Yellowstone Day 1

Soon after Buffalo Bill State Park we entered ‎⁨Shoshone National Forest⁩. There was a lot Soon after Buffalo Bill State Park we entered ‎⁨Shoshone National Forest, which was America's first National Forest⁩. There was a lot of interesting rock formations called hoodoos and then more and more trees and more and more snow.

U S Highway 14/16/20, the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway, follows the North Fork of the Shoshone River through the scenic Wapiti Valley to the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. The route is known for its abundant wildlife, astonishing rock formations, and recreational opportunities.

There was only one car ahead of us when we arrived at the East Yellowstone gate. We didn't have to pay an entrance fee since we had the senior pass. The fee is usually $30 a vehicle for a 7 day pass. The Senior Pass cost $20, so already saving money with that.

The road from the East Entrance climbs up over Sylvan Pass, past Sylvan lake, and then down again to the North East side of Yellowstone Lake. The drive is very beautiful and there was a lot of snow on the mountains through the pass.

You are on what is called the Grand Loop Road heading North from Fishing Bridge Junction. The first thermal feature is called Mud Volcano and that is where we saw our first Bison. We were able to view them there up close because they were on the other side if this very heavy log fence.

Further on is the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. The colors derive both from minerals and from living organisms. There are infinite shadings of yellow and orange and also many other colors. The Falls on the Yellowstone River was raging as the river was at full capacity.

There wasn't a whole lot to see between Canyon Junction and Norris Junction other than beautiful mountains and forests. Right after Norris Junction is the Norris Geyser Basin. This is a large area that you access by a boardwalk with many different kinds of water features. They are still called geysers, but these don't shoot up in the air.

Between Madison Junction and West Yellowstone we found more Bison grazing along a river. We got to know this stretch of road well as we drove into Yellowstone each day along this section of road.

We stayed in a nice little RV park in West Yellowstone.