With a big day ahead of me, I fueled up over breakfast at Bernie’s Diner. As I plotted my course from Billings to Yellowstone, I dug into a huge bowl of scrambled eggs, onions, tomatoes, cheese and pulled pork smothered in chile verde. Then, I hopped in my car and headed down I-90 towards Gardiner.
Yellowstone River Valley
Breathtaking scenery emerged alongside the highway as I drove through the lovely Yellowstone River valley. I couldn’t help but stop to admire this gorgeous watershed.
After winding along the Yellowstone River through the Abaroska-Beartooth and Gallatin mountains, I arrived in the small yet bustling town of Gardiner. Small inns and local shops lined the main drag. Given the price of fuel in the park, I happily filled my gas tank here.
Since childhood, I fantasized about visiting Yellowstone in all of her hydrothermal glory. In a few short moments, my dream would become a reality!
Yellowstone National Park
Heading towards Yellowstone’s dynamic volcanic plateau, I stopped to see Roosevelt Arch before checking in with the ranger at the North Entrance. He handed over a map, and I continued my journey towards Mammoth Hot Springs!
As I wound around the bend, I found myself driving through a large, busy parking lot flanked by buildings. I parked my little GTI and toured the Albright Visitors Center.
Tips From The Park Ranger
While inside, a park ranger gave me a few tips. First, he recommended touring Norris Basin at sunrise because the parking lot can’t handle the crowds. The lots at Old Faithful are much larger, which makes this a great stop for prime time. He also recommended a drive along Firehole Canyon Road. Finally, he chuckled as he informed me that I would be off the grid here with limited cell phone coverage and wifi access. With these tips in mind, I tightened my shoelaces as I prepared for my first hike.
Mammoth Hot Springs
Looking up towards Mammoth Springs, I noticed steam rising from pockets at every angle. Boardwalks twisted around travertine terraces dotted with picturesque hot springs around every turn. With geothermal features like palette springs, new blue spring, and canary spring—I just had to see it all!
Travertine Terracettes 
Palette Hot Spring 
Palette Hot Spring 
Travertine Terracettes 
New Blue Hot Spring 
New Blue Hot Spring 
Dryad Hot Spring 
Canary Hot Spring
I trekked along the upper and lower boardwalks of Mammoth Hot Springs for hours on end.
Elk Near Fort Yellowstone
After exploring Mammoth Springs, I walked along the trail back towards my car. Stopping at a picnic area along the way, I noticed a small herd of elk relaxing near Fort Yellowstone and the park staff living quarters. One young elk’s curiosity got the best of him as he peered into the bay window of a nearby home.
Old Faithful Erupts
Wow, this park is huge. With road construction, I drove almost two hours from Mammoth Hot Springs to reach Old Faithful Inn. After checking in and getting settled, I stepped outside just in time to see Old Faithful erupt in all of her glory. Lovely!
By this point, I needed sustenance. Because I didn’t make a dinner reservation for Old Faithful Dining Room in advance, I couldn’t wiggle my way in for a meal until 8:30 that evening. No thanks! Instead, I walked across the parking lot for dinner at Snow Lodge’s Obsidian Dining Room. My bison filet, served a perfect medium rare, hit the spot. Of note, Snow Lodge had wifi—an anomaly in Yellowstone!
More From This Road Trip
- Road Trip Planning for Solo Travel
- On The Wisconsin Cheese Trail
- World’s Biggest Everything
- Dinosaurs & The Rough Riders
- Hiking Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Refuge At Range Riders Museum
