Yellowstone National Park proudly boasts to be among the very few places that remained just as stunningly beautiful today as when visited by early pioneers. Its unique geographical features and spectacular sceneries convinced the US government to create and designate this land to become the world’s first national park in 1872 – even protecting it with the US Army! With nearly 9,000 sq km of lakes, canyons, rivers and mountain ranges, Yellowstone is best explored over three or more days. Plan your trip early as park lodging and campsites are limited, and can be booked out 9-12 months in advance. Here are the don’t miss top spots:
Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin
Perhaps the world’s most famous geyser, Old Faithful got its name from the predictability and reliability of its eruptions (roughly every 90 mins), shooting 14,000-32,000L of boiling water to reach 32-56m in height. Every visitor center will list its expected next eruption time as this is the top attraction! Old Faithful is adjacent to the Upper Geyser Basin, filled with colorful and surreal thermal features. Follow the boardwalk trail (easy) to admire the various geysers and hot springs, or for a panoramic view, head up to Observation Point trail (moderate).
Grand Prismatic, Biscuit Basin & Artist’s Paint Pots
Yellowstone’s many thermal features: geysers, hot springs, fumaroles and mudpots often carry namesake after “look alikes”. Grand Prismatic, the largest hot spring in the US, was named based on its striking coloration resembling a prism light dispersion of rainbow colors. Artist’s Paint Pots - as you guessed it, received its name from the various colored mudpots. If you have time, I highly recommend Mystic Falls trail (easy) in the back of Biscuit Basin to see a gorgeous waterfall. For a challenge, take the longer loop on Mystic Fall trail (moderate) to ascend the hill for an extremely rewarding hawkeye view. Parking in these few spots is limited so try to visit earlier or later in the day to avoid large tour buses.
Mammoth Hot Springs
Sprawling across the hillside, Mammoth Hot Springs’ majestic terrace structure was formed over thousands of years of hot spring water trickling and depositing minerals. Don’t miss the beautiful Canary Springs near Upper Terrace Loop Drive. Elk is also often found here, especially near the lodges. A little secret: nearby Albright Visitor Center is the only place within the park with free (and reliable) wifi! Further north is Yellowstone’s original entrance, framed by Roosevelt Arch and engraved with the park’s motto: “For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People”.
Grand Canyon
Dramatically different from Arizona’s Grand Canyon, Yellowstone’s version is equally breathtaking, and astounding beauty from its early depiction contributed to the decision for the park’s formation. Its vibrant colors looks as if straight out of an artist’s creation, and sharp cliffs are simply awe-inducing. Interesting fact: various iron compounds are found in the rocks and contribute to its colors through hydrothermal alteration (i.e., heating of the rocks). In essence, the canyon’s colors come from iron oxidizing, or rusting! Hike Brink of Lower Falls trail (moderate) to see and hear the roaring waterfall. Artist Point (easy) offers an iconic panoramic view.
Yellowstone Lake
Centered over the caldera, Yellowstone Lake is one of the largest high elevation lakes in North America. Though covered in thick ice during winter, the lake usually melts by early June and serves up pristine views. A former attraction (though no longer permitted) included fishing at its beach and then dunking the fish (line intact) into a nearby hot spring to be cooked! The peaceful and scenic lake is perfect to enjoy water activities - e.g., boat cruise, fishing and rentals are available from Bay Bridge Marina.
Animal sighting
Dubbed the “Serengeti of North America”, the vast plains of Hayden and Lamar Valley are fantastic for animal viewing, especially at dusk or dawn when they’re most active. Yellowstone’s “Big Five” include: moose, elk, bison, bear (grizzlies and black bears) and the elusive wolf. Bison herds are particularly impressive due to sheer size and number, though loners are also often spotted. “Bear jams” are common as cars stop to admire the large furry beasts. Gray wolves were re-introduced into the park in 1995 (with ongoing controversy), and have a loyal pack of human followers (just look for big binoculars and cameras!). Late spring / early summer visits are best if you’re interested to see animal babies!
As a general note, I highly recommend stopping at the Visitor Centers for updated information for best viewing and insider tips from rangers. For kids, the Junior Ranger Program is extremely popular. National Park Services have also created fantastic and educational exhibits at these centers to showcase Yellowstone’s unique geographic features, native animals and more. In short, don’t forget to leverage these awesome (free!) resources during your visit!

Written by LUCY CHEN
Hi there, I’m Lucy. Having lived in Asia, North America and Europe, I’ve explored many destinations in-depth and look forward to sharing the most awesome places to stay, visit and eat. I hope to bring trip ideas, sample itineraries and insider tips for you to make the most out of your holidays! Visit me at www.lucyandluxe.com and follow my travels at www.facebook.com/lucyandluxe!

Hi there, I’m Lucy. Having lived in Asia, North America and Europe, I’ve explored many destinations in-depth and look forward to sharing the most awesome places to stay, visit and eat. I hope to bring trip ideas, sample itineraries and insider tips for you to make the most out of your holidays! Visit me at www.lucyandluxe.com and follow my travels at www.facebook.com/lucyandluxe!

Tailor-made travel with Graham Elsom
Experienced travellers are always on the lookout for something different.
Keep an eye on these columns!
Graham has been travelling all his life and is always seeking something special and unusual.

“Crash! Bang! Shatter!” the sound of quite a lot of crockery crashing to the floor emanates from the kitchen. Or should I say galley? For I find myself on a ship, a car ferry in fact, on my way to the fabled Mediterranean island of Menorca. I look out the window and the horizon keeps going in and out of view in a rather alarming way while big waves wash against the windowpane. But the sun shines blithely from a cobalt blue sky. It’s the Mediterranean!

In Sydney, you can look to the east and watch the sun rise over the Pacific Ocean. 4000 km away, in Perth, you can look to the west and watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean. The “Indian Pacific” railway can take you to both Sydney and Perth. This incredible trans-continental journey takes 4 days and 3 nights and it includes the longest stretch of straight railway line in the world, 487 km.

Tailor-made travel with Graham Elsom
Experienced travellers are always on the lookout for something different.
Keep an eye on these columns!
Graham has been travelling all his life and is always seeking something special and unusual.

Tailor-made travel with Graham Elsom
Experienced travellers are always on the lookout for something different.
Keep an eye on these columns!
Graham has been travelling all his life and is always seeking something special and unusual.