This trail still exists, except it stops where the steps once existed. So it's a very steep trail,…read morea lot of switchbacks, leading to the top of the falls. Even without the stairs, it's quite a significant climb back to the parking lot so if you're not in good condition, don't attempt!

August 2022 Update: when my fiancé and I went, two rangers informed us that they are officially…read morePERMANENTLY closing this trail. They went down to take out the sign and will not be allowing anyone to go through the stairs. They said it is too expensive to fix and costs millions of dollars with the rescues, especially with the amount of money they are spending to fix the roads from the flooding. Obviously really sad but Uncle Tom's trail is no more :(

This is such a beautiful region in Yellowstone. It's centrally located on the grand loop between…read moreYellowstone Lake and Yellowstone Falls. It is also a great spot to see lots of wildlife. Bison, elk, ducks, wolves, and lots of birds roam around this Valley. There are several turnouts along the road that you can pull over and take pictures at. The Yellowstone river is on the east side of the road. I made quite a few stops along the way and enjoyed the scenic views and the breezy weather with my morning coffee. It was a nice way to start my day. I was even able to get close enough to capture a bald eagle in flight. This Valley is named for of Ferdinand Vandeveer Hayden who conducted geological surveys in this region in the 1800's.

One of the few traffic jams I actually enjoy being a part of!…read more This is well-known as the roaming land of the bison, so if you're looking to see wildlife you definitely need to drive through this area. This is on the eastern portion of the loop a bit south of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. As a safety precaution because for some reason this happens every year: do NOT get too close to the bison and do NOT provoke them in any way! When they get agitated they will bellow and pound their feet in a revving motion, and you definitely don't want to be near them when that happens. I was talking to a ranger and he mentioned that they start coming to Hayden Valley and the park in late May or early June and leave in September, so if you're looking to see the most bison you can I'd recommend somewhere in the middle. I went in early August and I saw tons of them. Being stuck in a traffic jam in Hayden Valley is just one of the unique experiences at Yellowstone that you don't get in many places, and I recommend pulling off to take pictures of them, at a safe distance of course.

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone -- Lower Falls Do it in…read morethis order. Trust me. If Yellowstone had a crown jewel, this is it. We hit the Lower Falls from two different angles, and the order we did it made all the difference. Start at Artist Point. From here, you get the full picture -- the entire canyon stretching out in front of you, walls layered in pink, red, orange, and white from thousands of years of iron-stained rock. The waterfall sits in the distance like something out of a painting, and the river winds through the bottom of a canyon that drops 800 to 1,200 feet deep. It gives you the context to appreciate everything else you're about to see. Blue sky, puffy clouds, massive scale -- this view alone is worth the drive. Then hike down to the Brink of the Lower Falls. This is where it gets real. You're standing right at the top of a 308-foot drop, watching the full force of the Yellowstone River launch off the edge. In early May, snowmelt had it absolutely roaring -- thick mist rising up, patches of snow still clinging to the rocks below, and if the sun hits right, a rainbow forms right at the base. See the canyon first. Then feel the power up close. That's the move. Absolutely mandatory stop in Yellowstone -- don't skip either viewpoint.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone - Lower Falls is one of the most breathtaking sights in all of…read moreYellowstone National Park, and honestly, one of the most impressive waterfalls in the United States. Dropping over 300 feet, it's nearly twice the height of Niagara Falls, and the sheer power and beauty of the water crashing down into the canyon is unforgettable. What makes it even more spectacular is the colorful canyon itself. The walls are streaked with yellows, reds, and oranges--caused by hydrothermal activity altering the rock over thousands of years--which is where Yellowstone gets its name. Pair that rainbow of rock with the thundering white water of the Lower Falls, and you've got a view that feels like it belongs on a postcard. There are multiple overlooks to see the falls, but Artist Point is the most famous and gives you that iconic panoramic view. Uncle Tom's Trail also takes you closer to the action but be ready for a steep climb back up--it's worth it for the experience. The Lower Falls and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone are absolute must-sees. No trip to Yellowstone is complete without standing here and taking in this awe-inspiring natural wonder. https://linktr.ee/reessroots

The hike to the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook is amazing and totally worth it! It's not too…read moredifficult -- mostly a mix of flat surfaces with some slightly elevated areas, making it manageable for most people. Once you reach the viewpoint, the spot can get a little crowded, but the view is absolutely stunning and unforgettable. One small request to fellow visitors: please respect others and let everyone take pictures peacefully so everyone can enjoy the experience. Definitely a must-do hike if you're visiting Yellowstone!

One of my favorite spots at YNP!…read more I recommend you visit mid day to experience the full colors of grand prismatic. You can also hike the fairy falls hike to the overlook. It's about 1.5 miles round trip. It's not difficult, however there's a small area that is a little steep. We experienced the springs in cloudy/ gloomy day and the next day, very sunny and warm weather. Both experiences were amazing and unique.

We happened upon this overlook up the mountain. It was a nice panoramic view . We didnt do the…read morehike .. just drove and got out to look around on our way out of the park.

Mt. Washburn is one of the most popular hikes in Yellowstone National Park at 10,219 feet. It…read moreoffers panoramic views 20-50 miles in all direction -- really nice views of the Washburn range from up top. You climb about 1,393 feet. There is a Mt. Washburn sign at the top with the elevation and a fire lookout that has a small exhibit inside. Since it is pretty popular, I recommend hiking in the morning before 10am to avoid the crowds and get a parking spot! There are two ways to hike up to Mt.Washburn: 1) Chittenden Road: 5 miles roundtrip, roughly 2.5- 4 hours. The trail starts at the parking lot and is the shortest route up Mt. Washburn. The road provides a wide trail and a gradual steady incline. 2) Dunraven Pass: 6 miles roundtrip, roughly 3-6 hours. I heard this trail is steeper and more wooded and forest-like. Great views as you're ascending Washburn though. I personally hiked Washburn up the Chittenden Road and saw lots of ewes and lambs. It was a pretty easy hike since the incline was gradual. Beautiful views at the top! Make sure you stay on the trail for both paths to avoid destroying fragile alpine vegetation. There is a possibility to see grizzlies especially late summer and fall so remember to carry bear spray and make lots of noise! Stay 100 yards away from bears and wolves and 25 yards away from other animals in the park.

Biscuit Basin is Closed Due to a 2024 Hydrothermal Explosion! The parking lot, boardwalk, basin…read moreand Firehole River at Biscuit Basin, located north of Old Faithful, is closed to all travel until further notice due to the possibility of another event at this site.

This review is for Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek & Little Firehole Loop which was a ~3.5 miles round…read moretrip that took ~2 hours to complete. Trail begins along the flat boardwalks at the Biscuit Basin with a few smaller geysers and pools. This was where majority of the crowds were at. The dirt trail becomes narrow as you steadily hike towards the top and eventually loops down towards the waterfall. Stunning views of Mystic Falls and the surrounding areas of Yellowstone! Carry bear spray; the chances of encountering a bear is lower at popular trails but you never know. Short video of the hike for those interested! https://youtu.be/o2TcYheYtEk

Five stars - It's Yellowstone, how could I give it anything less?…read more I'll keep this simple. There are moments in this park that you will feel like you are on another planet. The geysers and the hot springs are surreal. My favorites spots were the Grand Prismatic Spring, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Fountain and Artist Paint Pots. I saw elks, bison, grizzly bears, and a wolf. My recommendations are: visit during off season (if you can), book a guided tour if it is your first time in the park, and get the America the Beautiful Pass.

Yellowstone National Park absolutely lives up to the hype. Even if you've seen the photos, even if…read moreyou think you know what to expect -- the scale of this place is hard to grasp until you're standing in it. You can watch Old Faithful erupt, walk past neon-colored hot springs, drive through wide-open valleys full of bison, and stand at the edge of a canyon that looks like it belongs on another planet -- all in the same day. Every section of the park feels different, which keeps it from ever feeling repetitive. That said, it takes planning. Distances are longer than they appear, traffic can build quickly in peak season, and wildlife jams are very real. Give yourself more time than you think you need. It's big, it's wild, and it's absolutely worth the effort.

Amazing mudpot which is an acidic hot spring with a limited water supply. Acid from the volcanic…read moregases and microorganisms decompose the surrounding rock into clay and mud. Mud pot, consistency, and activity vary with the seasons and precipitation.

The Fountain Paint Pots Trail is one of my favorite quick stops in Yellowstone. At just about a…read morehalf-mile loop on an easy boardwalk, it's short enough for families and casual visitors but still delivers some of the park's most fascinating geothermal features in one compact area. Walking the trail feels like stepping into another world. You'll see bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, colorful hot springs, and even small geysers along the way. The "paint pots" themselves are especially fun to watch--the mud bubbles and plops like a cauldron, and depending on the season, the colors and textures shift, almost like the earth is painting itself. The steam rising from the ground, the strange smells of sulfur, and the constant bubbling sounds make the whole experience feel alive and otherworldly. I really appreciated how accessible the trail is. It's flat, easy to navigate, and perfect if you're traveling with kids or just want a short walk that still gives you that "wow" factor. Since it's a boardwalk, you can get close views without worrying about damaging the fragile ground. If you're exploring Yellowstone, don't skip this stop--it's quick, unique, and a perfect snapshot of the park's geothermal magic. https://linktr.ee/reessroots

We stopped at the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone during our trip and it was honestly one of the most…read morebeautiful places in the park. The weather was sunny, which made the colors of the canyon look even more vibrant and stunning. The waterfalls flowing through the canyon make the whole view feel unreal. There are several viewpoints and each one gives a different perspective, so it's worth taking your time and stopping at a few of them. Pictures really don't capture how massive and beautiful this place is in person. Definitely one of my favorite spots in Yellowstone.

Standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon, you're greeted by a jaw-dropping panorama of layered,…read morecrimson-cliffs stretching endlessly into the horizon. The canyon's immense scale and intricate formations tell a story of millions years in the making, each ridge and shadow whispering the secrets of our Earth's ancient past. As you gaze down the Colorado River snakes through the canyon floor, its shimmering waters carving a dramatic, relentless path through a rugged and magnificent landscape. Yellowstone unfolds as a vibrant tapestry of geothermal wonder and lush gracious wilderness. The highlight is the thunderous waterfall--an awe-inspiring cascade plunging over jagged rocks with a roar that echoes through the valleys. The water's relentless descent creates a misty spray, catching rainbows in the sunlight and adding an almost mystical quality to the scene. We hiked down into these natural marvels which were both a challenge and a reward. The trail into the canyon is long, steep, and treacherous--requiring stamina, caution, and respect for the rugged terrain. The descent promises intimate encounters with nature's raw power, but the return journey can be equally demanding, demanding endurance and careful planning. This said, we had so much fun ! Whether marveling at the grandeur of the Grand Canyon, feeling the exhilarating rush of Yellowstone's waterfalls, or braving the demanding trails, these destinations offer a profound reminder of the majestic and sometimes unforgiving beauty of the natural world. I have to say this is a very special treasure of our beautiful planet earth- I highly recommend that you take an entire week to celebrate the beauty of Yellowstone's Natural Beauty!

Madison Junction is a mountainous part of Yellowstone, on the west side of the park, just within…read morethe west entrance. It's the confluence of the Madison and Gibbon Rivers, where they go from snow melt and hot springs through the park, to ultimately merge into the Yellowstone River. This area is full of wildlife- including the great American Bison! They're out here in numbers. There's so many of them. Fortunately, there's lots of pull off opportunities to get a good gander at the bison without jeopardizing the traffic. Madison offers a smaller visitors center, but the real visitors center is in West Yellowstone. Madison Junction has become one of the more major entrances to the park since the floods washed out the roads from the North Entrance. The campgrounds here looked nice, lots of shade.

My favorite part of the park I start at the west entrance and travel to the Madison junction and…read moreback to entrance I see almost every animal in the park beautiful area