Postcards to Iowa

A Day of Luck and Awe-Inspiring Nature

Luckily our luck was on our side as we were able to find a place to fix our tire only a couple miles from where we were staying, and even more fortunate that it could be patched and we didn’t have to invest in a new tire.

Lucky again seeing a HUGE elk as we entered the park.

As we continued our journey, our luck continued to shine. Approaching our first stop, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, we pulled over at a group of people and saw a grizzly bear! We were in complete awe as we watched it grazing for a while. This was definitely the highlight of the day and something we will never forget. It is shocking how much camouflage the animals have, it is wasn’t for the people we would have missed it – thankful for the first person who spotted it and it was a domino effect after that.

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone: Something that I had been excited to see was the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone as it is one of the most beautiful and unique canyons in the world. It is located in the Yellowstone National Park and spans for 24 miles. The canyon was created by the Yellowstone River and is known for its stunning rock formations, crystal clear water, and vibrant colors. The canyon is over 800 feet deep and offers breathtaking views that are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Brink of the Lower Falls Trail: A popular trail in the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is the Brink of the Lower Falls Trail. This trail takes you to the brink of the Lower Falls, which is a 308-foot waterfall that is one of the largest in North America. The trail is a moderate hike and takes about 1-2 hours to complete. Along the way, you will encounter breathtaking views of the canyon, the waterfall, and the surrounding landscape. This trail was too steep for Derek so I ran down and ran up as I heard it was worth the climb…this completely wore me out for the rest of the day but was worth it!

I rejoined Derek and we did some casual hiking around the rim.

Next, it was time to drive further away so we got the true experience by looking over everything at Artist Point.

Artist Point is a popular viewpoint located in the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone in Yellowstone National Park. It is known for its stunning panoramic views of the canyon and the falls of the Yellowstone River, which make it a popular destination for visitors and artists alike.

The origin of the name “Artist Point” dates back to the late 1800s, when artists and photographers flocked to Yellowstone to capture the natural beauty of the area. They were drawn to this specific location due to the breathtaking views of the falls and the canyon that it offered. The stunning scenery and spectacular vistas inspired many artists to create paintings, drawings, and photographs of the area, which helped to spread awareness about the beauty of Yellowstone to the rest of the world.

Today, Artist Point remains a popular destination for visitors to Yellowstone, who come to admire the stunning views and to explore the trails that lead through the canyon and along the falls. It is considered to be one of the most iconic locations in the park and is a must-visit for anyone interested in the natural beauty of Yellowstone. The history and importance of Artist Point are rooted in its breathtaking views and its role as a source of inspiration for artists and photographers, who have helped to spread awareness of the beauty of Yellowstone to the rest of the world.

Hayden Valley: After taking what would end up being our Christmas Card Cover we were off to the Hayden Valley which is located in the Yellowstone National Park and is a wide and open valley that is home to many of the park’s wildlife. The valley is surrounded by stunning mountain peaks and is known for its abundance of wildlife, including buffalo, elk, and grizzly bears. Hayden Valley is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the beauty and wildlife of Yellowstone.

Dragon’s Mouth Springs is a unique and fascinating geyser in the Yellowstone National Park. The geyser is known for its boiling water that shoots out of the ground, creating a dragon-like effect. Dragon’s Mouth Springs is located near the Mud Volcano and is a popular destination for visitors to the park. The geyser is a testament to the incredible geological activity that is found in Yellowstone.

The Mud Volcano is another unique geological feature in the Yellowstone National Park. The volcano is located in the Hayden Valley and is known for its boiling mud pools and steam vents. The Mud Volcano is a fascinating destination for visitors to the park, as it provides a glimpse into the inner workings of a volcanic landscape. The Mud Volcano is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the unique geological wonders of Yellowstone.

After a long and tiring five days, we were exhausted and decided to head back to Gardiner for a relaxing dinner in town. Our luck was still in full force as on the way home we spotted a coyote! Luckily it was on the road and ran into the grass, otherwise there was no way we would have spotted it, it was the same color as the grass – just like the Grizzly!

After the coyote we were nervous to see a bison on the road and that there would be another bison jam…

Luckily it was only one and were hurried out of the park before dusk. We ate dinner at Wonderland Cafe & Lodge which was small and humble but delicious pick! Cheese curds, wings and burgers for the win.

Then back to our tipi early enough to see a sunset over the mountains.

If we had more energy, we would have taken a Scenic One Hour Cruise on Yellowstone Lake, which we heard was a must-do activity. And for dinner, we heard great things about Chico Hot Springs: Montana Hot Springs Resort and Hotel, which we plan to visit on our next trip to Yellowstone.