Yellowstone

Day 19 & Day 20 - Bozeman Hot Springs

Campground: Bozeman Campground

Bozeman, MT

This is a great stop to stock up on groceries before heading into Yellowstone for eight days. The campground had a nice laundry room, a big dog park, and really friendly staff. We booked two nights here just in case we needed to make any repairs, but thankfully everything was working fine. One of the best perks of staying here is the access to the hot springs it’s included with your stay.

If you’re planning to fish in Yellowstone, the Yellow Dog Fly Shop is just down the road and worth a stop. And before you head out, I’d recommend topping off your propane at Murdoch’s 

Bozeman Hot Springs

Yellow Dog Fly Shop 

Murdoch 

Day 21 - Hayden Valley

Campground:  Canyon Campground

Enter Yellowstone through Livingston and take Route 89 to the north entrance. On the way stop at the Emigrant Rest Area and top off with gas just outside of Gardiner. After setting up camp, grab a few maps at the Canyon Village Visitor Center before heading into Hayden Valley in search of wildlife mainly bison and bears. Finding animals isn’t usually hard; a traffic jam is often the first clue. Wrap up the day with a walk along the Mud Volcano Trail.

• Wildlife drive in Hayden Valley

• Mud Volcano Trail

Mud Volcano Trail 

Day 22 - Grand Canyon & West Thumb Basin

Campground:  Canyon Campground

You can see Yellowstone's Grand Canyon by driving the North and South rim drives. Wake up early to photograph the Lower Falls of Yellowstone from Artist Point at sunrise. Complete the South Rim drive with hikes to viewpoints overlooking the Upper Falls. From there, continue to the North Rim, take all the hikes, with Red Rock being our favorite. Parking is challenging at times, and several trails involved a significant number of steps.

In the afternoon, drive to West Thumb Basin, an area of colorful hot springs, geysers, and mudpots along the shores of Yellowstone Lake. Along the way, stop to hike to the Natural Bridge. This route takes you through Hayden Valley once again, giving additional opportunities to see Yellowstone’s wildlife.

• South Rim Drive

• North Rim Drive

• Nature Bridge Hike

• West Thumb Geyser Basin

West Thumb Geyser Basin 

Natural Bridge Hike 

Yellowstone Grand Canyon 

Day 23 – Yellowstone Fishing 

Campground:  Canyon Campground

Fishing trip with Yellowstone Outfitters. Ask for Buddy the guide . We met him at Mammoth Hot Springs.

Spend the day fishing the Gardner River. Buddy was not only a guide but also a great fly-fishing instructor. 

Yellowstone Outfitters 

Day 24 – Lamar Valley & Mt. Washburn

Campground:  Canyon Campground

Up early again for the Lamar Valley safari drive. We saw grizzly, bison, pronghorn, eagle with eaglets, and a black bear—great morning for wildlife. 

In the afternoon, hike Mount Washburn. The hike takes about 3 hours total. At the top, there’s a fire lookout station with incredible 360-degree views of Yellowstone—well worth the climb.

• Lamar Valley

• Hike Mount Washburn

Day 25 – Travel to Madison Campground

Campground: Madison Campground

Travel day to Madison Campground. Take the road between Yellowstone’s loops.

Along the way stop for lunch at an any pull for, many overlooking a meadow and stream. Madison Campground has no hookups

Visit Old Faithful, arrive and check the visitor center eruption times.

• Madison Campground

• Old Faithful

Day 26 – Chore Day in West Yellowstone

Campground: Madison Campground

Chore day in West Yellowstone. Laundry, gas, lunch, and a grocery store run were all on the agenda.

Stop for two short hikes at Two Ribbons Trail and Harlequin Lake, which helps break up the errands. 

• Two Ribbons Trail

• Harlequin Lake

• West Yellowstone

Day 27 – Old Faithful & Battery Rescue

Campground: Madison Campground

Head to the Old Faithful area around 8:00 am.  Park at the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center and set out on the bike trail. First stop is Castle Geyser before continuing toward the Black Sand Basin area. Backtrack to the trail leading toward Gem Pool. Along the way, you pass Morning Glory Pool, Gem Pool, and Riverside Geyser. Returning to the boardwalk, finish the walk and wait for Old Faithful erupt from Geyser Hill. Getting an Old Faith trail Guide map is extremely helpful. the maps are at the visitor center.

• Old Faithful Visitor Education Center

• Bike trail

• Boardwalk Trail

• Observation Point Trail

Yellowstone Maps 

Day 28 – Move to Hookups

Campground: KOA West Yellowstone (full hook-ups for battery charge)

Head out early for Mammoth Hot Springs and explore all of the terraces. Afterward, have lunch at the grill in Mammoth (they have WiFi). Then drive to Norris Geyser Basin and walk the loops and trails. 

• Mammoth Hot Springs

• Norris Geyser Basin 

KOA - West Yellowstone 

Day 29 – Smooth Sailing Again

Campground: KOA West Yellowstone
West Yellowstone, MT

First stop was Firehole Canyon Drive. Next, head to Grand Prismatic Spring, it can be  too foggy to fully enjoy, we returned later in the afternoon. From there, drive to Artist Paint Pots, stop at overlooks along Norris Canyon Road, and hike the Monument Trail. Stop for lunch along the Firehole River, then finished the day visiting the Fountain Paint Pot area and return to Grand Prismatic Spring once the fog had cleared.

•  Firehole Canyon Drive

• Artist Paint Pots

• Norris Canyon Road

• Monument Trail

• Fountain Paint Pot

• Grand Prismatic Spring

Day 30 – Travel to Grand Teton National Park

Campground: Colter Bay Campground

Drive back into Yellowstone, taking the route through Norris, Canyon, and Grant Village on your way to Grand Teton National Park.

Pull the camper over the Continental Divide it's not something you do every day, which made the drive even more memorable.

After arriving at Colter Bay Campground,  set up camp and make plans for the next day. With any luck, maybe you will spot a moose.

• Continental Divide

• Colter Bay Campground