Exploring Yellowstone
Exploring Yellowstone Through My Lens: A Journey into Wild Beauty
There are few places in the world as raw, untamed, and awe-inspiring as Yellowstone National Park. During my recent trip, I had the chance to witness steaming geysers, thundering waterfalls, vast valleys, and wildlife that seemed to step right out of a nature documentary. With my camera in hand, I set out to capture not just the sights, but the spirit of this incredible place.
In this blog, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite photos from the journey—along with tips, must-see spots, and a few things I wish I’d known before visiting. Whether you're planning your first trip to Yellowstone or just love exploring through photography, I hope this post inspires you to discover (or rediscover) the magic of America’s first national park.
Grand Prismatic
Grand Prismatic Board Walk
Our Yellowstone adventure began in the quiet stillness of early morning, arriving at Grand Prismatic Spring just before sunrise. The air was crisp, and a low mist curled over the steaming basin like something out of a dream. As we stepped onto the boardwalk, we realized—we were completely alone. No crowds, no noise, just the bubbling earth and the promise of dawn. We walked slowly, savoring the shifting colors and the surreal atmosphere as the first light crept over the horizon. Watching the sun rise over one of the most iconic geothermal features in the world felt almost sacred, a moment that made the entire trip worth it.
Sunrise at Grand Prismatic
Afterwards, we made our way to the Fairy Falls Trailhead for a different perspective—the famous overlook where you can see Grand Prismatic in all its rainbow glory from above. But Yellowstone had one more surprise for us. As we approached the river crossing at the start of the trail, we and a small group of hikers came to a full stop. A massive herd of bison had claimed the path, ambling slowly across as if they owned the place—which, in many ways, they do. For twenty unforgettable minutes, we watched in awe (and from a respectful distance) as these incredible animals moved through, their presence grounding and wild all at once. Only in Yellowstone can a simple hike turn into a front-row seat to nature’s power.
View from Fairy Falls Trail
Old Faithful
Old Faithful First Eruption
We arrived at Old Faithful just before 11 a.m. on a weekday and were pleasantly surprised to find easy parking for our large vehicle—a rare win in the park! As luck would have it, the geyser erupted right as we walked up.
One of Yellowstone’s most famous features, Old Faithful erupts approximately every 90 minutes, give or take 10 minutes, shooting water up to 180 feet in the air. Although our first view was mostly obscured by thick steam from our angle, it was still an incredible experience to witness this iconic display.
Afterward, we had lunch inside the historic Old Faithful Inn, the largest log structure in the United States. Dining options in the park can be hit or miss, but this classic diner-style meal was easily the best we had during our visit. Before we left, Old Faithful erupted again—this time with clearer skies and better lighting, allowing me to capture a few more photos. The nearby visitor center and ranger station are also worth a stop, especially for families. Our friends’ child completed their Junior Ranger badge here, making it a memorable experience for them, too. As the crowds began to swell—typical by midday—we headed out toward the peaceful shores of Lake Yellowstone. (Tip: for lighter crowds and better lighting, try visiting Old Faithful in the early morning or later in the evening.)
West Thumb Basin
We reached West Thumb Geyser Basin around lunchtime, and while the views were stunning, we quickly discovered there were no food options nearby—luckily, we had packed plenty of road snacks to get us through the afternoon.
West Thumb, nestled along the edge of Yellowstone Lake, offers one of the most unique geothermal experiences in the park. What makes it so special is that many of its geysers and hot springs actually sit right at the lake’s edge—or even beneath its surface. The vibrant colors of Abyss Pool and the eerie beauty of Fishing Cone, a hot spring once (dangerously) used by anglers to cook their catch right on the line, made this stop one of the most visually striking.
It’s a relatively quiet spot compared to other areas of the park, and the boardwalk loop provides an easy, scenic stroll with breathtaking lake views and surreal geothermal features all in one.
Yellowstone Lake
After exploring the bubbling pools of West Thumb, we took a peaceful walk along the boardwalk that hugs the edge of Yellowstone Lake. A cool breeze drifted off the water, and the ever-changing shades of blue and green made every view feel like a painting. The sheer size of the lake is breathtaking—Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-elevation lake in North America, sitting at over 7,700 feet above sea level and covering more than 130 square miles. Its waters are incredibly clear and cold year-round, fed by snowmelt and geothermal springs beneath the surface. Walking beside it, with geysers steaming in the distance and birds calling overhead, was one of the most serene and memorable parts of our trip.
