Hidden Treasures: Yellowstone
Yellowstone is the United State’s first national park as well as one of its most visited, with anywhere between 3 and 4 million visitors annually. However, a vast majority of visitors only visit the most obvious and popular attractions. Experience sights that are often overlooked in this list and enhance your vacation to that of a lifetime.
1. Fairy Falls
Details:
Fairy Falls - 200 ft (61m)
Pets Allowed? - No
Parking/Admission Fee? - No
Opens - Mid May
Location - Midway Geyser Basin
Duration - 3-5 Hours
Activity - Hiking
Distance - 3 miles round trip
Very near to Grand Prismatic you will find the trailhead to this serene, towering waterfall. Heading south from the Midway Geyser Basin Trail, turn left into the Fairy Falls Trail/Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook Trailhead. There is a small parking lot at the trailhead and a larger overflow lot to the south. The beginning of the hike will not seem very secluded as the Grand Prismatic Overlook is a rather popular attraction, soak in the sights at the beginning of your hike but continue following the trail and you will realize that you have now taken the path less traveled. The hike to Fairy Falls is about 1.6 miles one way through an adolescent lodgepole pine forest. The hike itself is not strenuous for the average person who is in decent shape. You will arrive at the falls in about 1-1.5 hours of walking. To experience the Spray and Imperial Geyser, continue on the trail for another half mile.
2. Gardner River
Details:
Pets Allowed? - No
Parking/Admission Fee? - No
Opens - Mid May
Location - Mammoth Hot Springs/Gardner River
Activity - Swimming Hot Springs
At the very north end of the park, just 2.5 miles north of Mammoth Hot Springs in fact, there is a little known place where you are allowed to swim in the natural hot springs located on the Gardner River. This attraction, known as the “Boiling River” is one of only two places in the entire park where you are allowed to swim in the hot springs since the vast majority of them in the park are so dangerous and unpredictable. The “Boiling River” is a mix between the Gardner river (which is fed by snowmelt, so it is obviously very cold) and the natural hot springs of the park, making this experience one not to be overlooked. Simply park in one of the two designated areas on either side of the road, use the bathroom to change, and take a half mile walk down to the pools.
3. Bechler Trail, Colonnade/Iris Falls, & Mr. Bubbles
Details:
Colonnade Falls - 100 ft
Elevation Gain - 550 ft
Pets Allowed? - No
Parking/Admission Fee? - No
Open - May - October
Location - Bechler Area (Southwest Yellowstone)
Activity - Hiking
Duration - 8-10 Hours
Distance - 30 Miles Round Trip
Deep in the southwest region of the park, there is an area called Bechler which rests on the edge of Yellowstone’s caldera. This area is not easily reached and your day should be well planned if you are thinking about exploring this spell-binding wilderness. You can begin your journey from two different places. The first being from Old Faithful, which is a 30 mile round trip hike. Your second option is to head out from Bechler Ranger Station which is also about 30 miles round trip. This hike is no joke; however, if you choose to take this challenge on then you will see some of the most amazing waterfalls, geothermal structures, and raw wilderness in the world. You will undoubtedly see a plethora of wildlife on this trail, including bears and moose. Please be careful to respect the wildlife and give them the space they need to ensure everyone’s safety (bring bear protection). If you wish to camp on this trail, you must make a reservation with the ranger station. Lastly, be extra cautious of geothermal activity. Since the 1800s, more people have died from geothermal activity than from bears. Be Careful!
Mr. Bubbles - This is the other area in the park in which you are allowed to swim. Next to the hot spring, there is an awesome geothermal feature which IS NOT Mr. Bubbles. This feature is extremely dangerous, so do not get it mixed up with Mr. Bubbles, which is a small stream of bubbles coming out of the ground in the hotspring.
Colonnade & Iris Falls - Making the trek to get a chance to see these waterfalls is definitely worth every step. As you approach, you will hear and feel the rumble of the falls and you will quickly realize that you are now deep in the Yellowstone wilderness.
