Yellowstone

Exploring Yellowstone: Geysers, Hot Springs, and Huckleberry Milkshakes

In July, our family set out for an unforgettable adventure to Yellowstone National Park. After we landed in the beautiful Jackson Hole airport (my all time favorite airport) we rented a car from Hertz Rental Car. We stayed at the Yellowstone Lodge in West Yellowstone, a convenient base for exploring the park’s iconic sights. On the way, we drove through Idaho and made a much-needed pit stop for a huckleberry milkshake — delicious and perfectly refreshing! I also picked up a new SCALA hat to protect me from the sun on all our adventures. Once we checked into the hotel, we stopped at the local grocery store to grab essentials for breakfast. (Pro tip: the selection was limited, so you might want to stock up in a larger town before arriving.)

Our first full day started bright and early — up at 5:30 a.m., out the door by 6:30. We drove about 1 hour and 15 minutes to Old Faithful, aiming to beat the crowds. Yellowstone can get busy, especially around this iconic geyser, but arriving early made it much more enjoyable. We were amazed at how accurate their eruption estimates were! Watching Old Faithful erupt is truly incredible — the power and scale of nature on display is something you have to see in person. Surrounding the geyser is a boardwalk path where you can explore other geothermal features, making it a full morning of awe-inspiring sights

From there, we explored more of Yellowstone’s geothermal wonders, including Biscuit Basin, Grand Prismatic Spring, and Fountain Paint Pots. Driving through the park felt like entering another world — vibrant colors, steaming pools, and surreal sulfur-scented landscapes at every turn. I’ve never seen anything like it!

After a full day of exploration, we headed back to West Yellowstone for dinner and a little local shopping. We discovered an incredible crystal shop and a few charming boutiques — the perfect way to unwind after a day of adventure.

Yellowstone is one of those places that feels almost magical. From erupting geysers to colorful hot springs, it’s a landscape that stays with you long after you leave — and definitely one of our most memorable family trips.

Day 2: Hot Springs, Mineral Pools, and Mountain Views

We woke up early again on Day 2, ready for another full day of Yellowstone adventure. This time, we headed north toward Gardiner, Montana, eager to explore a few gems outside the park itself. To make the most of our drive, we had downloaded the Shaka Guide app, and it was incredible — the app provided fascinating stories, tips, and history as we navigated the stunning roads.

After a quick lunch in Gardiner, we made our way to Yellowstone Hot Springs, a hidden treasure just minutes from the park’s north entrance. Nestled along the Yellowstone River and framed by majestic mountains, this resort has three mineral-rich pools — hot (103–105ºF), warm (98–100ºF), and cold (60–65ºF) — perfect for alternating dips that refresh and rejuvenate. The setting is serene and peaceful, and we spent a blissful hour soaking in the pools, letting the warm mineral water ease our muscles after the previous day’s adventures.

Refreshed and energized, we headed back into Yellowstone National Park to explore Mammoth Hot Springs. This area is like stepping onto another planet — terraces of calcium carbonate build up into intricate formations, steaming and shimmering in the sunlight. We wandered along boardwalks, exploring multiple sections and discovering the unique textures, colors, and bubbling pools. Each viewpoint felt like a mini adventure, and the beauty of the hot springs against the surrounding forested hills made for a truly unforgettable experience.

After an adventurous day of soaking, sightseeing, and wandering, we returned to West Yellowstone to wrap up our stay. Between the relaxation of the hot springs and the surreal landscapes of Yellowstone, it was the perfect mix of adventure and rejuvenation, leaving us ready for the next leg of our family road trip.

Highlights from Our Visit to Yellowstone’s Hot Springs

• Mammoth Hot Springs: A surreal landscape of steaming terraces, constantly changing as the mineral-rich water flows over the limestone.

• Safety First: Stay on the boardwalks — the ground around thermal features can be thin and unstable.

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and softer light for photography.

• What to Bring: Water, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and a camera (the colors are unreal!).

• Don’t Miss: The Upper and Lower Terrace boardwalks — both offer incredible views and photo ops.

• Wildlife Watching: Elk often wander through the Mammoth area, especially in the early morning hours.

• Nearby Stops: The historic Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Fort Yellowstone offer great history and rest spots.

• Tip for Families: Plan shorter walks between geothermal stops — the steam and smell can be intense for kids.

• Fun Fact: The terraces grow and change daily due to shifting underground activity — no two visits are ever the same!

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