ALA Montana Trip – Day 3 – Yellowstone Park

We started today off with another buffet breakfast at the 320 Ranch and then it was off to Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone was established as a national park in 1872 by the U.S. Congress “For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People”. We ran into quite a bit of traffic shortly after entering the park gates, but realized quickly that it was due to a couple of bald eagle sightings. Our first stop was at the Lower Geyser Basin. We walked by several thermal features including a spring named Leather Pool, a mudpit named Fountain Paint Pot and geyser named Spasm Geyser.

Leather Pool

Fountain Paint Pot

Spasm Geyser

Our next stop took us for a short hike to a “secret” vantage point of the remarkable Grand Prismatic Spring. This spring is the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest hot spring in the world. This was my favorite site of the day.

Grand Prismatic Spring

After arriving at Old Faithful Village, we were treated to a hot picnic lunch, consisting of tacos, nachos and all the fixins. It was delicious and just what the doctor ordered! After lunch we were able to witness a national treasure in action…Old Faithful. An ice cream cone kept us busy as we waited for the next eruption and the wait was well worth it.

Taco Time!

There she blows!

Waiting for Old Faithful to do her thing.

We then shuttled to our accommodations for the night, Lake Yellowstone Hotel. The hotel is on the banks of Lake Yellowstone and our rooms had outstanding views of the lake. We enjoyed a very nice dinner at the hotel and a walk along the lake to end the night.

Lake Yellowstone Hotel

Lake Yellowstone