The most beautiful natural sites to discover Côte Ouest Etats-Unis

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).

The national monument is known for its picturesque rocky silhouette in cubic form 60 meters above Yellowstone River, 48 kilometers west of Billings, but also to accommodate the only physical testimony of the Lewis and Clark convoy. If you look closely at the rock, you can see the remains of carved animals, memories of the tribes that come camping and hunt the bison near the river. In 1806, Captain William Clark left his signature and the date in that rock. After crossing the water divide, the convoy is divided into two groups so Lewis can explore the Marias River. It was during this trip that Captain Clark went to the Pompeys Pillar and left the mark now very popular. Count just over one kilometer to reach the rock. When the park is closed, visitors can always visit the site during the day but the infrastructure is closed (toilets, Interpretative Center).

Designated a national historic monument in 1964, due to its historical and archeological significance, the site provides more than 100 pictograms and rock paintings, prehistoric hunters and more recently Amerindian tribes in the region. It can be seen, in particular, from rifles, horses and other animals. The oldest rock art dates over 2,000 years; the most recent additions are estimated between 200 and 500 years. An interpretive trail of just over one kilometer away from the Visitor Center leads to Pictograph, Middle and Ghost caves. It is advisable to bring binoculars to better appreciate pictograms. The walk is also an opportunity to observe the many birds that live in the region and the spectacular landscapes of the park. Plan to stop at the Visitor Center for more information on site visit and history.

With 8.76 km ² of area, the Wild Horse Island is the largest island in Flathead Lake. The Salish-Kootenai tribes originally used it as safe enclosures for their horses, thus avoiding their flying by enemy tribes. The island owned by the Flathead Indian Reserve is now a state park (since 1987). It hosts abundant fauna. You can see deer, beliers, sheep, many birds including eagles and hawks and wild horses (5 in all and for everything). You can also watch plants brought by men at the beginning of the twentieth century, replacing the native species of the island. The prairie short grass you can see is the only grass of this species to survive in the state. The park is equipped with dry toilets, it can be accessed by leasing a boat, canoeing, jet ski or paddle board. Boat rental companies can also arrange trips on the island. Once on the ground, you will appreciate this natural paradise ideal for hiking, watching wildlife, engaging in photo, picnic or swimming. One of the island's popular activities is geoaching, a geolocalized treasure hunt managed by an application. It is a fun activity for both children and adults. To participate, you must have a GPS or a telephone with navigation, and have first created an account and downloaded the information from the website. For this, visit www. geocaching com.

Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, named as a tribute to the expedition that took place on July 31, 1805 near Antelope Creek, is known mainly for its homonymous limestone caves. Spectacular caves of stalactites and stalagmites, rocky columns and choppers whose lighting reveals the finesse and complexity of mother nature's work. First opened to the visit in the 1900 s but not fully accessible, caves were beautifully landscaped. The park is open all year round, but guided tours of caves are only made from May 1 to September 30. Facilities include campsites, hiking sites, two reception centers, interpretive panels and evening programs during the summer months.

Over 4,000 kilometers, the Missouri River, known as "Big Muddy" because of its troubled waters, is the longest tributary of Mississippi. It is in the park of Missouri Headwaters State Park, northwest of Bozeman, that it takes its source at the confluence of three rivers from the Rocky Mountains: The Jefferson, the Madison and the Gallatin River. She then crossed the Great Plains to South Dakota, descended along the border between Nebraska and Iowa, then continued east of Kansas to the state of Missouri before going to Mississippi just north of Saint-Louis. Lewis and Clark were the first white people to enter the region. They camped on the banks of Missouri in 1805. The Flathead, Bannock and Shoshone Indians fought for control of this strategic region, as the trappers and settlers later did.

The abundance of water gives rise to lush vegetation, and the Missouri Headwaters State Park aims to preserve this abundant flora and fauna. The park, which covers approximately 215 hectares, includes 17 campsites, picnic areas, hiking and cycling trails and interpretive sites in the region's history and biodiversity. The site is also known to be very photogenic.

Summer Speakers Series are conferences held Saturday evening at 7:00 p. m. at the park picnic area level (where Lewis and Clark camped), followed by a campfire where chamallows can be tracked. It's free, you just need to bring your campchair.

At 1.6 km from the Devil's Canyon Overlook, the hiking starts from the Sullivan's Knob car park. A very short journey (loop about 1.2 km) that will allow you to get closer to the canyon and offer breathtaking views of the winding river and the eroded cliffs.

An unavoidable visit. The lookout with the small Taryon Overlook Road paved road offers breathtaking views of the confluence of the Bighorn and Devil Canyons. The chasm, shaped by time and erosion, is made here close, winding and colorful. With a little luck, you may also observe American sheep and mountain goats that crave on the rugged canyon walls.

This park houses three huge stone arches (or bridges) created by erosion; their small Hopi names: Kachina, Owachomo, and Sipapu (68 m long, 67 high, for example). Others in the surrounding area have collapsed. It is also one of the places in the United States where the night sky is least polluted by artificial light.