Things to see and do Wyoming

The eruption of the Grand Geyser, the largest foreseeable geyser in the world, takes place every 7 to 3 hours. Classic geyser fountain, a gigantic water column springs from a large basin into powerful gusts. The rash lasts on average from 9 to 12 minutes and consists of one to four gusts reaching sometimes 60 ¾ meters.

Wyoming Historic Governor's Mansion was the home of 19 governors of Wyoming and their families, including the first female governor of the country, Nellie Tayloe Ross. A mixture of red bricks and columns, the majestic manor has welcomed, since its construction, the beautiful world of American presidents and famous authors. Recorded in the National Register of Historic Sites since 1969, the former house of governors opened its doors to the public as an historic museum in 1977. The opportunity to discover its luxurious installations for the time (central plumbing, electrical appliances…) and to relive the history of its occupants through the different eras. 

Close to Roosevelt Lodge, this hot springs pool along the Yellowstone River signals the end of the Grand Canyon rapids. Modified géothermie by geothermal also inspired painter Moran. The imposing cliff of basalt columns across the river, facing from the panoramic point of view, is a remnant of an ancient lava lava lava flow that shaped largely the landscape of the park. These gorges and cliffs are protected habitat for many wildlife species, such as sheep, red-tailed falcon and osprey.

At a half mile walk, upstream of the parking area, large clouds of steam mark its location.

A large hot source is mixed in the Gardiner River, allowing swimming regardless of the surrounding temperature (permitted daily swimming only and in summer because in spring the water level is too high).

Gibbon Geyser Basin is a source zone from the north edge of Gibbon Meadows to Gibbon Canyon: We will see Gibbon Hill Geyser at the foot of Gibbon Hill (2,621 meters) and Artists Paint Pots at the foot of Paintpot Hill (2,455 meters). A bridge on the Gibbon River and a trail (2 hours) lead to the permanently active Monument Geyser. A little further away, Beryl Spring is one of the most beautiful sources of the park. The Gibbon Falls are beautiful 26 meter waterfalls.

At rest since 1888, this once most powerful source, once the most powerful in the park, launched a water column of 8 m thick at 60-90 meters high. The crater is filled today by a lake of deep blue, 120 meters long over 60 to 70 meters wide and whose shores rise up to 6 meters above the boiling water. The creaming crater creates over 15 m ³ of water per minute in the Firehole River.

West Thumb, South Disturbance Road from the south along the Lewis River meets the big Loop Road. Northeast of West Thumb Junction on the shore of the lake: several geysers, many hot springs colored by microscopic algae, the Thumb Paintpots and Fishing Cone, a crater of a source that stands on the lake waters. Craig Pass (2,518 meters) west, is located on the continental water divide: Little Isa Lake sends the waters from its source to the Pacific and to the Atlantic.

On the southern limits of the lake there are a large number of hot springs, some of which are boiling and others producing the most beautiful clay, resembling a pot of boiling that is projected to a height of 6 to 9 ¾ meters. Clay is white and pink and water seems unfathomable. In other places, pure sulfur is projected in abundance. At times, the soil trembles sharply and then produces an explosion resembling thunder. There are several hundred sources, some along the shoreline, others more indoors and others in the very lake, the size of which varies from mini fountain to wells of 20 ± meters in diameter and deep depth. The water, with pale violet color, is very clear, which makes it possible to discern small objects up to 15 meters below the surface. Another small group presents sources filled with a mud resembling thick paint, different colors ranging from pure white to nuanced shades of yellow, pink, red and violet. At certain times of the day, these sludge are projected to more than 4 meters.

From Lone Star Geyser to the Shoshone Geyser Basin at the western tip of Shoshone Lake, a vast area of hot springs where the Union Geyser is located. From its three craters - Northern Cone, Center Cone and Southern Cone - the Little Giant Geyser, the Lion Geyser and the Bronze Geyser are always sprung up. Shoshone Lake, surrounded by wooded mountains, is linked to Lewis Lake, located further southeast by the Lewis River Channel.

Shoshone Lake, the second largest lake in the park, is located at the beginning of Lewis River, southwest of West Thumb. Shoshone Lak, 61 ¾ meters deep, has an area of 3 ¾ 220 hectares and houses three species of fish such as lake trout, brown trout and chub of Utah. Shoshone Lake originally did not harbor fish due to the height of waterfalls on the Lewis River. Both trout were implanted there from 1890, and the chub of Utah was apparently introduced as bait for fishing. This great lake, a source of the Lewis River, flows to the Pacific Ocean through the Snake River Basin. This lake, the largest of the 48 states, is not accessible by road. Motorboats are prohibited.

Fishing Cone is a hot water source located in the West Thumb Geyser Basin. So hot that we could fish in the lake and cook his fish there at the end of the line, which made him famous. It is now banned because dangerous. A geyser sometimes spreads at 12 meters, which can burn the imprudently.

A wooded ridge southeast of Jenny Lake. Small groups of pronghorn antilopes, the fastest of US terrestrial animals, graze near the sage throughout the day. The momentum leaves the shading of Timķisland at dawn and sunset to eat grass in the middle of the sage.

A mile east of Jackson Lake Junction. Calm water houses trout that become prey for otters, osprey, white eagles and white pelicans of America. Watch the swimming of muskrats and beavers. The momentum can be observed among abundant banks of the banks and the pasture elk sometimes in aspen wood.

Jenny Lake Scenic Drive skirts Jenny Lake and offers beautiful views of the summits. This panoramic road is a one-way street and starts south of String Lake. You will access it south from North Jenny Lake Junction.

The upper and lower falls of Yellowstone are due to the erosion of the Yellowstone River flowing on progressively more tender rocks, less resistant. Upper Falls, 33 meters tall, are upstream of the Lower Falls. They can be admired from the Upper Falls Trail and Uncle Tom Trail. The Lower Falls, 94-meter high, can be seen from Lookout Point, Red Rock Point, Artist Point, the Lower Falls Trail, and various points on the southern shore trail. The flow may vary from 19 ¾ m ³/second in fall to 231 ¾ m ³/second, as much as the rainy season. A third fall is in the canyon between the Upper and Lower Falls. It can be seen from the south shore trail just east of Uncle Tom's Area.

The Lion group consists of four geysers: Lion, Lionne, Big Cub and Little Cub, all connected underground. Lion has the largest cone and the biggest eruptions. Active phases occur normally every day. The Lion Geyser eruptions last 1 to 7 ¾ minutes and are often preceded by a sudden jet of steam and deep rowing, hence the name Lion.

Although small, along the Firehole River, it has little wonders like the Excelsior Geyser or the Grand Prismatic Spring. Nearby is the beautiful Turquoise Pool, a clear turquoise water basin of 30 meters wide.

This vast geothermal business park can be visited on foot, along the track Fountain Paint Pots, and by car, along Firehole Lake Drive.

Twin Buttes dominate Lower Geyser Basin, together with geysers covering an area of over 30 mi ² and has some 700 hot springs. Le Fountain Paint Pot is a shimmering cauldron in yellow and red, from where a footpath leading to Morning Geyser, Fountain Geyser and Spasm Geyser.

This 26-meter waterfall plunges into a cliff, a vestige of the collapse of the great caldera in Yellowstone.

At mud sources in Mud Volcano and Black Dragons Caldron, there are disturbing lead bubbles of lead; Dragon Mouth is a steam source that tempers brightly and spews.

East view on Sulphur hills, a region of hot springs and fumaroles whose craters have deposited large amounts of sulphur.

Harlequin Lake is located approximately 2.5 km west of Madison Campground and Madison Junction. The trail leads to a quiet and relaxing lake. It gently climbs through a forest to reach the southern edge of the lake. Lilies cover much of its surface, often frequented by many birds. On the back, enjoy the panoramic view of Brother Mountains.

The trail starts from Dunraven Pass. This is the most popular hike in the park. From the very beginning, you will enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. You cross reputed openings for their abundant fauna, sometimes sheep or even bears. The road then sinks through the forest and then the grasslands, approaching rocky outcrops. You will finally join one of the three observation towers of the park fire, built at the top of the mountain. The point of view is impregnable on a large part of the park that takes place at the bottom of the sights of the chain of Absaroka, and even farther away, those of the Grand Teton National Park.

Possibility to start this hike near Mammoth Terrace or near the old Gardiner Road. A pleasant trail between the hydrothermal terraces climbing on the hill goes beyond a pond and gives you the opportunity to observe wildlife: elk, deer, birds, beavers, sometimes bears.

The loop connects two small lakes along the south shore of the Grand Canyon. A relatively flat trail that winds through the meadows and forests to the lake to the beautiful emerald color of Clear Lake. Then far away Lake Ribbon lets you guess under the lilies that cover it.

The Fairy Falls Trail is located on the Grand Loop Road between Midway Geyser Basin and Old Poli. The trail crosses the Firehole River on the old goods road before following the Midway Geyer basin. A pleasant walk through the pine trees to the delicate waterfall of Fairy Falls. Continue the walk to the Imperial Geyser and come back on your steps.

The main information point is on the Wyoming side, which is an essential information point before exploring the park. It also offers picnic tables, a bookstore and several very interesting exhibitions on the history of the park and its historical ranches.

Medecine Wheel (originally known as Bighorn Medicine Wheel) is a medicinal route located in the Bighorn National Forest, east of Bighorn Lake. It is a large circular structure made of stones and arranged on the ground. The site, recognized as an historic heritage since 1970, has been identified as a sacred place used for rituals but also for scientific purposes in the Amerindian tradition. Yet no tribe recognized its construction or membership. According to the Crows, it already existed when they arrived in the region. In winter, when the road is closed, it is still possible to reach the site by going back to the trail that leaves the camping Five Springs.

The Cloud Peak Wilderness is a reserve located in the most rugged part south of the Bighorn chain. It is a wild and rugged area whose heart is not accessible by car, imposing itself as one of the best hiking destinations in the country, as well as climbing, fishing or cross-country skiing in winter. Explore this beautiful region with small streams, mountain lakes and other beautiful water points.

The park offers beautiful walks but keep in mind that you will not see any fossils that are gathered at the Visitor Center. On the other hand, you will enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the desert valley and its colorful reliefs.

Historic Quarry Trail, a 4 km loop open in summer.

Nature Trail, a 2.4 km loop open all year round.

Cundick Ridge Road, a 3.2 kilometer journey.

Eaglenest Point Road, a 3.2 km trail.

Rubey Point Road, a 4.8 kilometer journey.

The National Elk Refuge, located on the edge of Bridger-Teton National Forest and Grand Teton National Park, has been responsible, since 1912, for protecting wild elk herds from the region. Therefore, if it first welcomes cervids that take refuge in winter, its 10,000 hectares are also the host land of many other species including wolves, bison and more than 175 species of birds including swans and eagles with white heads. The huge herd of elk on the background of white landscapes and serene summits offers a unique spectacle.

If there are several hiking trails, this little course of just over 2 kilometers is the most popular. The Tower Trail is around the monolith in about 30 minutes and offers magnificent views of the imposing devil's tower. The walk alternates trees and discovered parts. Easy and indispensable to measure the non-standard of training.

Joyner Ridge's parking lot offers the best place to watch the stars. Check out the Visitor Center for the dates of Night Sky Programs, the observation programs organized by the park.

The Overhang Cliff is a 46 meter high lava wall, slightly overhanging. Below the road, in the Yellowstone Canyon, stands The Needle, a 79 meter basalt needle.

A lateral road (13 km) leads towards Mount Washburn (3,122 meters), which offers a beautiful panorama of most of the park: Yellowstone Lake, Absaroka Range, Grand Teton and Gallatin Range.

Southwest of Yellowstone Lake is the Red Mountains chain with Factory Hill (2,900 meters), Mount Sheridan (3,142 meters) and Mount Hancock (3,113 meters).