Yellowstone National Park- Old Faithful




Old Faithful and Around


Old Faithful
I mentioned in the overview post that it doesn't matter which lodging you end up in on the Old Faithful Campus. They all have pros and cons but take whatever rooms you can get knowing you will have front row seats to the most stunning scenery in the world.

Things to do around Old Faithful:

1. Get up early.

Bison in the Old Faithful Geyser Basin, they are everywhere!
I highly recommend you get up and at 'em if you are visiting this area in the summer. The crowds get dense and really detract from the enjoyment. A main perk of staying at the Old Faithful Campus is you can hustle up in the morning and go see the most popular sites on your own terms with some peace and quiet. The two main things I recommend doing early are:

2. See Old Faithful and the surrounding boardwalks.

Old Faithful was named due to its predictability. There will be numerous signs advising when Old Faithful is expected to erupt next based on previous eruption. Take the opportunity to see it blow before the bus tours arrive. Then you can explore the extensive boardwalk system with many other really cool geysers and thermal features while the bus loads look at Old Faithful. Your company then will just be your family and the bison:)
Pronghorn










3. See Grand Prismatic Spring

Grand Prismatic is the largest and deepest hot spring in the park. And it is something to behold. It is part of the Midway Geyser Basin which is 5 miles north of Old Faithful. This place also gets crowded  so I recommend doing it first thing in the morning. Eat your breakfast in the car on the way.







4. Explore other geyser basins:

The key here is NOT to stress about seeing everything. You can't see everything. There is too much. Pick 1 or two main things to explore a day and that's it. Each geyser basin has amazing things to see. Whether you go to Norris or Biscuit or Lower, don't despair, you will have an amazing time. Especially with littles really be intentional in not overdoing it!!!! I hesitate to even make suggestions because you really can't go wrong. 





5. Hike!

After being in such close quarters with so many people looking at the geysers, it's nice to get off the boardwalks and go into the woods! Get a guidebook or talk to a ranger and pick anything and go!!

Here are a couple suggestions:

Mystic Falls: This is a 4 mile loop to a great waterfall. It has something for everyone. You walk through a forest, up a hill, along a mountain and finally you get to see a fantastic waterfall. My three year old was able to hike the majority of it herself. I highly recommend.
Mystic Falls hike


Lone Star Geyser: I've both hiked and skied this trail. It is a 4.6 mile out and back that is easy with variable rewards. The walk itself is lovely- wide trail, flat, in the woods next to the Upper Firehole River. Very enjoyable. The draw, however, is the possible opportunity to see Lone Star Geyser erupt. This geyser erupts quite high - 30-50 feet- but only once every 2-3 hours so if it's good to bring snacks and activities if you want to camp out and wait. If the weather is right and your crew would be good with chilling for a while OR if you are perfectly willing to have a nice walk but maybe not see the eruption, this is a great hike.




6. Go to the Visitor's Center. Most National Park visitor's centers are gems and the one at Old Faithful is no exception. You can and should spend quite a bit of time exploring the exhibits. And don't forget to stamp your little one's national park passport!!


5. Count bison poop. I'm very serious. If you have small children, this will keep them occupied for at least 20 minutes a few times a day:) If you ask my now 6 year old what she remembers most about Yellowstone she will stay the geysers and the poop.








6. Visit Lake Yellowstone. 

Lake Yellowstone
I would not call this a must-do, but if you are ready for a change of scenery it's a short drive to Yellowstone Lake. It's a beautiful lake and the Lake Yellowstone Lodge is a great place for happy hour and dinner (need reservations). There is a lovely sitting room with a piano and games, good place for quality family time for the right aged kids;)








7. Explore the Old Faithful lodge and have dinner at the Old Faithful Lodge dining room. The lodge is beautiful and dinner is a great way to enjoy it. No need to stay at the Old Faithful lodge - just have dinner there! (reservations required) I'd recommend dinner over breakfast given my to-do number 1. You don't want to waste time eating in the morning when you could be out doing!!


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