Yearning for Yellowstone

     I knew Yellowstone National Park would be amazing. I was prepared for it to wow me with stunning vistas, fascinating geology and incredible flora and fauna–but it was so much more. Even the drive in from Cody, Wyoming, just east of the park, was spectacular. Huge cliffs rose on either side as Al and I crawled up the mountains passing through climate zones to eventually see snow in the pass. At the pass we ventured into a virtually un-blazed trail up to Avalanche Peak. The snow pack varied from a foot to nearly four feet deep with unpredictable pack to boot. We quickly lost the trail and opted to follow some fresh boot prints up until we ran into another hiker, Mikel. The three of us soldiered on snow continued to fall, eventually cresting the saddle between Avalanche Peak and adjacent Hoyt Peak. At 10,000 ft., 500 feet short of Avalanche’s summit, we decided to turn around with gnarly, dangerous cornices threatening our continued passage. Hungry after 3 hours of hiking, we shared a noodle lunch in the parking lot then Al and I headed down into the park.

10,000 ft. at the saddle between Hoyt and Avalanche Peaks

     Upon entering the park, the scenery continued to stun. However, perhaps the most mystifying feature of Yellowstone was its dynamic climate. I imagine some combination of its locale within several deviations of ancient calderas, it’s varied elevation and the restless geothermal activity beneath results in the bizarre capacity for a blizzard under blue skies, rain and shine all in a matter of a few miles. 

     The park is massive, yet well attended. The loop around the center takes about 3 hours total unless you’re stuck behind the likely jam of gawking tourists. I can’t blame them, for Yellowstone’s fauna are not only plentiful and impressive, but they maintain a sense of wildness to them. It’s the closest I’ve felt to being in a region of a Pokémon game, albeit most similar to the Safari Zone. 

     Old Faithful didn’t disappoint, but rather gave me chills. It’s truly a wonder to behold. Troves of tourists didn’t detract beauty from the awe-inspiring Grand Prismatic Spring nor any of the other geothermal phenomena. By the time we made it clockwise around the center loop, we were exhausted. We made coffee at Artists Point and enjoyed it while basking in the 308-foot glory of the Lower Falls of Yellowstone River. The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone was again awesome and, perhaps along with the caffeination, highlighted our visit for me. 

     Overstimulated by the days sights and treks, we were giddy and genuinely awed. As we left the park, though, we were confronted with a Grizzly Bear along the roadside, Yellowstone’s poster animal and the most beautiful and truly intimidating creature I’ve seen. As I stared down viewfinder, my telephoto propped on my rolled-down, passenger-side window I felt his or her stare. Along down the road, we encountered a herd of rowdy Bison, herded through the road by a ranger. We left the park satisfied and sleepy to camp in neighboring Gallatin National Forest. I already feel a yearning to return and spend more than just a day in this excellent park. I felt proud of the conservation and education effort put on by rangers and the National Parks Service. Visit it, visit it, visit it!

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