When grandpa is in charge he loves to take us on the best of the best tours of the park. He shared with us his agendas for a couple days and said we can share them too. Be sure to check the current conditions first always before heading out…..So here you go, grandpa Randy’s road trip in Yellowstone…

Yellowstone, Day 1 Day 2 click here

1.     West Yellowstone to Madison Junction (14 miles); on the way you hopefully will see buffalo and elk

2.     Madison Junction turn left towards Norris, on the way stop at Gibbon Falls (plenty of parking in authorized spaces)

3.     Spend some time at Norris Geyser Basin; between Madison Junction and Norris is 14 miles

4.     From Norris head towards Mammoth Hot Springs, a short stop is Sheepeater Cliff, this is sort off the main highway and it’s worth reading the story and kids may elect to climb the rocks

5.     You may want to stop at one of the pullouts after starting the drop towards Mammoth; you will know this; it’s quite a view and small water fall on the stream

6.     Just prior to getting into Mammoth Hot Springs, turn left into Upper Mammoth Terrace (I think that’s the name).  You will distinguish this turn by the sign “No Busses allowed”; it’s a one-way system and keep everyone in vehicles as you make this 2-mile loop; once back to almost getting on highway, drop off everyone and have them walk the boardwalk and the terraces down into Mammoth.  Cell phones work here so you won’t get lost.  Vehicles can park at the bottom and then drivers go to boardwalk and see the beauty firsthand.  Be sure to watch the hot water going over the rocks – on the right as you view this area.

7.     In the town of Mammoth (an Army Post originally built in the late 1800s) is the HQs for Yellowstone National Park.  Elk often wander on the outside of the buildings and grounds (depending on time of year)

8.     There is an information center in town and restrooms and museum are located in the basement.  Check on directions to Boiling River.

9.     Continue through Mammoth and towards Gardiner, MT.  After passing through government housing for employees and a campground (both along the roadway), the parking area for Boiling River is there.  Big parking area, but no advertising for Boiling River.  If you cross the River, you’ve gone too far.

10.  You may see bighorn sheep on the mountain side near the 45th Parallel sign. Have your binoculars ready to view.

11.  Be sure to photo the Roosevelt Tower and you may then want to take a little time and drive through Gardiner and then back to Mammoth.

12.  At Mammoth, now turn towards Tower Falls.

13.  Continue past the junction to the LaMar Valley and go to Tower Falls.  At Tower, you either return way you came or follow the highway to Mt Washburn and then into Hayden Valley and back to Norris.  (I would do this on Day 2 and maybe have a little time to stop at Firehole for a beautiful swim – weather permitting – you NEED aqua socks or an old pair of sneakers because the ground that you walk around is very rocky).

14.  Head back to the cabin.

stay tuned for Grandpa Randy’s Yellowstone road trip day 2….