Day 19, Another Day, Another Bison Jam

Yellowstone is big. I kinda knew this but driving around for the past three days makes it real.

The two major roads through the park make a figure eight. This is a two lane road. That means that if there is a bison jam, there are two choices. Wait it out or make a u-turn and backtrack. We are guessing this was the reason it took two hours to get back to the campground last night. But it was dark and we didn't see anything when we finally got through. Today however, that was the case. I guess that is part of the Yellowstone experience.


Yes, this big guy was headed straight for the car and really did get this close!

Today, we spent much of our time in The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The rocks that make up the canyon walls are beautiful colors and the two waterfalls make this spot one of the most photographed in the park.

One third of Yellowstone was destroyed by a forest fire in 1988. The latest fire was in 2019. Driving through the park, there is still evidence of the fires with some fallen trees and others, scorched, but still standing. Yet, the forest regenerates itself. The lodgepole pine cones only release their seeds when heat melts their protective coating. You can see the new growth.
We finished our day at the Grand Prismatic Spring. It is the largest hot spring in Yellowstone. The color comes from the different microorganisms that can survive at the different water temperatures. While we were walking around it, we heard people saying how the view from above was much more beautiful. We thought we were pretty done but how could we leave Yellowstone without seeing it? 

As we started out, a younger woman warned us that it was a "heck of a hike." Luckily, we were not dissuaded. The view was worth it and a great way to end our visit.



Location: Canyon Village, WY 82190, USA

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