We actually changed the itinerary for this day because we booked a cowboy cookout at Tower Roosevelt. Just due to directions and what not, we decided that it would be best to stay on the north side of the park this day. This was nice because it allowed us to have kind of a relaxed morning at our campsite and then head to Mammoth Hot Springs. The road to Mammoth was under construction but we were still early enough to miss most of the traffic. Mammoth itself was crowded, but we were able to find parking relatively close. We walked along a boardwalk to see different hot springs and what not. This one was evidently featured in an episode of Star Trek.
Although looking back, this was probably my least favorite day, maybe because we didn't really have a plan, I think this was my favorite place. I loved the scenery with the rolling hills.
And I loved the town of Mammoth. Unlike other places in the park, this one had the feel of an actual town with buildings and streets, and not just a "village" with a store, showers, etc. Apparently in the past someone planted blue grass and the elk LOVED blue grass. They were every where. Just hanging out.
Lots of old buildings. Mark is not pointing with his middle finger.
Mammoth is one of the only places that is open in the winter and I could see coming back. We left Mammoth after lunch and started driving to Tower Roosevelt. We pulled off at a trailhead for Wraith Falls on the way for a short hike.
Its really in these turn offs and pull offs that you can get off the beaten path and away from people and see the real Yellowstone. But then you have to worry about running into bears.
We still ended up getting to Tower Roosevelt super early for our Cowboy Cookout. We found another little hike behind the lodge so we did that too!
That's hidden falls. Its up there.
We had apparently reached the end of the trail.
The stream from the falls. We ran into the Pennas right after this and told them about this hike. They went to do it themselves, but apparently ran into a ranger who said there was a mama black bear and two cubs on the trail! On one had I am sorry I missed the bears, but on the other, I was glad not to run into a mama bear!
We had booked this Cowboy Cookout months ago. It was highly recommended that we did it and it was something we shouldn't miss! Unfortuately in some places in the park, including Tower Roosevelt, there was no cell signal.
My parents were driving up from Grand Tetons this day, and my sister and her family had stayed behind in Mammoth to stop at the doctor. We hadn't really talked to juliet all day, but luckily they were early like us. I honestly wasn't really sure who was going to show up. Just like in the old days before cell phones! Ha! This was my view as I was waiting for my mom.
But she made it just in time. Whew! We loaded our wagons and headed out.
They were super nice and let the kids sit up front on the wagon. It was about a 30 min ride and told stories on the way there and back about the park. We had a little time before dinner.
Dinner was ok. We ended up being the absolute last people to eat. That really put a damper on things, but the scenery was nice.
They told stories at the end as well around the campfire.
It was nice, but totally a tourist trap. I'm glad we did it, but not sure if I would do it again. But it got us to see that park of the park which I'm not sure we would have made it to otherwise.
We made it back to the parking lot and encountered what we called the RV army. Cruise America 4 Ever!
We had heard bad things about the road from Tower Roosevelt to Canyon, but it ended up fine. Except we encountered one of the famous bear jams. I don't want to hate, and I can understand being excited, but seriously people just stop. ON THE ROAD to take a picture and they stay there for a long time. But whatever.
Ended up getting back late, but had another great day!
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