Yellowstone National Park
Grand Teton National Park
and the Beartooth Highway

Introduction

Mention the word "Yellowstone" to most people and the first thought that generally comes to mind is bears and Old Faithful. While Old Faithful is the most popular tourist spot in the park, many visitors don't get to even see a bear on their first trip. But, Yellowstone is so much more than that. Yellowstone is a unique place in nature that is not duplicated anywhere else in the world. The wonders of God's creation come together in one spot and are impressively displayed for all to see. Nowhere on earth can you see such an impressive display of scenery and wildlife. Yet, Yellowstone is a contrast of sorts. Originally formed by a huge super volcano blast in prehistoric times, it's caldera measures 30 miles x 45 miles across and houses more than two thirds of the world's geysers. Over 10,000 thermal features, such as hot springs, pools, and geysers are fed by intense heat from the large underground magma pocket that is closest to the surface in Yellowstone than anywhere else in the world. These thermal features are fed by the many streams and rivers within the park. Names such as Firehole River, Gibbon River, Madison River, are teeming with cutthroat trout. The largest, the Yellowstone River, flows north out of the park after leaving Yellowstone Lake, which at 131.7 square miles is the largest lake in North America over 7,000' of altitude. As the river leaves Yellowstone Lake, it surges through the golden colored cliffs of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, where it crashes over numerous waterfalls as it makes it's way to the Missouri River. The tallest, Lower Falls, is 308' and is taller than Niagara Falls. Much of the 2.2 million acre park is covered by Lodgepole Pine forests. Most of the areas devastated by the fires of 1988 have now returned to a healthy state with new growth and life appearing where dead stands of mature trees once stood.

Wildlife thrive in this environment. Large bison herds can be seen throughout the park, particularly in Hayden Valley, where they can number into the hundreds. The fall elk rut brings together bull elk as they gather their harems while Moose spend their time in the marshy areas of the park. Bald eagles, Trumpeter Swans, and Osprey are seen plying the waters of the many rivers throughout the park while the grizzly and wolf practice their hunting skills. The park's native Cutthroat Trout are popular pastimes for fly fishermen and can be seen jumping LeHardy Rapids when it's time to travel upstream to spawn.

It's neighbor to the south, Grand Teton National Park, seamlessly flows into Yellowstone. During the drive south the scenery gradually changes as the Snake River and Jackson Lake begin to unfold before a backdrop of the spectacular Teton Mountain range. This alpine setting also serves host to a similar wildlife habitat.

Entering this wonderland requires crossing mountains to drop into this valley of splendor. There are 5 entrances into Yellowstone National Park but the most awe inspiring drive is over the Beartooth Mountains. The Beartooth Highway, referred to by Charles Kuralt as "the most scenic highway in America" takes you over 11,000' summits as the terrain changes from heavy forest to sub-alpine terrain, and eventually alpine tundra before dropping down into Yellowstone national Park.

No pictures can truly convey the beauty of this area. You need to step inside in order to experience it's sights and it's smells. Nothing can convey the sound of a bull elk's bugles echoing through the hills or the howls of wolves as they call out their wilderness song. You have to be there to totally appreciate it. Hopefully these images may spark some desire to fully appreciate this and plan your own trip. If you want to see larger images, simply click on any image to view a larger 1024x768 XGA size image.

Enjoy the journey!

Mark Quasius - "Cruzer"

Index