I’m absolutely blown away by how much Yellowstone has to offer. No matter where you are in the park, the landscape is nothing short of stunning. Wildlife roams freely, and it’s surprisingly easy to spot bears, bison, foxes, elk, deer, and a variety of birds and insects. It feels like nature is constantly putting on a show.
And then there are the geysers—truly unlike anything else. With their vibrant colors, dramatic shapes, and plumes of steam, they add an almost surreal layer to the experience.
While much of the park is dominated by coniferous trees, the scenery is far from monotonous. Richly colored soil, meadows of wildflowers, winding rivers, and dense shrubs offer plenty of visual variety. Waterfalls tumble down cliff faces, snow-streaked mountains loom in the distance, and the sky often breaks into dramatic patches of clouds—creating a backdrop that feels straight out of a painting.
One of the most thrilling aspects of Yellowstone is the proximity to wildlife. It’s not every day you see a bear loping down next to road (thankfully from inside a car), or stumble upon a fox during a casual hike. Bison, elk, and deer are constant companions along the roadside.
Thermal features are scattered throughout the park, from serene hot springs and bubbling mud pots to explosive geysers. The spectrum of colors these features display—from deep blues and greens to fiery reds and oranges—is mesmerizing. Of course, Old Faithful is a must-see. Just keep in mind that not every eruption is equally impressive. After waiting in the sun for over 30 minutes, my first viewing was underwhelming. But the second—completely unplanned—was far more powerful and rewarding.
Looking back, I’m especially glad I gave myself three full days without a rigid itinerary. The spontaneous moments—those unplanned wildlife encounters, the sudden eruption of a geyser, the changing light across the valleys—ended up being the most memorable parts of the trip.
And finally, my car remains to be a reliable companion, making this whole trip possible. Not only was it easy to top-off the battery at an outlet of the motel, but especially the remote AC provided for a safe and comfortable place for Mochi to wait while I explored the park’s areas restricted to dogs.
