Author: ourtravelvision

Devon in … a week

Devon is a county in southwest England, renowned for its spectacular coastline, beautiful beaches , medieval town, moorland national parks and of course the Devonshire cream tea 😊. Devon is divided in North Devon facing the Bristol channel and South Devon facing the English channel.

We spent about a week enjoying the beauty of Devon.😊

Exeter is the capital of Devon and a good base to visit both Dartmoor and the south coast. It’s a vibrant, attractive and historically interesting city. The Cathedral, dating back 900 years, is one of the finest examples of decorated Gothic architecture in England. The Historic Quayside is one of the most attractive areas of the city, with its fascinating history, interesting architecture and lively pubs and restaurants. For a comprehensive history of the quay check out the Custom House Visitor Centre.

DARTMOOR NATIONAL PARK

The moorland, protected by National park status since 1951, covers 368 sq miles & it’s full of dramatic landscapes, rolling hills, rivers & full of exciting rock formations, known as Tors.

Useful Websites :

Information and above map :https://visitdartmoor.co.uk/map-of-dartmoor & https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/

From the north of the park along road A382 sights worth visiting:

Spinster’s Rock is the best surviving example in Devon of a Neolithic burial chamber known as a dolmen or cromlech erected around 3500-2500 B.C. It not easy to find though as it’s in a field in the middle of nowhere.

Castle Drogo part of National Trust https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-drogo

Chagford : ancient Stannary town with a small but charming town square.
Moretonhampstead : ancient market town dating back over 1000 years to Saxon times.
Bovey Tracey is another pretty market town and home to the Devon Guild of Craftsmen

Ashburton along road A38 is renowned of its artisan foodie shops, independent and antique shops. For a nice tea break stop at Taylor & Moor tea room/art gallery on the high street https://taylorandmoor.com/.

Buckfast Abbey south of Ashburton is home to a community of Benedictine monks originally established in 1018. The abbey and gardens are definitely worth a stop. In the gift shop you can find the famous Buckfast tonic wine (caffeinated fortified wine originally made by monks) https://www.buckfast.org.uk/

Totnes is an historic market town that combines alternative therapies, breathtakingly beautiful countryside and a fascinating history. Sitting in the heart of South Devon on the banks of the River Dart, this unique and charming town has an international reputation for its lively and diverse community and relaxed atmosphere.

From Est to West from Bovey Tracey along road B3387

Haytor Rocks is a collection of rocky outcrops. The two main outcrops are huge tors of granite that dominate their surroundings. You can park in the visitor centre car park and walk up to the tors. The top offers spectacular views across Dartmoor and the south Devon coast. On a clear day, you can see the South Devon sea.

Widecombe in the Moor is a picture-perfect Dartmoor village and definitely my favorite. The medieval parish church of St Pancras is known as the Cathedral of the Moors. A few steps away from the church is the 16th century Church House, originally built to offer food, ale and rest to local people who travelled great distances over the moors to attend church services. We enjoyed a very nice lunch in “The Cafe on the green” https://www.thecafeonthegreen.co.uk/

Postbridge lies in the centre of Dartmoor on B3212 and is home to the famous Clapper Bridge believed to have been built in the 13th century. The bridge has two central piers spanned by three large granite slabs, or clappers. In nearby Bellever Forest, there are many archaeological remains, including roundhouses, stone rows and a burial cist.

Merrivale Prehistoric Settlement. Dartmoor is rich in prehistoric remains, and the group of monuments at Merrivale is one of the finest on the moor. The site includes remains of a Bronze Age settlement and a complex of ritual sites, including three stone rows, a stone circle, standing stones and a number of cairns. The monuments were probably built over a long period, between about 2500 BC and 1000 BC. The site is part of English Heritage. https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/merrivale-prehistoric-settlement/

Dartmoor ponies are the landscape’s most hardy animal and the official symbol of the national park. They’ve lived on the moor for centuries, thriving despite harsh winter weather. All of the ponies in the moor (around 1500) are wild in the sense they can roam freely but in fact they are owned by various Dartmoor Commoners.

Tavistock is an ancient stannary town, birthplace of Sir Frances Drake and home of the cream tea created by the monks of Tavistocks Benedictine Abbey in the 10th century. It is the only town in Devon to hold world heritage status. Check the following website for details on what to visit: https://www.visit-tavistock.co.uk/top-10-things-to-do

THE SOUTH COAST & THE “ENGLISH RIVIERA”

Plymouth “Britain’s Ocean City” is a vibrant waterfront city packed full of attractions. Wander the Barbican’s quaint cobbled quayside and stop at the Mayflower steeps from which the Pilgrims are believed to have left England aboard the Mayflower, before crossing the Atlantic Ocean to settle in North America on 6 September 1620. The traditional site of their disembarkation in North America is Plymouth Rock. We enjoyed seeing the Mayflower starting point as few years ago we visited Plymouth rock and plantation in New England USA 😊. Not far from the Barbican is the Royal Citadel the most impressive 17th century fortress in Britain. Just after the Citadel is Plymouth Hoe & the Smeaton’s tower the red and white stripes former lighthouse. For map & further details on what to visit check the following website: https://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/

Salcombe sits on the banks of the Kingsbridge Estuary making it one of the prettiest towns in South Devon. Located within the South Devon Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty, Salcombe is known for its stunning coastal views, rolling surrounding countryside, as well as a centre for sailing.

Dartmouth on the banks of the picturesque River Dart, is a pretty medieval town with strong maritime history and home to the Britannia Royal Naval College. The town centre offers a long promenade with amazing views across the river Dart, a pretty marina, great architecture, the Bayard’s Cove Fort, fine shops and restaurants. Not far from the centre you can find Dartmouth Castle https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/dartmouth-castle/

Torquay, set at the very heart of the English Riviera, is famous for its beautiful sandy beaches, iconic palm trees, international marina, seafront promenade & genteel Victorian appearance. The town is the birthplace of Agatha Christie. Don’t miss Thatcher Point with a stunning view of Thatcher Rock and the sea.

Cockington is a stunning village, near Torquay, lined with colorful thatched houses, a thatched pub, a manor house & a cricket ground. Many of the cottages are from the 16th Century. Don’t miss it

Brixham is a picturesque fishing village with 18th century fisherman’s cottages, a full-size replica of Sir Francis Drake’s Golden Hind ship and a variety of atmospheric cafes and restaurants serving fresh seafood from the famous Brixham Fish Market. If you have time visit the natural caves of Kent Cavern and the limestone cliffs of Berry Head . There are some excellent seafoods restaurants in Brixham. Our favourite is Beamers a nautical-themed restaurant with views across the harbour and fantastic food. https://beamersrestaurant.co.uk/

THE NORTH COAST

Clovelly is a picturesque & ancient fishing village once owned by the Queen of England. From Elizabethan days until today, Clovelly has been in private ownership, which has helped preserve its original atmosphere. Clinging to a 400 foot cliff, it has no vehicular traffic, just donkeys and sledges. Its steep, cobbled street tumbles its way down to the ancient fishing harbor and C14th quay . Please note there is an entrance fee to the village. For more info check the following website https://www.clovelly.co.uk/

Appledore is another historic fishing village with winding narrow streets and colorful houses. It sits at the confluence of the Taw and Torridge river with lovely views across to Instow

Croyde, the surfing capital of North Devon, is another magical village home to many fairytales thatched houses and beautiful views over Croyde bay & Baggy Point

Woodacombe has one of the finest beaches in the West Country & Mortehoe has spectacular views across the Channel.

Ilfracombe since 1874 is a leading holiday resort in north Devon with its picturesque historic harbour, quaint pastel coloured houses, 14^th Century chapel and Damien Hirst’s statue Verity.

EXMOOR NATIONAL PARK

Exmoor is famous for its towering sea cliffs, high moors, tumbling streams and deep valleys. At just 693 square kilometres it is one of the UK’s smallest National Parks but It has the highest coastline on the British mainland (314m above sea Level). Two thirds of the park is in Somerset and one third is in Devon.

Useful Websites :

https://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/

For below map https://visitlyntonandlynmouth.com/exmoor-national-park/

The picturesque twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth are located in the middle of the rugged Exmoor coastline. The pretty village of Lynmouth sits at sea level, following the River Lyn down to the sea, whilst Lynton sits higher on the cliff. The 2 towns are connected by the Cliff Railway (opened in 1890), the highest and steepest fully water powered Victorian railway in the World.

Valley of the Rocks (also known as ‘Valley of Rocks’) is a dramatic section of coastline on the northern edge of Exmoor. The best way to experience its beauty is to follow the coastal path to Lynton (3.5miles circular walk). For a nice break and scones stop at “Mother Meldrums Tea Gardens”

ACCOMODATION

We stayed at Wolfin Farm near Crediton in their lovely annexe. https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/wolfing-farm-luxury-annexe.en-gb.html

Enjoy Devon 😊

Grand Teton National Park in … 2 days

Post author By ourtravelvision
Post date May 19, 2021
No Comments on Grand Teton National Park in … 2 days

The park is located in Wyoming close to Yellowstone National Park. Highway 26/89/191 runs the length of the park between the town of Jackson in the south and Yellowstone’s southernmost entrance in the north. Grand Teton became a national park in 1929.

The best time to visit is mid May/June & September/October when temperatures are milder, the park is less busy and fully open. Weather is always unpredictable so be prepared for any weather conditions (from winter jackets to shorts). We visited at the end of May 2019 and it was very cold and we were not able to see the Grand Teton Mountain range as always covered by clouds and fog 😢.

Highway 26/89/191 is open year- round however Teton Park road is closed from November trough mid May

At the entrance you will receive the visitor guide & map but if you prefer you can download it from the National park website and print it (A3 format). https://www.nps.gov/carto/hfc/carto/media/GRTEmap1.jpg

DRIVE THE 42 MILES SCENIC DRIVE

The scenic drive is a combination of Highway 26/89/191 and Teton Park Road. You can do it clockwise ( Teton park Road first) or anticlockwise (Highway 26/89/91).

ANTICLOCKWISE SIGHTS TO SEE:

MORMON ROW HISTORIC DISTRICT

Drive north from Jackson on Highway 26/89/191 past Moose Junction and turn right onto Antelope Flats Road. Follow the road about 1 ½ miles until you see a dirt road marked by a distinctive pink stucco house on the left with a small parking area.

Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormons, sent parties from the Salt Lake Valley to establish new communities and support their expanding population. These settlers first arrived in the 1890s from Idaho establishing a community of 27 homesteads known as “Mormon Row.”

Today the 2 barns, built by settlers John & TA Alma, highlight Mormon Row and attract photographers from around the world to capture these iconic historic structures with the Teton Range in the background. Unfortunately Grand Teton was covered by clouds but still an amazing place and atmosphere

SCHWABACHER’S LANDING

Next stop it’s a lovely spot on the Snake river east of Grand Teton mountain range. It’s easy to find as located 16 miles north of Jacksons on Highway 26/89/191 and signposted with a wooden sign “Schwabacher’s landing road”. It’s a launch site for anglers and river rafters and it’s the prime photo opt spot in Grand Teton with picturesque views of the Teton Mountains and their reflections in the water. There is a four-mile hiking trail along the banks of the Snake River.

SNAKE RIVER OVERLOOK

If you continue on Highway 26/89/191 after Schwabacher’s landing next stop is the Snake River Overlook. Ansel Adams in 1942 took the iconic photo of the Teton Range and Snake River from roughly this vantage point and made this overlook famous.

JACKSON LAKE

This natural lake was enlarged by the construction of the Jackson Lake Dam, which was originally built in 1911, enlarged in 1916 and rebuilt by 1989.

For a panoramic view over the park, the Teton Range and Jackson lake drive up Signal Mountain Road to the summit (4.4 miles).

Stop at the Jackson Lake Lodge for a coffee and a breathtaking view of the Teton Mountain range from their lounge window.

JENNY LAKE SCENIC DRIVE & JENNY , STRING & LEIGH LAKES

From Jackson Lake take Teton Park Road south to Signal Mountain and Jenny Lake. Access the scenic drive from North Jenny Lake Junction, drive west towards the mountains, and turn left (south) onto the one-way scenic drive. The scenic road returns to the Teton Park Road just north of South Jenny Lake Junction. The scenic drive is 3 m/4.8 km long.

Jenny Lake is one of the most visited areas in Grand Teton National Park. From the east shore, you can see Teewinot Mountain, Mount St. John, and into Cascade Canyon. From the west shore, you can look back across the lake towards the valley of Jackson Hole.

Several popular trails leave from Jenny Lake such as Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, Cascade Canyon. Longer trails such as Lake Solitude or Hurricane Pass can also be accessed from Jenny Lake. Check out the NPS webpage for hiking ideas : https://www.nps.gov/tripideas/jennylake-hikes.htm

String lake is accessible from the scenic drive however Leigh Lake is only accessible by foot or boat. The easy trail from String to Leigh is 1.8 miles round trip. Both String and Leigh Lakes offers access to multiple trails. https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/stringleighplan.htm

TAGGART LAKE

After Jenny Lake junction, continue on Teton Park Road south to Taggart lake car park. The uphill trail is a 3 miles round trip. From the lake you get amazing views of the Teton Mountain range.

MENORS FERRY HISTORIC DISTRICT

This is the last stop on Teton Park before Moose Junction. The trail is 0.5-mile long, and gives an idea of homesteading and pioneer life in Jackson Hole. You can see Bill Menor’s cabin and country store, the Chapel of the Transfiguration and a replica of the ferry that crossed the Snake River at the turn of the century. The altar window of the Chapel frames the tallest Teton peaks.

LAURENCE S ROCKFELLER PRESERVE AND VISITOR CENTER & MOOSE WILSON ROAD

The Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center offers an opportunity to learn more about Mr. Rockefeller’s vision for the Preserve and his legacy of conservation stewardship. From the preserve you can walk to Phelps lake (7 miles loop). The car park is small so be prepared to wait for a spot. The Preserve is located at the end of Moose Wilson Road.

Moose Wilson road is 8 mile long and offers great opportunities of spotting wildlife.

ENTRANCE FEES

Grand Teton Seven day pass – $35 for private vehicle

Annual Pass valid to all NPS parks – $80.00 for the car and passengers. If during your trip you are planning to visit 2 or more NPS parks is probably worth buying the Annual pass. If you are not sure how many you are going to visit, keep the receipts as they will discount the price of the parks already visited from the $80.

ACCOMODATION

We stayed in Jackson at the Homewood Suites walking distance to the town centre. https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/jachwhw-homewood-suites-jackson/?SEO_id=GMB-HW-JACHWHW&y_source=1_MjA4MzM1MS03MTUtbG9jYXRpb24uZ29vZ2xlX3dlYnNpdGVfb3ZlcnJpZGU%3D

USEFUL WEBSITES

National Park Services: https://www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm

Wyoming travel board: https://travelwyoming.com/

FURTHER AFIELD:

YELLOWSTONE blog : Yellowstone Park in … 4 days

JACKSON blog : Jackson

CODY blog to follow

Enjoy Grand Teton 😊

Jackson

The town of Jackson is located in Jackson Hole valley and is considered the gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. The town is centered around the main street Broadway.

WHAT TO SEE

Jackson town square with its unique arches at each of its four corners. These arches were constructed from hundreds of elk antlers. During the summer months at 6pm (except Sundays), actors stage a Shootout performance in the square including bank robbers, showgirls, etc. The Square is surrounded by many lovely shops, art galleries and the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar famous for its western dancing and live music.

Jackson Hole Museum, (https://jacksonholehistory.org/hours/) houses almost 12,000 antiquities from Native American artifacts to objects and tools from the first settlers and traders.

National Elk Refuge is a wildlife refuge located just north of Jackson. It was created in 1912 to protect and provide critical habitat for a number of species, including elk, bison, pronghorn, swans, eagles. Refuge Road, accessible from East Broadway Avenue in Jackson, is open year-round (weather permitting). Along the road you can visit the “Historic Miller Ranch”. The Ranch has been an integral part of the evolving settlement history of the Jackson Hole Valley for over 100 years. During your visit you can tour the historic site and look for wildlife on the Refuge. There is no entrance fee to visit the National Elk Refuge or the Historic Miller Ranch.

ACCOMODATION We stayed at the Homewood Suites walking distance to the town centre. https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/jachwhw-homewood-suites-jackson/?SEO_id=GMB-HW-JACHWHW&y_source=1_MjA4MzM1MS03MTUtbG9jYXRpb24uZ29vZ2xlX3dlYnNpdGVfb3ZlcnJpZGU%3D

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT We had a very nice dinner of local food at “The Gun Barrel Steak and Game House” (https://jackson.gunbarrel.com/ ). For Live Music & food try “Million Dollar Cowboy bar“(https://www.milliondollarcowboybar.com/) or “Silver Dollar bar & grill” in the Wort Hotel (https://www.worthotel.com/silver-dollar-bar/ )

USEFUL WEBSITE

Wyoming travel board: https://travelwyoming.com/

FURTHER AFIELD :

GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK blog : Grand Teton National Park in … 2 days
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK blog: Yellowstone Park in … 4 days
CODY blog to follow

Enjoy Jackson 😊

Yellowstone Park in … 4 days

Post author By ourtravelvision
Post date January 11, 2021
No Comments on Yellowstone Park in … 4 days

Yellowstone is the world’s first national park (opened in 1872) and in my opinion probably the best 😍 due to its unique hydrothermal and geologic wonders.

The park, located in Wyoming, spans an area of 8,983 km² (23,468.4 sq mi) and includes lakes, canyons, rivers, and mountain ranges. The park sits on the Yellowstone Plateau, at an average elevation of 2,400m (8,000 feet) above sea level. Half of the world’s geysers and hydrothermal features are in Yellowstone.

Yellowstone is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978

The best time to visit is May/June & September/October when temperatures are milder, the park is less busy and fully open. Weather in Yellowstone is always unpredictable so be prepared for any weather conditions (from winter jackets to shorts). We visited at the end of May 2019 and it was very cold and even snowed on one day.

The park is very popular so expect to queue to enter. Try to arrive early to avoid long queues.

When planning your trip, keep in mind the park is very big (from South entrance to North entrance is around 147Km/90 miles), roads are small and travelling between places can be long due to traffic, roadworks, animals on the road etc. Also car parks are not very big and you might need to wait to get a space.

Yellowstone is accessible from five major entrances:

North (U.S. 89) from Gardiner open all year-round

North-East (U.S. 212) from Silver Gate open all year-round

West (U.S. 20) from West Yellowstone closed from Nov to mid April

South (U.S. 89) from Jackson closed from Nov to mid April

East (U.S.20) from Cody closed from Nov to mid April

At the entrance you will receive the visitor guide & map but if you prefer you can download it from the National park website and print it (A3 format).

Map https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/upload/YELL_Tear-Off_Map2016.pdf

SIGHTS TO SEE

WEST THUMB GEYSER BASIN

From the south entrance West Thumb geyser is the first stop. It’s located on Yellowstone lake’s shore and holds lakeshore geysers, hot springs and bubbling paint pots. Fishing Cone is a shore geyser submerged until the water level drops in the summer. So called because in the old days visitors used to catch trout from the lake and drop then into its boiling water to cook.

YELLOWSTONE LAKE

It is the largest high elevation lake in North America. The shoreline is 227km/141miles long and the surface area is 132 square miles. A portion of the lake sits within a large caldera that was formed by a volcano and filled by glaciers some 14,000 years ago. When we visited at the end of May the lake was still partially frozen.

OLD FAITHFUL & UPPER GEYSER BASIN

Old Faithful, located in Yellowstone’s Upper Geyser Basin, is one of nearly 500 geysers in Yellowstone and one of six predicted regularly. It erupts approx. every 90 minutes. Eruption’s times can be found at the Old Faithful Visitor Center and at the lodges. You can watch eruptions from the Old Faithful viewing area or along the boardwalks that weave around the geyser and through the Upper Geyser Basin. The Upper Geyser Basin is home to the largest numbers (around 150) of this fragile features found in the park. Only five major geysers (Castle, Grand, Daisy, Riverside, and Old Faithful) are predicted regularly. Below map is from https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/oldfaithfulaccessibility.htm#onthisPage-4

OLD FAITHFUL INN

The Old Faithful Inn, near Old Faithfull, was designed by Robert C. Reamer and built in 1903-1904 with local logs and stones. The Inn is considered the largest log structure in the world and one of the few remaining log hotels in the United States. The lobby of the hotel features a 20metres/65ft ceiling, a massive rhyolite fireplace, an hand-crafted clock made of copper, wood and wrought iron and railings made of contorted lodgepole pine. Old faithful anticipated eruption times are posted in the lobby. https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/lodgings/hotel/old-faithful-inn/

GRAND PRISMATIC SPRING & MIDWAY GEYSER BASIN

Yellowstone’s largest hot spring located 10 km north of Old Faithful can be accessed by taking the Midway Geyser Basin boardwalk. Grand Prismatic is probably the most photographed thermal feature in Yellowstone because of its bright colors and enormous size. In addition to Grand Prismatic Spring, you can see Excelsior Geyser, an enormous geyser crater, Turquoise Pool, and Opal Pool. Unfortunately when we visited it was very cold and the spring was covered by steam so not very visible. For the best view of the Grand Prismatic Spring drive to the Fairy Falls parking lot and take the 2.4Km/1.5mile hike to the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook.

Grand Prismatic Spring as it should look like

NORRIS GEYSER BASIN is one of the hottest and most acidic of Yellowstone’s hydrothermal areas. It is part of one of the world’s largest active volcanoes. There are two main loops: one through the Porcelain Basin and one through the Back Basin. The Porcelain Basin is the shorter of the two.

GRAND CANYON OF THE YELLOWSTONE is the first large canyon on the Yellowstone River downstream from Yellowstone Falls. The canyon is approximately 39km/24 miles long and includes the Upper Falls (33metres/109ft) and Lower Falls (94metres/308ft). The area is split in: South & North Rim Drive. The below map is from: https://www.nps.gov/features/yell/tours/canyon/map.htm

> SOUTH RIM DRIVE

Heading north on Grand Loop Road, take the right-hand turn to South Rim Drive. First stop is Uncle Tom’s Point. From the viewpoint near the car park you can see Upper Falls. You can also follow the trail down into the canyon to another viewing platform from which you can see and feel the power of the Lower Falls (note the trail is more than 300 steps and a decline of 150metre/500ft). Unfortunately when we visited (May 2019) the trail was closed due to snow. From the car park, you can also follow the Clear Lake trail to Clear Lake (3.6km/2.25 miles). From Uncle Tom’s car park continue on the south rim drive to Artist Point overlook on the edge of a cliff at the end of the Rim Road. From the car park to the viewing platform is less than 90metres/100 yards. The view is stunning.

> NORTH RIM DRIVE

From the Grand Loop go north and turn right on North Rim Drive. This 4km/2.5miles one-way road takes you to four accessible views of the canyon. First Stop is Brink of Lower Fall where you can glimpse Lower Falls and Upper Falls from paved accessible trails at the top or you can descend to the brink of the falls on a steep trail that drops 180metres/600 ft. The view is definitely worth the effort. Lookout point offers the first unblocked view of Lower Falls and it’s the start of The Red Rock Trail. From the car park head towards the lookout and you will see the trail jutting off to the right. It is not signed. The trail is about 1.6km/1mile round trip, includes many steps and drops 150metres/500 ft . Next stop is Grand View offering spectacular views of the canyon and the river. Inspiration Point is the last of the overlooks along the north rim . Before Inspiration point stop to see Glacier boulder.

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS is near the north entrance so quite far from all other attractions but definitely a must-see as so different from the other thermal areas in the Park. It was created over thousands of years as hot water from the spring cooled and deposited calcium carbonate. It has been described as looking like a cave turned inside out. Approximately 50 hot springs lie within the area. Mammoth Hot Springs is split in Upper and Lower Terrace. The boardwalks cover about 2.8km(1.75 miles) with 91metres(300ft) of elevation change. Along the way, you can see Canary Spring colored by yellow bacteria, Cleopatra & Minerva Terrace, Palette Spring water cascade, Devil’s Thumb dormant hot spring and Liberty Cap dormant hot spring (named in 1871 for its resemblance to the hat worn during the French Revolution). The walkways can be accessed from the Upper Terrace Drive car park or from the Lower Terrace car park by Liberty Cap (map below). Upper Terrace Drive is a 1.5-mile one-way loop that can be explored by car or on foot. The paved circuit passes interesting features like Orange Spring Mound a giant brain shaped blob with steaming water leaking down its side, White Elephant Back Terrace, and Angel Terrace. Below map is from https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/mammothaccessibility.htm

TOWER-ROOSEVELT JUNCTION 29km (18miles) east of Mammoth on Grand Loop road. Tower Fall is located 2.2 miles south of Tower-Roosevelt Junction and the viewpoint is roughly 90metres (100yards) from the car park. Down the road from Tower Fall is the Roosevelt Lodge opened in 1920, 17 years after President Theodore Roosevelt camped in the area.

HAYDEN VALLEY & LAMAR VALLEY For your best chance of spotting bears, wolves, bison, pronghorn, and many more species, head to Lamar and Hayden valleys, located in the northeastern corner of the park. Animals are most active at sunset and sunrise.

More photos of the park. There are so many beautiful areas around the park you could stop every 5 minutes.

STAYING SAFE

Stay at least 23metres/25 yards from most animals and 91metres/100 yards away from bears and wolves. Feeding wildlife is strictly prohibited. Be cautious and alert for bears. Make noise by talking or singing and if hiking in bear country always carry bear pepper spray. If you spot a bear do not approach it, do not run or make abrupt moves. Read more tips on bear safety on the following webpage: https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/bearsafety.htm

ENTRANCE FEES

Yellowstone Seven day pass – Private vehicle: $35

If you are entering Yellowstone’s from the South Entrance you will be traveling through Grand Teton National Park first where you need to purchase a separate/additional entrance fee(seven day Entrance Fee for Grand Teton – Private Vehicle – $35.00)

ACCOMODATION : “To stay in the Park or outside?”

We stayed just outside the park in West Yellowstone 2km(1.2 miles) to the west entrance because we enjoy being close to shops and restaurants and having a pool and hot tub to relax in the evening 😁. We stayed at the Holiday Inn walking distance to the village centre but there are many hotels in the town. https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/west-yellowstone/wysmt/hoteldetail?cm_mmc=GoogleMaps-_-HI-_-US-_-WYSMT

If you enjoy early morning or late evening wildlife watching and be close to nature, you should definitely stay inside the park. Check out the following websites:

Lodges https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/

Campsites : https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm

Another great town is Jackson 92Km (57miles) to the South entrance and perfect for visiting Grand Teton National Park as well. We stayed at the Homewood Suites walking distance to the town centre. https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/jachwhw-homewood-suites-jackson/?SEO_id=GMB-HW-JACHWHW&y_source=1_MjA4MzM1MS03MTUtbG9jYXRpb24uZ29vZ2xlX3dlYnNpdGVfb3ZlcnJpZGU%3D

USEFUL WEBSITES

National Park Services: https://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm

Wyoming travel board: https://travelwyoming.com/

FURTHER AFIELD :

GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK blog : Grand Teton National Park in … 2 days
JACKSON blog: Jackson
CODY blog to follow

Enjoy Yellowstone 😊