Location: Yellowstone National Park

Before I left for my trip to Jackson and Yellowstone, Wyoming I tweeted that I was excited for a fun/relaxing/eye-opening/grounding adventure.  When you go to a place like Wyoming, I guess it’s a little hard not to check each of those boxes a couple times over.  So if you’re headed out west and need a fun, relaxing, eye-opening and grounding tip or two, read on.

FUN

 It’s been a long time since I’ve had so much cheesy fun as I did at the Bar T 5 Chuck Wagon dinner.  What isn’t fun about riding a covered chuck wagon through a Jackson trail, having some chow and singing old cowboy songs with 100 retirees straight off the tour bus?  If you go expecting the night to be filled with corny fun then you won’t be disappointed. 

812 Cache Creek  Drive, Jackson, WY 83001

800-772-5386

Website

RELAXING

Even trips in nature can be hectic and stressful.  After many long days hiking and driving from sight to sight I definitely needed some quiet me-time.  And the historic Old Faithful Inn was the perfect place to unwind.  When you visit, sit in front of the fireplace or in any of the comfortable chairs in the 2-story lobby and reflect on your trip.  While you won’t be alone among the awe-inspiring architecture, you might find that watching passers-by in the dense quiet of the lobby is oddly comforting and peaceful.  Grab a glass of wine, bring a book and relax.

EYE-OPENING

Just as I was feeling a little disappointed about not seeing much wildlife on our first day in Yellowstone, we drove in to the Lamar Valley - ‘North America’s Serengeti’ - on the northeast side of the park.  We were greeted with thousands of bison (that love to crowd the roadway by the way) and got to see 2 black bears and a pack of howling wolves coming out of the woods for dinner time on a bison carcass.  A ranger later told us it is very unusual to see bears and wolves existing so peacefully together - especially when food is involved.  When you enter the park, ask a Ranger about any unique wildlife sightings.  They’ll give you great insight on where to go and when.   Maybe you’ll see bears and wolves too.

GROUNDING

If you do your research on Yellowstone geysers, you’ll know that Great Fountain Geyser is one of the best.  I didn’t do my research so it’s by pure luck and patience that I was able to witness Great Fountain erupting at sunset.  The Old Faithful Visitor Center posts predicted eruption times.  If you see a prediction for Great Fountain at sunset, go there.  Words can’t describe the breath-taking beauty and pictures are marginally better.  All I can say is that Mother Nature is awesome and she brought tears to my eyes.   

Firehole Lake Drive, Lower Geyser Basin
More about the geyser

It’s by pure luck that we wound up staying at Jackson Lake Lodge on our last night in Wyoming.  And it’s by pure luck (not planning) that we arrived there at sunset.  The lodge is set overlooking the Grand Tetons with the kind of view that makes you feel so small in a really good way.  Even if you aren’t staying at the Lodge, make it a point to marvel at the beauty of nature with a sunset on their patio.  Hopefully the picture above is enough to convince you. 

24 miles north of Jackson Hole airport
800-628-9988 

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EXTRA TIP: If you’re in the Old Faithful area waiting for a geyser to erupt, chat up a Geyser Gazer.  You’ll know who they are by their walkie-talkies and binoculars.  They have so much info to share on predicting eruptions and are fun to tag along to as they chase eruption after eruption.