A Missoula Local Finally Visits Yellowstone And Is Blown Away

Dear Yellowstone National Park, frequent travelers and outdoor enthusiasts,

I am 29 years old and have somehow never visited Yellowstone National Park. My parents never took me as a young Wisconsin lad (too far of a drive for us). I have been in Missoula for 3 years now, and for some reason, haven't been to Yellowstone.

Last weekend, I finally made it to Yellowstone.

We hiked the Upper Guyser Basin and saw Old Faithful, like a couple of tourists, and it was cooler than I thought it would be.

We saw the thermal waters and didn't throw anything in.

By the way, if you throw your change in the thermal waters like it's a wishing fountain, you deserve a lifetime in jail.

Thermal waters losing their vibrantness due to humans throwing quarters and nickels in absolutely, positively drives me up the wall.

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Anyway...

We drove through Hayden Valley and saw plenty of bison.

Speaking of bison, we saw a big ole' boy hanging out at our campsite located near Yellowstone Lake.

Joined by his friend Elliot, the Elk.

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Yellowstone National Park Review

Breathtaking views.

A variety of landscapes.

Awesome wildlife.

Yellowstone National Park was BETTER than anticipated.

I've been told to go to Glacier National Park so many times that it felt like Yellowstone took a backseat, but it was wonderful.

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It was very busy, however. It felt wildly touristy compared to Glacier.

But overall, I absolutely loved it & want to go back.