begins with the confluence of the Firehole and Gibbon Rivers in Yellowstone National Park and ends up contributing to the flow of the Missouri River, which ultimately joins the Mississippi River and flows into the Gulf of Mexico.

Wildlife Sightings and Trends in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks

Wolves:

• Wolf sightings have been reported by sightseers throughout the park, particularly in the Lamar Valley, Hayden Valley, and the northern range.
• The park’s wolf population is estimated to be around 100 individuals.
• Visitors can often see wolves in packs, hunting or socializing.

Bison:

• Bison are abundant throughout Yellowstone, with large herds often seen in Hayden Valley, Lamar Valley, and the northern range.
• The park’s bison population is estimated to be around 5,000 individuals.
• Visitors should be cautious around bison, which are large and unpredictable animals.

Elk:

• Elk is abundant throughout Yellowstone, with large herds often seen in Hayden Valley, Lamar Valley, and the northern range.
• The park’s elk population is estimated to be around 10,000 individuals.
• Elk are often seen grazing in meadows and along the park’s roads.

Moose:

• Moose sightings are less common than those of other large mammals, but they can be viewed in various areas of the park, including the Lamar Valley, Hayden Valley, and the northern range.
• The park’s moose population is estimated to be around 1,000 individuals.
• Moose are often seen near water sources, such as rivers and lakes.

Black Bears:

• Black bears are common throughout Yellowstone, particularly in forested areas.
• The park’s black bear population is estimated to be around 700 individuals.
• Visitors should know their surroundings and store food properly to avoid attracting bears.

Grizzly Bears:

• Grizzly bears are also common throughout Yellowstone, particularly in forested areas.
• The park’s grizzly bear population is estimated to be around 1,000 individuals.
• Visitors should know their surroundings and store food properly to avoid attracting bears.

Grand Teton National Park

Wolves:

• Wolf sightings are less common in Grand Teton than in Yellowstone, but sightseers have reported wolves in the park’s northern areas, particularly in the Gros Ventre Range.
• The park’s wolf population is estimated to be around 50 individuals.
• Visitors can often see wolves in packs, hunting or socializing.

Bison:

• Bison are less common in Grand Teton than Yellowstone but can be seen by visitors in the park’s northern areas, particularly in the Gros Ventre Range.
• The park’s bison population is estimated to be around 100 individuals.
• Visitors should be cautious around bison, which are large and unpredictable animals.

Elk:

• Elk are abundant throughout Grand Teton, with large herds often seen in the park’s meadows and valleys.
• The park’s elk population is estimated to be around 10,000 individuals.
• Visitors often see Elk grazing in meadows and along the park’s roads.

Moose:

• Moose sightings are common in Grand Teton, particularly in the park’s forested areas and along the Snake River.
• The park’s moose population is estimated to be around 1,000 individuals.
• Moose are often seen near water sources, such as rivers and lakes.

Black Bears:

• Black bears are common throughout Grand Teton, particularly in forested areas.
• The park’s black bear population is estimated to be around 500 individuals.
• Visitors should know their surroundings and store food properly to avoid attracting bears.

Grizzly Bears:

• Grizzly bears are less common in Grand Teton than Yellowstone but have been seen in the park’s northern areas, particularly in the Gros Ventre Range.
• The park’s grizzly bear population is estimated to be around 100 individuals.
• Visitors should know their surroundings and store food properly to avoid attracting bears.

Mormon Row

Mormon Row, formerly known as Grovont, is a historic district located in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. It was settled in the late 1890s by Mormon homesteaders from the Salt Lake Valley. The community was established due to the Homestead Act of 1862, which granted land ownership to those willing to build a house and cultivate the area for five years. The settlers built their homesteads close together to share labor and community, a stark contrast to the typical isolation of many western homesteads. They dug miles of ditches to bring water from the Gros Ventre River to their fields. The community once contained multiple ranches, homes, a church, and a school. In the mid-1900s, Mormon Row was acquired to expand Grand Teton National Park, and in 1997, the district was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Most of Yellowstone National Park Roads (the figure-8) are posted 35mph. A safe speed at night is about 30mph, because the wildlife are out at night and Bison and so-forth blend in to the darkness. It is safer not to drive at night. A lot of people speed, and I researched this - one to two major animals per day are killed by vehicles, and said vehicles are usually totaled. Around Old Faithful it is 25mph, workers come out of their dorms and appear to cross the roads straight out of the Jack Pines. Leave early for each destination, drive slowly - you will see much more wildlife that way. we found four Trumpeter Swans by not speeding, by resting in turnouts to let tailgaters go by.

People seem to lose their minds in Yellowstone - walking up to a male Bison at rutting season and snap-flash-snap-flash with a camera. Plan ahead and use a zoom camera or a phone with a good zoom built in. The Elk pictures on this page were taken from about 100 yds with a Fujifilm XQ2 Silver Digital Camera with 3-Inch LCD (with an iPhone 15 as backup camera). The all important point is no animal is going to break off a horn into me, merely for a FaceBook picture.

Moose, Grand Teton National Park.

Yellowstone National Park: A Geological Marvel

Geology

Yellowstone National Park, a true geological wonder, harbors a wealth of unique and captivating features. Its bedrock is predominantly composed of massive, ancient volcanic rocks, forming the Yellowstone Caldera, a colossal crater born from past volcanic activity (Wikipedia, 2021). The passage of time, coupled with the relentless forces of erosion and other geological processes, has sculpted the land, bestowing upon us the breathtaking landscapes we behold today.

Tectonics and Volcanism

Perched in a region with a rich and dynamic tectonic history, the park rests on the North American Plate, in close proximity to several other tectonic plates. This convergence results in a zone of intense geological activity, vividly manifested in the park's myriad geysers, hot springs, and volcanic formations (USGS, 2021). Among these, Old Faithful, a geyser that erupts with clockwork regularity, stands as a testament to the pressurized heated water generated by the underlying magma chamber, a thrilling reminder of the park's ongoing geological drama.

Grand Teton National Park: A Geological Masterpiece

Geology

Grand Teton National Park, located adjacent to Yellowstone, is renowned for its striking mountain ranges and serene lakes. The park's geology is characterized by the Teton Fault, which has produced dramatic uplifts that created the Teton Range (National et al., 2021). The resulting landscape showcases a variety of rocks, from ancient metamorphic and igneous formations to more recent sedimentary rocks.

Tectonics and Volcanism

While not as volcanically active as Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park still exhibits evidence of its geological past. The Teton Fault is an example of tectonic activity, where the valley floor has dropped relative to the mountains, creating the dramatic topography seen today (Wikipedia, 2021). The park also has evidence of past volcanic events, with lava flows and intrusive rocks found throughout the region.

Little Known Facts about Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley, Yellowstone, Wyoming

Hayden Valley, a sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts, is a treasure trove of unique experiences in Yellowstone National Park. While the valley’s renowned bison herds attract many, there are hidden marvels that often escape notice. Have you ever heard of the distinctive elk population in Hayden Valley, known for their impressive antlers? These majestic creatures, often called “Hayden Valley bulls,” are a captivating sight, especially during the rutting season in the fall. Another fascinating fact is that Hayden Valley was once a vast lake, formed by glacial meltwater. This ancient lake, named Lake Yellowstone, eventually drained, leaving behind the fertile valley we see today. The valley’s rich history is evident in the numerous archaeological sites found within its boundaries, offering glimpses into the lives of Native American tribes who once called this area home. Hayden Valley also hosts a diverse bird population, including the elusive trumpeter swan, which can be spotted gracefully gliding across the valley’s waters. The valley’s open meadows and wetlands provide ideal habitat for various bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

Lamar Valley, often referred to as the “Serengeti of North America,” is a wildlife haven. While the valley’s iconic wolf packs and grizzly bears draw visitors from around the world, there are other intriguing facts that often remain unnoticed. Did you know that Lamar Valley is home to a unique population of pronghorn antelope, the fastest land mammals in North America? These swift creatures can reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour, making them a thrilling sight as they race across the valley’s open plains. Another lesser-known fact is that Lamar Valley was once a major trading route for Native American tribes. The valley’s strategic location, bridging the Yellowstone Plateau to the surrounding plains, made it a vital hub for trade and cultural exchange. Lamar Valley is also a paradise for birdwatchers, offering a chance to spot rare species like the golden eagle and the ferruginous hawk. The valley’s diverse habitats, from grasslands to riparian areas, provide a rich tapestry of birdlife, making it a must-visit for any bird enthusiast.

Sources:

Yellowstone National Park Website - Yellowstone National Park's official website provides information on park activities, attractions, and lodging.

Grand Teton National Park Website—This is the official website for Grand Teton National Park, which provides information on park activities, attractions, and lodging.

National Park Service—This is the official website of the National Park Service, which provides information on all national parks in the United States.