My Yellowstone Park Public Domain Photos

Yellowstone Park is a MUUUUUUST see!  Can't be there?  See there!  Witness the phenomenal beauty of this vast volcanic venue through my lens.

 I've placed my pics in the public domain.  So you can do more than look, if you choose.  They're a poor substitute for being there.  I apologize if they stoke your desire to visit this place of fire ( '_' ).

Seriously, if you ever get the chance to go to Yellowstone National Park do it!   But plan well.  It's extremely popular and vast.

Gateway to Over 2 Million Acres of Beauty!

This gate is the north entrance to the park.  It's called the (Theodore) Roosevelt Arch.   Pass through it (or one of the other gates) and see many natural wonders you won't soon forget.

Remember the best bits of the park are brought to you by a supervolcano!   Relax, enjoy your visit, it's not expected to erupt for another 100,000  years or so (or maybe never USGS).

Geysers

Geysers are hot springs that spew out heated water.  Some shoot it high like Old Faithful, the one Yellowstone attraction everyone knows about!

Others are less showy but still amazing to behold.  

Below is Aurum (Latin for gold) Geyser.  I think it's obvious why it was given this name.

Here's a series of stills showing a geyser blowing off some steam.

Hot Springs

Hot springs are pools of ground water heated up by the Yellowstone supervolcano.   Pretty to look at but not for dipping.

So heed the warnings.

Or you may end up like these trees. :(

Dead trees in a thermal area.

Another inviting but deadly spring.

Hot spring in Yellowstone lake.

Colorful runoff from a hot spring.

Is it just me or does that dark brown bit look like brownies????  Don't sample it!  The Grand Prismatic Spring is a visual feast you must see.

Elk Aplenty

In the woods, by the geothermal areas or relaxing in the middle of Mammoth Hot Springs Historic district, elk seem to be everywhere.

Fairy Falls Trail

Ok, so you've ridden around (for hours or days) admiring all of Yellowstone's natural beauty. Now it's time to leave the car behind! 

Take a stroll down the lovely Fairy Falls trail.  It's probably easy enough for most people.  Remember the round trip is just over 3 miles.  Water, hat and walking shoes recommended.

I walked it in flip flops out of necessity,  but I don't recommend it.

Fire victims.

Dramatic  falls you can walk very close to.

If you want a bit more of a physical challenge, look below.  Check out my info about the Beaver Ponds Trail!

Buffalo Yellowstone Park Draw

When you visit the park you can join the morning commute to the feeding grounds.  It's fun being part of the herd!

Follow them to their feeding grounds and watch them interact.

A Few Wildflowers Found in Yellowstone Park

Here are a few of Yellowstone's wildflowers enjoyed on the Beaver Ponds Trail.  You will want to experience this trail!      

Wild rose bud.

Small butterfly on wild arnica (I think).

Carpet phlox, the little white blossoms, among the many wild plants along the beaver ponds trail.

Cranes bill, I think.  A wild geranium for sure.

Goatsbeard.

Butter and eggs wildflower in Yellowstone.

Bears Barely

Plenty of them wonder around the park.  It's thrilling to view one...from a distance!

This grizzly prefers to be alone.  It headed for the hills shortly after the crowd discovered it.

Yes, that little black blob (center right) is a bear.  It kept a safe distance from the tourists!

Beautiful Beaver Ponds Trail

Yes, I have saved the best for last.  The Beaver Ponds Trail is awesome!  Prepare properly before tackling it.

The trailhead is in the Mammoth Springs area.  That end of the trail is the best place to start.  Get the tougher bits over while you're fresh.

You might stumble upon wildlife like this.  But be sure to take bear precautions! 

Good footwear is a must!  My boots fit poorly and caused bloody heels,  Ouch!  Learn from my mistake.

Can you find the dragonfly in this pic?

Lovely woods eventually open up to a meadow with beaver ponds.

Beaver lodge (pile of branches) on the far shore.

Beaver dam.

Sweeping vistas will amaze you on the return leg of the beaver ponds trail.

Mammoth Hot Springs park facilities in the valley below.

Great view of the mammoth hot springs at the end of the trail.  Plus you can grab a meal after your long hike!

Couple More Pics Before You Go

If you have time swing by the petrified forest in Yellowstone Park.  Take a look at this fine example of a still standing petrified tree!

This is part of the interior of the Old Faithful Inn.  It was built using local trees.

The Inn is an interesting place.  Plan early enough and you may snag a room there.  You might want to eat in the dining room.  The food's pretty tasty.  Reservations needed.

I really hope you can take a trip to Yellowstone Park.  Parts of it are other worldly.  All of it is beautiful!