Yellowstone Day 3
Headed toward Old Faithful once again on the 3rd day. We had skipped the Black Sand Basin area the day before, which is just before Old Faithful, so we stopped there first. Then we went to the Old Faithful area to see a few of the other geysers in the area and to visit the historic Old Faithful Inn.
We then headed on toward West Thumb which is the far West end of Yellowstone Lake. After that we continue on around the Grand Loop completing the whole loop that day.
Black Sand Basin
Black Sand Basin has about a mile of boardwalks that twist around through many different features. Emerald Pool is one of the most famous pools in Yellowstone and is a truly unusual deep emerald green at its center with orange around the edges.
Old Faithful Inn and Village
Old Faithful Village is a fairly large area with Old Faithful Inn, Snow Lodge, cabins, and Old Faithful Lodge which is now cafeteria, gift shop, etc. There is also a large geyser area beyond Old Faithful with several miles of walkways. One is paved and allows bicycles.
We only spent a short time with the geysers here as we knew we had a big day and we wanted to see Old Faithful Inn. The Inn was built in 1903-4.
West Thumb and driving the remainder of the Grand Loop
From Old Faithful we drop to West thumb. You pass over the Continental Divide two times on the way and past some beautiful country. West Thumb is like a big thumb sticking out on Yellowstone Lake. There are interesting thermals there right up to the edge of the lake.
After West Thumb we continued on the Grand Loop toward Lake Village. This part of the drive takes you right along the lake.