WEST YELLOWSTONE, IDAHO
I was so excited to finally make it to Wyoming! I tried to go earlier this summer, back in May or June, but there was just nowhere to stay. Everything was booked solid. And if I could actually find a place, it was either insanely expensive (we're talking more than $500 a night) or a 2+ hour drive from the park entrance, sometimes both.
So, my plan to stay in VA for the summer and come back out to MT and WY after families are back in school worked out great. This time around, I was able to find a place for a reasonable rate in West Yellowstone, which is technically in Montana, just minutes from the park entrance across the Wyoming border. Plus, I was there during peak fall color. Perfect!
I arrived in West Yellowstone late Saturday night, after driving down from Glacier National Park after hiking The Highline Trail that morning. I unpacked just what I needed and went to bed. I had a busy two days ahead of me!
I took a week off from work so I could pack as much Wyoming as I can into 7 days. I spent two solid days in Yellowstone and that felt like the right amount to me. I was able to do a decent hike each day, plus drive around to all the other sights. I would say Yellowstone is more of a drive-through park than a hiking park. Most of the sights can be seen within a short walk from your car.
Someone in Montana told me that Glacier National Park and Yellowstone are similar, except that Yellowstone is better known for its wildlife and Glacier is better known for its scenery, and also that Glacier is way better. (How's that for Montana pride?)
They weren't kidding about wildlife in Yellowstone. While I was there, I saw elk, buffalo, and even a bald eagle!
Here's a quick overview of what I did:
Hiking
Things To Do
Eating
Old Town Cafe - quaint location in the heart of West Yellowstone serving homestyle food. I had pesto grilled cheese and tomato soup.
The Buffalo Bar - lively restaurant (that was packed!) serving American food and bar bites. I had a salad.
Sleeping
I stayed 3 nights at the adorably renovated Arrowhead Lodge in an efficiency unit. I love the modern rustic vibe. Check out the pics!
Normally, I'm not one for a fireplace, but I turned this one on every night. I loved turning the lights down and curling up in bed, responding to texts and going through pictures while the fireplace light flickered in the background.
A nice little bathroom with plenty of vanity space.
Things on My List I Didn't Do
See the Wolves in Lamar Valley - this is apparently one of the top things to do in Yellowstone right now. However, the best time to see the wolves is at dusk ... and after hiking and sightseeing all day, I was too tired to stay up that late! :)
Adios, Yellowstone!
Next Stop: Jackson, WY and the Grand Tetons. See you there!