By the time we started looking for accommodation in Yellowstone, most mid-priced hotels and motels were already booked. We were going the week of July 4th so it was peak season. Luckily we found a cabin on Airbnb located 30 minutes from West Yellowstone entrance. It was a 3-bedroom 2-bathroom cabin with high ceilings and a large jacuzzi in the master bedroom, complete with a jar of lavender bath salts. The host, Ece, was friendly and quick to respond to questions. There wasn’t much around the cabin as we expected and enjoyed, so we came prepared with sandwiches and easy to make breakfast items.
A few minutes into the park there was a traffic jam. Based on my experience, a traffic jam in the park is usually caused by wildlife – either tourists stopping to snap photos or an animal walking across the road. From a distance we saw children running on the highway and a black speck following them. I got out to get a better look and it was a bison jogging on the highway heading in our direction. I jumped back into our van when I saw it swerving towards my side of the van. Note to new visitors – keep a good distance between you and any wildlife. Yellowstone is not a zoo!
After the exciting welcome, we headed to the famous (or infamous) Uncle Tom’s Trail, known for it’s steep 328 steps. It took us awhile to find it since my dad was driving based on his memory of the park from 15 years ago. When we saw that the trail was closed due to renovations, we were all disappointed but also relieved at the idea of not having to confront our declining cardio fitness.
Past Uncle Tom’s Trail is the Artist Point, an overlook of the canyon worth the visit. For a less crowded view of the canyon, hike the Artist Point trail along the rim of the canyon. It is a moderate trail with some inclines and fantastic views of the canyon. We hiked for about a mile to the lotus pond where the mosquitos finally convinced us to turn back and drive to the Roosevelt Lodge for lunch.
As far back as I can remember, Yellowstone is not particularly known for their food so I made an effort to seek out new places to try. The Roosevelt Lodge Dining Room is in a gorgeous rustic and cozy log house. We were seated quickly and service was friendly and fast. Of the dishes we ordered, the 1/2 rack of ribs were the best, served with a side of beans and apple cabbage slaw. Their special of the day was a huckleberry ice cream float served in an optional cowboy boot shaped souvenir cup. We had to say yes.
Next stop was Mammoth Springs, a striking feature of white and yellow limestone terraces you will never forget. The Mammoth boardwalk is an easy hike, though it can get crowded and very hot during the summer due to the lack of shade. On the way back to our Airbnb we stopped at Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone’s oldest and hottest thermal area, and briefly immersed ourselves in warm clouds of sulfur.
The Swinging Hammock 