Wyoming, Montana, hiking, Old Faithful, Mammoth, Hot Springs, Canyon Village, Grant Village, Cody, Idaho, Teton, Jackson Hole, Artist Paint Pots, Fairy Falls, Mary Lake, Monument Geyser, Mystic Falls, Yellowstone, National Park, Sightseeing
Description
Yellowstone is the world's display case for geothermal wonders. Visitors come from all over to see the thousands of hot springs and geysers. The points of interest along the drive are described here and listed in sequence as you begin the drive from Madison Junction. Download the tour to your GPS. Then as you drive, your GPS will indicate your approach to each point of interest.
More info here: http://www.travelbygps.com/guides/yellowstone/yellowstone.php
Welcome to Yellowstone National Park, America's first National Park. Begin your tour of Yellowstone here at Madison Junction by visiting the Information Station. The Information Station at Madison Junction is a historic stone and log building near the site of the legendary campfire ring where the idea of a national park was first considered. (less) Welcome to Yellowstone National Park, America's first National Park. Begin your tour...(more)
Gibbon Fall
You are approaching Gibbon Falls where the Gibbon River falls into what remains of the Yellowstone caldera â€" an ancient volcano - known to have been one of the world’s largest. (less) You are approaching Gibbon Falls where the Gibbon River falls into what remains of th...(more)
Monument Geyser
You are approaching the trailhead to Monument Geyser. The hike is strenuous and the thermal features are less than spectacular, but you will be rewarded by an impressive view of Gibbons Canyon. [pause] Or, to continue the tour, keep heading towards Norris Geyser Basin on Grand Loop Road. (less) You are approaching the trailhead to Monument Geyser. The hike is strenuous and the ...(more)
Artist Paint Pots
You are approaching the trail to Artist Paint Pots and other trails leading out to Gibbon Meadows. The trails in this area are easy with minimal elevation gain, some trails are improved with sections of boardwalks. The trail to Artist Paint Pots is an easy one mile round trip. Thermal features include mudpots which continuously spurt mud into the air. (less) You are approaching the trail to Artist Paint Pots and other trails leading out to Gi...(more)
Norris Geyser Basin
You are approaching Norris Geyser Basin. Visit the Information Station and then enjoy a fascinating walk through one of the most acidic hydrothermal areas in the world. You may be lucky enough to witness one of these rare geysers erupting, like Steamboat Geyser â€" the tallest active geyser in the world. (less) You are approaching Norris Geyser Basin. Visit the Information Station and then enjo...(more)
Virginia Cascade
Ahead is Virginia Cascade Drive where you may opt to visit the falls. Turn right on Virginia Cascade drive. Virginia Cascades is a fall of water 60 feet into a deep canyon. There are few places in the park where cars can approach so close to the falls. [pause] Continue the tour, heading east towards Canyon Village. (less) Ahead is Virginia Cascade Drive where you may opt to visit the falls. Turn right on ...(more)
Canyon Junction
You are approaching Canyon Junction. At this point, you may choose to drive the North Loop through Tower-Roosevelt area and back around to Mammoth Hot Springs – or – drive the South Loop along Yellowstone Lake and back around to Old Faithful. (less) You are approaching Canyon Junction. At this point, you may choose to drive the Nort...(more)
Yellowstone Canyon
You are approaching North Rim Drive. North Rim Drive is one-way only. Turn on North Rim Drive where there are several opportunities for viewing the "Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River." The Canyon and Falls are visible only from overlooks along the canyon rim. Several pull-outs give you the opportunity to get out of your car and take in the view. To escape the crowds, there is a self-guided walking trail which connects the overlooks. (less) You are approaching North Rim Drive. North Rim Drive is one-way only. Turn on North...(more)
Artist Point Road
You are approaching the road to Artist Point. Artist Point may be visited by taking a left on Artist Point Road. The view of Lower Falls from Artist Point is a favorite among park visitors. (less) You are approaching the road to Artist Point. Artist Point may be visited by taking a...(more)
Hayden Valley
You are entering Hayden Valley. Hayden valley is typically teeming with wildlife. Herds of buffalo and elk are common. Occasionally, you will even see a grizzly bear. You must stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves and at least 25 yards away from all other large animals. (less) You are entering Hayden Valley. Hayden valley is typically teeming with wildlife. He...(more)
Mud Volcano
You are entering an area with a high concentration of geological features. Several features in this area can be viewed within a short walk of the parking areas, including Sulfur Caldron, Mud Volcano, and Dragon's Mouth Caldron. (less) You are entering an area with a high concentration of geological features. Several fe...(more)
Fishing Bridge
You are approaching the Fishing Bridge and Lake Village areas. All services are available, including the historic Fishing Bridge Visitors Center. The exhibits at the museum feature taxidermies of park wildlife, including an extensive collection of birds and water fowl. The Fishing Bridge itself, closed to fishing in 1973, now is one of the best places to see wild trout spawning. (less) You are approaching the Fishing Bridge and Lake Village areas. All services are avai...(more)
Bridge Bay
Ready for a bike ride? After crossing the bridge at Bridge Bay, a one-mile bike trail, on the right, leads to a natural land-bridge. Or perhaps you are ready for a picnic. The Gull Point picnic area, on the left, is a great place to enjoy Lake Yellowstone. (less) Ready for a bike ride? After crossing the bridge at Bridge Bay, a one-mile bike trail...(more)
West Thumb
You are approaching West Thumb. Services available at West Thumb include an Information Station and Interpretive trail to thermal features. For lodging, food and fuel, visit Grant Village. (less) You are approaching West Thumb. Services available at West Thumb include an Informat...(more)
Continental Divide
You are about to cross the Continental Divide. Water on the east side of the divide flows towards the Gulf of Mexico. Water on the west flows towards the Pacific Ocean. A picnic area, ahead, is situated along this great hydrological boundary. (less) You are about to cross the Continental Divide. Water on the east side of the divide ...(more)
Old Faithful
You are approaching the centerpiece of Yellowstone National Park - the village surrounding Old Faithful Geyser. Most everyone who comes to Yellowstone visits Old Faithful. Accordingly, this area is often congested. While waiting for Old Faithful to erupt, visit the Inn, shops, and museums. To get away from the crowds, walk the trail to the observation point on Geyser Hill. (less) You are approaching the centerpiece of Yellowstone National Park - the village surrou...(more)
Biscuit Basin
You are approaching Biscuit Basin. An easy one-mile loop on boardwalk to see several geothermal features. If you are up for more of a challenge, follow the Mystic Falls Loop Trail from Biscuit Basin parking lot. The Mystic Falls trail is moderately challenging with 540 feet elevation gain, taking you to numerous thermal features, young forests and Mystic Falls â€" a 70 foot waterfall. An observation point along the trail enables you to view of Old Faithful from a distance. Bring binoculars for an optimum experience. (less) You are approaching Biscuit Basin. An easy one-mile loop on boardwalk to see several...(more)
Black Sand Basin
You are approaching Black Sand Basin. Black Sand Basin is named for the fine black sand derived from volcanic glass. Visit Black Sand Basin for an easy walk to see Sunset Lake, Cliff Geyser, and Emerald Pool. (less) You are approaching Black Sand Basin. Black Sand Basin is named for the fine black s...(more)
Midway Geyser Basin
You are approaching Midway Geyser Basin and the trailhead to Fairy Falls. The trail to Fairy Falls is easy and flat. Along the trail, visit Excelsior Geyser Crater and the Grand Prismatic Pool. Fairy Falls is a 197 foot water fall and some say more mystic than Mystic Falls. (less) You are approaching Midway Geyser Basin and the trailhead to Fairy Falls. The trail t...(more)
Firehole Lake Drive
Ahead, turn right on Firehole Lake Drive. Firehole Lake Drive is a one-way, three-mile loop drive, leading you to several interesting features of the Lower Geyser Basin. One of more popular features along Firehole Lake Drive is Great Fountain geyser which predictably erupts twice a day. (less) Ahead, turn right on Firehole Lake Drive. Firehole Lake Drive is a one-way, three-mi...(more)
Fountain Paint Pots
You are approaching the intersection with Grand Loop Road. Rejoin Grand Loop Road, turning right towards Madison Junction. Then, stop to walk Fountain Paint Pots nature trail. In this area you will see all four types of geothermal features: geysers, hot springs, mudpots, and fumaroles. (less) You are approaching the intersection with Grand Loop Road. Rejoin Grand Loop Road, tu...(more)
Firehole Canyon
You are approaching the entrance to Firehole Canyon. If you have not been through Firehole Canyon, then continue the tour, turning left on Firehole Canyon Road. (less) You are approaching the entrance to Firehole Canyon. If you have not been through Fir...(more)
Firehole River
Here at the mouth of the Firehole river is one of the few places where swimming is allowed when conditions permit. Caution: The current in the river can be dangerous, especially during Spring thaw. (less) Here at the mouth of the Firehole river is one of the few places where swimming is al...(more)
Firehole Falls
You are approaching Firehole Falls. Early explorers of this region referred to geological depressions or basins as “holes.†For example: The nearby city of Jackson Hole is located in a depression at the base of the Teton mountains. Can you guess why the depression in this area is named “Fire†hole? (less) You are approaching Firehole Falls. Early explorers of this region referred to geolo...(more)
Firehole Canyon Road
You are approaching the exit of Firehole Canyon. Firehole Canyon Road is one-way heading south. If you are approaching from the south you must drive past the exit to enter the canyon 1-3/4 mile to the north of this location. If you have already been through the canyon, this is the end of the South Loop tour. (less) You are approaching the exit of Firehole Canyon. Firehole Canyon Road is one-way hea...(more)
Tower Junction
You are approaching Tower Junction and the Roosevelt Lodge area. All services are available, including food, fuel and lodging. President Theodore Roosevelt camped here while visiting Yellowstone in 1903. (less) You are approaching Tower Junction and the Roosevelt Lodge area. All services are ava...(more)
Obsidian Cliffs
You are approaching the junction with a minor road to Obsidian Creek. One quarter mile down this road is a parking area adjacent Obsidian Creek. Obsidian is rare, volcanic glass, formed by lava flow. Native Americans made arrowheads and other tools from the obsidian found nearby. It is illegal to take obisidan from this area. (less) You are approaching the junction with a minor road to Obsidian Creek. One quarter mil...(more)
Golden Gate
You are approaching the "Golden Gate". This narrow passage through Glen Creek Canyon is named for its golden rock walls. In 1959, an earthquake caused a rock slide that blocked this mountain pass, preventing travel between the high plateau and Mammoth Hot Springs. (less) You are approaching the "Golden Gate". This narrow passage through Glen Creek Canyon ...(more)
Lower Terrraces
Stop ahead to visit the thermal features of Mammoth Hot Springs. Boardwalks enable close viewing of these Travertine formations, which are quite different than thermal features found elsewhere in the park. These â€Å"terraces†form due to the high concentration of limestone in the hot, flowing spring water. (less) Stop ahead to visit the thermal features of Mammoth Hot Springs. Boardwalks enable cl...(more)
Dunraven Pass
You are approaching Dunraven Pass. If you are up for a strenuous a hike, park at Dunraven Pass and climb Mount Washburn on the old road to the summit. At the top, an enclosed observation area enbles you to escape the wind while enjoying the view. (less) You are approaching Dunraven Pass. If you are up for a strenuous a hike, park at Dun...(more)
Chittenden Road
You are approaching the junction with Chittenden Road. Chittenden Road provides hiking and Mountain bike access to Mount Washburn. The trailhead is at the end of Chittenden Road. (less) You are approaching the junction with Chittenden Road. Chittenden Road provides hiki...(more)
Tower Fall
You are approaching the Tower Fall area. Food and convenience items are available at the camp store. A trail beginning near the store leads to a view of Tower Falls. (less) You are approaching the Tower Fall area. Food and convenience items are available at...(more)
Petrified Tree
Ahead, the road to the left goes to the Petrified Tree exhibit, where you will find an excellent example of an ancient, petrified redwood tree. Did you know there are more petrified trees in Yellowstone than in any other place in the world? Further ahead, on the left, is the one-way road coming from Blacktail Plateau. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for driving on Blacktail Plateau drive. If you have a high-clearance vehicle and would like to drive through some of the most remote areas of the park, then enter Blacktail Plateau Drive 7 miles ahead. (less) Ahead, the road to the left goes to the Petrified Tree exhibit, where you will find a...(more)
Blacktail Plateau Drive
Your are approaching the junction with Blacktail Plateau Drive. If you have a high-clearance vehicle and would like to drive through some of the most remote areas of the park, then enter Blacktail Plateau Drive. (less) Your are approaching the junction with Blacktail Plateau Drive. If you have a high-c...(more)
Undine Falls
You are approaching Undine Falls. Pull-out ahead for a short hike to Undine Falls, where Lava Creek drops 110 feet in two sections. The trail beyond the falls follows the Lava River down to the confluence with the Gardner River near the Mammoth Campground. (less) You are approaching Undine Falls. Pull-out ahead for a short hike to Undine Falls, w...(more)
Mammoth Hot Springs
You are approaching Mammoth Hot Springs. All services are available, including the park headquarters and the structures of old Fort Yellowstone. In the late 1800's, early 1900's, the US Army was needed to protect the park from poachers, developers, and souvenir hunters. Today, herds of bison of often seen grazing on the parade grounds of Fort Yellowstone. (less) You are approaching Mammoth Hot Springs. All services are available, including the p...(more)
Upper Terraces
You are approaching Terrace Drive. Many of the area's more recently developed springs in this area can be seen from your vehicle on Terrace Drive. Large trucks, motor homes and trailers are not allowed on Terrace Drive. [pause] To continue the tour, follow Grand Loop Road towards Norris Geyser Basin. (less) You are approaching Terrace Drive. Many of the area's more recently developed spring...(more)
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