Yellowstone National Park

Blue Bells

YellowStone National Park - On my first trip to Yellowstone in 2002, I was amazed at the vibrant blue color of these flowers all along the road. This time around, I took a few close ups.

Hot Water

YellowStone National Park - A hot spring bubbling away in the Norris Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park.

A Pair

Yellowstone National Park - These two bison are along the roadside of the Hayden Valley. You should here the grunt that they make. You will not forget it. If you could hear the sound of "mean", their grunt would be it.

Bison Jam

Yellowstone National Park - This is how I was introduced to bison in 2002 on my first trip to Yellowstone. These guys will litterly lay in the road for an hour, causing a huge traffic jam. Most of the time, they just cross the road or walk down it.

Symbol of the American West

Yellowstone National Park - I usually do not do Black and White images unless I feel that they can make a statement. This bison from Yellowstone fits the bill.

Bison Calves

Yellowstone National Park - These two are just starting their time in the circle of life. If they make it through their first Yellowstone winter, they stand a good chance at living a long time. In a few weeks, the plentiful food of the American Serengeti will dry up and one of the coldest winters in the US will take hold.

Bison Herd

Yellowstone National Park - More bison in the Hayden Valley of Yellowstone National Park. There are some trails through this valley, but I have not been able to try them out. Something about 2 ton cows with horns and roaming wolves keep me by the road.

Bison Herd

Yellowstone National Park - A herb of bison in the Hayden Valley of Yellowstone National Park taking in the afternoon sun and lunch.

Big head

Yellowstone National Park - A close up of a very big bison.

Still water

Yellowstone National Park - This image I took on US 20 on the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake. Funny thing is that I grew up not far from US 20 in Indiana. I never new that the road to Yellowstone ran just 2 miles north of my high school. I first came to Yellowstone in 2002 when I needed to take a vacation from the military. I still remember it as one of the best adventures of my life.

Misty Morning

Yellowstone National Park - I struggle to say warm waters of the Yellowstone River, but on this morning, the water was warmer. You could get away with swimming in the Yellowstone River or Yellowstone Lake in July and early August, but it will be cold.

Dead Trees

Yellowstone National Park - The saturate colors of the grass and sky are separated be the white of the dead trees. More victims of the 1988 fires.

Sheep

Yellowstone National Park - Lots of sheep roam the slopes of Mt Washburn.

Looking back

Yellowstone National Park - Here us the trail that Deb and I hiked up to the top of Mt Washburn on. It is a winding service road with expansive views. I recommend this trail. It is also known as Chittendon rd. You cannot drive up it, but who would want to rush views like this?

Dead Trees

Yellowstone National Park - Lots of dead tress on the slopes of Mt Washburn. I think these were the victims of the 1988 fires. From the top of Mt Washburn, you can see the random checkerboard burn pattern of the great fire that changed the landscape for generations.

Top of the World

Yellowstone National Park - Mt Washburn is one of the best hikes in Yellowstone National Park. You do not get to see and geothermal features, but you do get an incredible view. The fire tower at the top also provides a nice place to rest.

Top of the World

Yellowstone National Park - I could spend an entire day sitting on top of Mt Washburn. The cool air and warm sun with the spectacular views makes for the perfect afternoon in the Rocky Mountains.

Trail

Yellowstone National Park - This is looking north from the top of Mt Washburn in Yellowstone National Park. I have not yet taken this trail yet. It is on my list. From here you can see the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and the Hayden Valley. On a real clear day, you can see the Grand Tetons abut 80 miles away,

Hot Spring

Yellowstone National Park - The steam of the hot springs in the morning can make them difficult to photograph. You need a light wind to blow the steam to the side so you can capture the color of the springs. The wind also helps with another challenge of photographing around hot spring, foggy lens. The hot steam hits your cold lens and you are taking a break to clean them.

Hot Spring

Yellowstone National Park - The Norris Geyser Basin is the hottest geothermal area in the park. Each summer, the ground can get so hot that it can boil water.

Steamboat Geyser

Yellowstone National Park - Steamboat geyser is steaming away. It is the worlds tallest active geyser. It is also very unpredictable. Few get lucky enough to see this one blow.

Hot Spring

Yellowstone National Park - I'm not sure which hot spring this is. It is in the Norris Geyser Basin. The hot springs are more dramatic in the cool morning air because of the steam.

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park - Below you can see the Yellowstone River carving out the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. This is a very early morning shot. Without all of the tourist running around, you get to enjoy unobstructed views and a the quiet tranquility of the place.