StevenI started out at 6:30am this morning and went deeper into Yellowstone. My first stop was Artist Point for a great view of a waterfall.
From here I hiked over to Sublime Point. Sadly it was sort of a semi-sublime point because there are quite a few trees blocking the views. At least there were some good views on the way there.
I went back up the road a little to “Uncle Tom’s Parking Area.” I didn’t see Uncle Tom, so I’m not sure who he is or why he has a parking area. This provides a great view of the upper falls.
From here, I went across the river to Brink of Lower Falls Trail. Quite a few switchbacks took you to the bottom right at the falls.
I went down the road to Lookout Point and Inspiration Point for a few more photos.
As I was driving to my next spot, I saw a large cloud of constant steam going into the air and decided to stop at Beryl Spring.
You can see the water boiling here and when I bent down to take this photo, the heat from the water was quite apparent. According to the sign, the water oscillates between 188.5 and 192 degrees and is one of the hottest springs in Yellowstone.
Next up was Fountain Paint Pots. Lots of different geysers in one little area and a surprise guest.
Next up I tried to go to the Grand Prismatic Spring, but around noon, everyone is out and the parking lot was packed. I decided to do this one tomorrow. Instead I went to my last stop for the day, Fairy Falls.
This was the longest hike of the day at 5.5 miles. The trail to the falls was very easy, it just took forever! I even had a few people ask me as I was walking back, “How much further do we have to go?”
After sitting in the shade of the falls for a little, I decided to take the long walk back. I took the Grand Prismatic Overlook trail that’s off the same trail and got a fantastic look from above.
Tomorrow I’m planning for another early day to see Old Faithful before the crowds get crazy.