Yellowstone Upper Loop

Day 2 we explored the Northern section of Yellowstone.  It feels like a completely different place!  We started at the Mammoth Hot Springs.  We drove the lower loop and then got out and walked the upper loop.

An elk was enjoying the Mammoth Hot Springs, and we ran into a cute chipmunk.

We stopped at Undine Falls, a 3-tiered waterfall before having lunch at Lava Creek Picnic area.

The best part of the picnic area is the village of prairie dogs right next to the picnic bench.  It was the most entertaining lunch we've had in a long time.

After lunch we did a mile hike to Wraith Falls.  This section of the park is completely different with its forest and sagebrush meadows.  It was a lovely trail to hike.

The sun was so bright you can barely tell that's a waterfall.  Afterward we drove out to Lamar Valley.  It's known for its wildlife viewing.  We saw more bison, and we also had a deer run out in front of our car.  The real gem was seeing a Momma black bear with her cub.  

Part of the loop is actually closed for construction, so we had to backtrack to get out of the park.  We stopped at the Petrified Tree on the way back, and then drove awhile until we got to the Norris Geyser Basin. 

The Norris Geyser Basin was our last stop, but it was definitely one of the most memorable.  It is one of the hottest and most acidic areas in Yellowstone.  It splits into two different trails, and a park ranger encouraged to see part of both, so that we didn't miss out on the Steamboat Geyser.  

It is the largest geyser, and the last time it erupted was on BB's birthday.  It lasted for 26 hours!  You can see the utter destruction it caused all around it.  There's even a warning in the parking lot that when it goes off it can damage the paint and glass on your car. 

We also walked along the Northern loop.  It looks like something out of Star Trek.

We loved our time in Yellowstone!